What You Need to Do to Renew in Colorado
Colorado allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals can be completed without a visit to an office, but some situations require you to appear in person.
Your Colorado driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a local office and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have no address changes.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a local office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address.
- The renewal fee is $28.75 for a five-year license, payable by credit card online, check or money order by mail, or cash or card in person.
- You will need your current Colorado driver's license number and Social Security number to start any renewal method.
Online Renewal Through the Colorado DMV Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and you have no changes to report. Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dor.colorado.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
The system will display your current information and ask you to confirm or update it. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online renewals. After you pay the $28.75 fee, you will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal: Step-by-Step Process
Mail renewal works if your license is current and you have no changes to your address, name, or other personal information. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for a Colorado Driver's License), which you can read from the Colorado DMV website or request by phone at 303-205-5613.
Gather these documents before you mail your process:
- Your current Colorado driver's license
- Completed Form DL-44, signed and dated
- Payment of $28.75 by check or money order (do not send cash)
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of your new license
Mail your packet to: Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver's License Section, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. Your new license will be returned to you in the envelope you provided. Keep your confirmation receipt until you receive your new license.
In-Person Renewal at a Local Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. Visit any Colorado Department of Revenue office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours at dor.colorado.gov.
Bring your current Colorado driver's license, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring payment of $28.75 in cash or by card.
At the office, you will have your photo taken and your vision will be screened. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes seven to ten business days.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your Colorado driver's license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a local office and complete a full process as if you were getting your license for the first time. This means you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the vision screening.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your identity (a passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID). You will also need to provide proof of Colorado residency if you have lived in the state for less than one year. Bring payment of $28.75. The office will schedule you for the written test, which you can usually take the same day or within a few days.
Address Changes and Other Updates
If you are moving within Colorado and your license is still valid, you can update your address online through the Colorado DMV website without renewing your license. Go to dor.colorado.gov, select "Change of Address," and follow the prompts. This is free and takes a few minutes.
If you are changing your name, you must renew your license in person. Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail. If you need a new photo for any reason other than expiration, you must visit an office in person.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The standard renewal fee for a five-year Colorado driver's license is $28.75. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Colorado does not charge additional fees for address changes or other updates made during renewal.
Payment methods depend on which renewal method you choose. Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash and all major credit and debit cards. If you pay by check or money order and your process is rejected, the office will return your payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you still live in Colorado but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should get a license from your new state instead of renewing your Colorado license. Contact your new state's DMV for their requirements.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license number. You must go to a local office in person. Bring your Social Security card, proof of your address, and proof of your identity. The office will look up your license number and process your renewal. There is no additional fee for a lost license renewal.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?
Online and mail renewals take seven to ten business days after the office processes your process. Mail processing itself takes two to three weeks, so total time is three to four weeks. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, unless your current photo is more than eight years old, your license is expired, or you request a new photo. If you renew online or by mail, your existing photo will be used. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo automatically.
What if my renewal process is rejected?
The office will contact you by phone or mail to explain why your process was rejected and what documents you need to provide. Common reasons include missing information, an incorrect Social Security number, or an address that does not match state records. You can correct the issue and resubmit, or visit an office in person to resolve it.