What You Need to Do to Renew an Expired Colorado License
You can renew an expired Colorado driver's license through the mail, online, or in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need to update your photo or address. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have the most options. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.
Colorado does not charge a penalty fee for renewing an expired license — you pay only the standard renewal fee. The process is straightforward once you know which route fits your situation, but the documents you need and the timeline differ based on your renewal method.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than five years ago can be renewed by mail, online, or in person; licenses expired more than five years ago require an in-person visit.
- Online renewal costs $28.75 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal costs $28.75 plus postage and takes 2 to 3 weeks; in-person renewal costs $28.75 and is when ready.
- You will need your expired license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number if renewing in person.
- If you have changed your name or address since your license was issued, you must renew in person and bring documentation of the change.
- Colorado's online renewal system does not allow you to update your photo; if you want a new photo, you must visit a DMV office.
Online Renewal: Fastest Option for Recent Expirations
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest method if your license expired within the past five years and you do not need a new photo. You can start the process from home and receive your renewed license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $28.75, paid by debit or credit card at the time of submission.
To renew online, you will need your expired Colorado license, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history. Once approved, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address before you submit — the online system will not process an address change.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations. The DMV website will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access when you begin the process.
Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required
Mail renewal works for licenses expired fewer than five years ago and costs $28.75 plus postage. You will receive your renewed license in 2 to 3 weeks. This method is useful if you cannot visit an office or prefer not to use the online system, but it takes longer than online renewal.
Send your expired license, a completed process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-44), and a check or money order for $28.75 to the Colorado DMV address listed on the form. You can read Form DL-44 from the Colorado DMV website or request it by phone. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days) so the DMV can verify your current address if needed.
Mail your packet to the address on the form and keep a record of when you sent it. The DMV does not send confirmation of receipt, so if you do not receive your license within 3 weeks, contact the DMV to check the status. If your license is still in use for identification purposes (for example, at work or for travel), ask the DMV whether you can request a temporary paper license while you wait.
In-Person Renewal: Required for Older Expirations and Photo Updates
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want a new photo, or if you have changed your name or address since your license was issued. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes and costs $28.75. You will receive your new license when ready on a temporary basis and the permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Colorado residency dated within the past 60 days (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you have moved, bring proof of your new address.
Visit any Colorado DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Colorado DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Required Documents | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Expired license, Social Security number, email address | $28.75 | 7–10 business days |
| Expired license, Form DL-44, proof of residency, check or money order | $28.75 + postage | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-Person | Expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, name/address change documents if applicable | $28.75 | when ready temporary license; permanent by mail in 7–10 days |
Common Mistakes That Delay Renewal
The most frequent error is attempting online renewal when your license has been expired more than five years. The system will reject your process, and you will have to start over with an in-person visit. Check the expiration date on your license before you begin online renewal.
For mail renewal, sending cash instead of a check or money order will cause the DMV to return your packet. The DMV also rejects applications without proof of residency if your address has changed. If you are mailing your renewal, include a photocopy of your proof of residency even if you think your address is current in the system.
When renewing in person, forgetting to bring proof of your Social Security number is a common reason people have to reschedule. A Social Security card is the easiest document to bring, but a W-2 or 1099 form works if you do not have the card. Bring the original document, not a photocopy.
What Happens After You Renew
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive at the address on file. If the address is incorrect, the license will be returned to the DMV as undeliverable. Contact the DMV when ready if your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe so they can locate it or reissue it.
If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. Use the temporary license for identification and driving until the permanent license arrives. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV with your temporary license number.
Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal (or until age 21 if you are under 13 at renewal). Colorado does not require a road test or written exam for renewal — you are renewing based on your existing driving record and the information you provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Colorado license while I wait for my renewal?
No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. If you renew by mail or online, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. Plan your renewal before your license expires.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes.
How much does it cost to renew a Colorado driver's license?
The renewal fee is $28.75 for all methods. Mail renewal has an additional cost for postage. There is no penalty fee for renewing an expired license, regardless of how long it has been expired.
Can I renew my license if I have an unpaid traffic ticket or child support obligation?
No. The DMV will not process your renewal if you have unpaid traffic violations, child support arrears, or an active license suspension or revocation. You must resolve these issues before you can renew. Contact the court or child support agency to find out what you owe and how to pay.
What if I moved out of Colorado after my license expired?
You cannot renew a Colorado license by mail or online if you no longer live in Colorado. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still live in Colorado but have moved, you can renew in person or by mail by providing proof of your new Colorado address.