Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and when it expires
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Which method you can use depends on whether your license is standard or REAL ID, how long it's been since you renewed, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online in about 10 minutes; the process takes longer if you're upgrading to REAL ID or renewing in person.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail 60 days before your license expires. You don't have to wait for it — you can renew up to one year early. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but not online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only for standard licenses that haven't expired, take about 10 minutes, and cost $28.25 for an eight-year license.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works for both standard and REAL ID licenses, expired or not, and costs the same as online.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you need a new photo, are upgrading to REAL ID, or want to change your name or address on the same day.
- REAL ID licenses require proof of citizenship, Social Security number, and current address — documents you must bring in person or mail with your process.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait for the renewal notice.
Online renewal: fastest option for standard licenses
Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the quickest path if you hold a standard driver's license that hasn't expired. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for an eight-year license.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you hold a REAL ID license, or if you need a new photo. If any of those explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.
After you complete online renewal, your new license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can drive legally during that time.
Mail renewal: works for expired licenses and REAL ID upgrades
Mail renewal is the option to use if your license has expired, if you're renewing a REAL ID license, or if you prefer not to go to an office. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail 60 days before expiration; use that notice as your process form. If you don't have the notice, you can read the process from the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call 303-205-5600 to request one.
For a standard license renewal by mail, you need only your renewal notice and payment. For REAL ID renewal or upgrade, you must also mail in documents proving citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), your Social Security number, and your current address. The Department of Revenue website lists all acceptable documents.
Mail your process and documents to the address on your renewal notice. Processing takes two to three weeks. Your new license arrives by mail after approval. The cost is $28.25 for an eight-year standard license or $33.25 for an eight-year REAL ID license.
In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office
Visit a local Department of Revenue office if you need a new photo, are upgrading to REAL ID, want to change your name or address, or prefer to complete renewal face-to-face. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If you're upgrading to REAL ID, also bring proof of citizenship and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busier on weekday mornings and Saturdays. You can check current wait times on the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you go. Appointments are not available, but you can walk in during business hours.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive with it when ready. The cost is the same as mail or online renewal: $28.25 for a standard eight-year license or $33.25 for REAL ID.
REAL ID upgrade: what you need and why it matters
A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Colorado driver's license will no longer work for those purposes after that date.
To upgrade to REAL ID, you must prove citizenship with an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate. You also need to show your Social Security number (bring your card or a document that displays it) and proof of your current Colorado address. You can upgrade by mail or in person; online renewal does not offer REAL ID.
An eight-year REAL ID license costs $33.25, compared to $28.25 for a standard license. If you're already renewing, upgrading costs only $5 more.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your Colorado driver's license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license in person. If it expired within the past year, you can renew by mail or in person, but not online.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you've submitted a renewal process. Carry your renewal notice or a copy of your online process confirmation as proof that you've begun the process, but understand that police may still cite you. Once your new license arrives, the citation risk ends.
Costs and timeline for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Cost (8-Year License) | Processing Time | When You Can Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $28.25 (standard only) | 7–10 business days | Standard license, not expired |
| $28.25 standard / $33.25 REAL ID | 2–3 weeks | Any license, expired or not | |
| In Person | $28.25 standard / $33.25 REAL ID | Same day (printed on spot) | Any license, any situation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I've moved out of state?
No. Your Colorado license is tied to Colorado residency. If you've moved permanently, you must get a driver's license from your new state. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Colorado resident, you can renew by mail or online (if may be able to access) without being present.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot change your name by mail or online.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not unless you choose to. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo or your current one is more than eight years old, renew in person at a DMV office.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
read the process from the Colorado Department of Revenue website, or call 303-205-5600 and ask them to mail you another copy. You don't need the original notice to renew — it's just a convenience.
Can I renew early, and does it extend my expiration date?
Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date, so renewing early does extend how long your license lasts.