What You Need to Do to Renew in Colorado

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Most people can renew online if their license is not expired and they have not had a name change or address change since their last renewal. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an office in person and bring documents that prove your identity and Colorado residency.

Your Colorado license is valid for five years from the date you renew it. You can renew up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but you cannot use the online method.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 if your license is not expired and your name and address have not changed.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment, and takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires a Real ID-compliant document like a passport or birth certificate plus proof of Colorado residency.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
  • If you renew online or by mail, you will receive your new license in the mail within one to two weeks.

Renewing Online Through the Colorado DMV Website

The Colorado Department of Revenue website lets you renew online at dmv.colorado.gov. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25.

Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, your name has not changed, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead. After you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, you will need to complete form DR 2224 (process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card), include your current license, and send both to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $28.25. You can read the form from the Colorado DMV website or request it by phone at 303-205-5613.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Department of Revenue receives your materials. Your new license will be sent to the address you list on the form. If you are renewing because your address has changed, make sure the new address is clearly written on the form and on the envelope you mail it in.

Renewing in Person at a Colorado DMV Office

You can renew in person at any Department of Revenue office in Colorado. You will need to bring your current license and one document that proves your identity and Colorado residency. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement counts as proof of residency. A passport, birth certificate, or military ID counts as proof of identity.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to avoid waiting.

If you are renewing because your name has changed (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What Happens If Your License Is Already Expired

If your Colorado license has expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. The cost is still $28.25, and the process is the same as renewing before expiration, except you cannot use the online method.

An expired license is still valid for identification purposes in Colorado, but you cannot legally drive with it. If you are pulled over while driving with an expired license, you can face a fine. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired to avoid this.

Real ID Compliance and Your Colorado License

Colorado driver's licenses are Real ID compliant by default. This means your license can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without additional documents. You do not need to do anything special to get a Real ID-compliant license — all Colorado licenses issued since 2017 meet the federal standard.

If you are renewing your license and want to confirm it is Real ID compliant, look for a gold star in the upper right corner of your license. If you have an older license without the star, you can request a Real ID-compliant replacement when you renew.

Fees and Payment Methods

A five-year Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.25. You can pay by debit card or credit card if you renew online, or by check or money order if you renew by mail. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you renew early (more than 60 days before your license expires), the fee is the same. There are no discounts for early renewal, but renewing early means you will have a valid license for longer and do not have to worry about it expiring unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you no longer live in Colorado, you cannot renew a Colorado license. You will need to get a license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Colorado license to the Department of Revenue if you want to, but it is not required.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks after you complete the online renewal. During that time, your old license is still valid for driving. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can continue using your current license.

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

If you lost your license, you cannot renew by mail or online because you need to send in your current license. You must go in person to a Department of Revenue office and bring proof of identity and Colorado residency. The office will issue you a replacement license on the spot.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

Most Colorado DMV offices do not require appointments, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait times. Check the Colorado DMV website to see if your local office offers online scheduling. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may have to wait longer during busy times.

Can I renew my license if my name changed since my last renewal?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change.