The fastest way to renew in Colorado
You can renew your Colorado driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if you meet a few conditions: your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If you fit those requirements, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year license.
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a driver's license office in person. Colorado has offices in most counties, and the in-person process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay $28.75 for a five-year license or $14.50 for a two-year license if you are over 65.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is available if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical holds or address changes.
- In-person renewal at any Colorado driver's license office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- A five-year license costs $28.75; drivers over 65 can choose a two-year license for $14.50.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive legally on your current license until it arrives.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Colorado driver's license or ID card. If you do not have it, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport.
You will also need proof of your current Colorado address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A government check or tax return from the current year also counts.
Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the easiest option, but you can also bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form that shows your full number.
When you must renew in person instead of online
You cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than one year ago. In that case, you must go to a driver's license office and may be asked to pass a vision test before your renewal is processed.
You also must renew in person if you have had a medical suspension, if your address has changed since your last renewal, or if you want to change your name or gender marker on your license. If you are renewing after a suspension, bring documentation from your doctor or the medical professional who cleared you to drive again.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances. CDL renewals always require an in-person visit and a written test.
How to find a driver's license office near you
The Colorado Department of Revenue website has a location finder where you can search by county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended evening hours on certain days.
You do not need an appointment at most Colorado offices, but some locations now offer optional appointment scheduling through the website. Making an appointment can reduce your wait time, especially in busy urban areas like Denver and Colorado Springs.
If you cannot reach an office during regular hours, some county clerk offices can also process license renewals. Call ahead to confirm that your local clerk's office handles renewals before you visit.
Renewing online step by step
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal. You will need your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
Review your personal information on the screen and update your address if needed. If you need to change anything beyond your address, you cannot complete the online renewal and must visit an office in person instead.
Choose your license type and length. Most people renew for five years at $28.75. If you are 65 or older, you can choose a two-year renewal for $14.50.
Pay with a credit or debit card. The system will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical conditions. Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can renew your license through the normal process.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Department of Revenue or check your status on their website before you attempt to renew.
Renewing after your license has expired for more than a year
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online renewal. You must visit a driver's license office in person and bring all the same documents: your expired license (or another photo ID), proof of address, and proof of your Social Security number.
You will likely be asked to take a vision test. The office will check your eyesight to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
The renewal process itself works the same way as a regular in-person renewal, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally while you wait for it to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
It depends on the ticket. If you have an unpaid fine or a failure-to-appear warrant, your license may be suspended and you cannot renew until it is resolved. Contact the court or the Colorado Department of Revenue to check your status before you try to renew.
What if I moved out of Colorado but still have a Colorado license?
You cannot renew a Colorado license if you no longer live in the state. You will need to get a license from your new state of residence. Contact your new state's driver's license agency to find out what documents you need.
How long does in-person renewal usually take at the office?
Most in-person renewals take 15 to 30 minutes from the time you arrive. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices tend to be busier in the morning and on Fridays, so visiting on a weekday afternoon may mean a shorter wait.
Can I renew my license if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need to visit a driver's license office in person. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other government-issued identification that shows you are authorized to work in the United States. Call the office ahead of time to confirm what documents they will accept.
What if my new license arrives with a mistake on it?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue right away with your confirmation number and a description of the error. They can issue a corrected license. If the error is their mistake, there is usually no additional fee.