Renewing Your Colorado License in Person or by Mail

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Department of Revenue office if you prefer. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment — you fill out the form, pay the fee, and mail everything in. The in-person route takes longer because you need an appointment, but it's your only option if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you've had a name change, or if you need to update your address or medical information on the same visit.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Colorado sends a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but 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 it by mail or in person, but an expired license cannot be used as ID for other purposes while you're waiting for the new one to arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs $32 for a standard eight-year license; you need form CDTL-43, a check or money order, and a copy of your current license.
  • In-person renewal requires an appointment at a Department of Revenue office and takes one to two hours, but you walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days.
  • You cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than five years ago, if you've changed your name, or if you need to update your address or medical information.
  • Colorado charges $32 for a standard eight-year renewal; a REAL ID-compliant license costs $42 and requires proof of citizenship and current address.
  • If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.

Renewing by Mail: What You Need and How Long It Takes

To renew by mail, read or request form CDTL-43 from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and signature. Mail the form along with a check or money order for $32 (for a standard license) or $42 (for a REAL ID) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license — a photocopy is fine.

Mail renewal typically takes 10 to 14 business days from the time the Department receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. During this time, your old license remains valid, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving. If you need your new license faster, in-person renewal is your only option.

Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you've had a legal name change since your last renewal, or if you need to update your address or medical information. In any of those cases, you must visit a Department of Revenue office in person.

In-Person Renewal: Appointments, Documents, and What Happens on the Day

To renew in person, schedule an appointment through the Colorado Department of Revenue website or by calling 303-205-5600. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing a REAL ID license or upgrading to one, you'll also need proof of citizenship — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers — and an original or certified copy of your current address proof.

The appointment itself takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is. A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the fee ($32 or $42) at that time. Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 10 to 14 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you've changed your name legally, if you need to update your address or medical information, or if you're upgrading to a REAL ID license for the first time. It's also your fastest option if you need to drive before your new license arrives, since the temporary license is valid when ready.

Standard License Versus REAL ID: Cost and What You Need

Colorado offers two types of renewed licenses: a standard driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard renewal costs $32 and requires only your current license and the renewal form. A REAL ID renewal costs $42 and requires proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of your current Colorado address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).

REAL ID licenses are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant, you can upgrade during renewal by providing the extra documents. If you renew by mail with a standard license, you can upgrade to REAL ID later by visiting an office in person — you don't have to wait until your next renewal cycle.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired or Lost

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it by mail or in person using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Call the Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 to confirm what tests you'll need before your appointment.

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail — you must visit an office in person to report it and receive a replacement. Bring your Social Security number and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or another government ID). The replacement costs $20 and you'll receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Fees, Payment Methods, and Where to Send Your Mail Renewal

A standard eight-year license renewal costs $32. A REAL ID renewal costs $42. These are the only fees — there are no additional charges for processing or mailing. If you're renewing by mail, pay by check or money order only. Do not send cash. Make the check payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Mail your renewal packet to the address shown on form CDTL-43. The address varies depending on which region you live in, so check the form carefully before mailing. If you're paying by check, allow time for it to clear — the Department won't process your renewal until the payment has been received and verified. If you're unsure whether your check arrived, call 303-205-5600 after 10 business days to confirm receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I've moved out of state?

No. You must be a Colorado resident to hold a Colorado license. If you've moved, you need to get a license from your new state. You can renew a Colorado license by mail only if your mailing address is still in Colorado, even if you no longer live there — but this is not recommended because you'll receive mail at an address you don't use.

What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you've mailed in your renewal. Your old license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. Once it expires, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. If you're renewing by mail and your license is about to expire, renew in person instead to get a temporary license when ready.

How do I change my address on my license during renewal?

If you're renewing by mail, you cannot change your address at the same time — mail renewal only updates your photo and expiration date. To change your address, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new Colorado address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) along with your current license and Social Security number.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Colorado does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic fines or tickets. You can renew your license regardless of outstanding traffic debt. However, the court may suspend your driving privileges separately, which is different from renewal. Check with the court in the county where the ticket was issued if you're unsure whether your driving privileges are suspended.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person and bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Department will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current legal name.