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 basic 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 process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a five-year license or $57.25 for a ten-year license. You will receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. This applies if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you have had a medical suspension, if you changed your address, or if you want to update your photo. In-person renewal at a DMV office typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses expired less than one year ago and have no medical or address changes.
  • Online renewal costs $28.25 for five years or $57.25 for ten years and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail.
  • You must visit a DMV office in person if your license expired more than one year ago, you have a medical suspension, or you changed your address.
  • Bring your current or expired license, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.

Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website

Start at the Colorado Department of Revenue website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will need your current or expired Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, choose your license term (five or ten years), and pay the renewal fee.

After you submit your payment, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You do not need to take a new photo for online renewal — Colorado uses your existing photo from your last license. If you want to update your photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.

Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. You can search by county or city. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. Check the office's hours and whether it takes appointments before you go.

Bring your current or expired Colorado driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee at the office and receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your new plastic license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your Colorado license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online renewal process. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

The renewal process itself is the same as for a current license — the DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. The cost is the same as well: $28.25 for five years or $57.25 for ten years. The only difference is that you cannot renew by mail or online, no matter how recently your license expired.

Medical suspensions and address changes

If you have a medical suspension on your Colorado driver's license, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will review your medical status and may require documentation from your doctor before clearing the suspension. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and any medical records the DMV requests.

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DMV office so the DMV can update your address on file. Bring proof of your new Colorado address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days. The DMV will update your address, take a new photo, and issue your renewed license with the new address printed on it.

License types and renewal costs in Colorado

Colorado offers standard driver's licenses, enhanced driver's licenses (EDL), and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A standard license costs $28.25 for five years or $57.25 for ten years. An enhanced license costs $32.25 for five years or $61.25 for ten years and allows you to enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport. A REAL ID license costs the same as a standard license but meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access.

When you renew, you can choose to upgrade to an enhanced or REAL ID license if you wish. If you are renewing in person, tell the DMV staff which type you want. If you are renewing online, you will select the license type during the online process. You will need to provide additional documents if you are upgrading to an enhanced license — typically a birth certificate and proof of citizenship.

Temporary licenses and what to do while you wait

If you renew in person at a DMV office, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your renewal is processed. This temporary license is valid for driving in Colorado while you wait for your plastic license to arrive by mail. Write the expiration date on the temporary license — it is usually valid for 30 days or until your new plastic license arrives, whichever comes first.

If you renew online, you do not receive a temporary license. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives by mail. If your current license is already expired, contact the DMV before renewing online to ask whether you can drive legally during the waiting period. In most cases, you can, but it is best to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver's license by mail?

No. Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the DMV website, or you can renew in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not expired by more than one year and have no medical suspensions or address changes.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license online. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of your identity and Colorado residency. The DMV will issue you a replacement license with a new number. The cost is the same as a standard renewal.

Do I need a REAL ID license to fly within the United States?

Yes, starting May 7, 2025, a standard Colorado driver's license will not be accepted for domestic air travel. You will need either a REAL ID license, an enhanced license, or another federal ID such as a passport. You can upgrade to a REAL ID license when you renew, or you can renew your standard license and upgrade later at any DMV office.

How long does it take to get my renewed license by mail?

The DMV typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of processing your renewal. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status.

Can I change my photo during an online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your last license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. In-person renewal includes a new photo at no extra cost.