How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Renew Online, by Mail, or In Person

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a DMV office, depending on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years ago, you can renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year license. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring documents proving your identity and Colorado residency.

The online route is fastest: you pay, answer questions about your address and any medical conditions, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. By-mail renewal takes longer — you fill out the form, mail it with payment, and wait 2 to 3 weeks — but works if you cannot get to an office. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online if your Colorado license has not been expired for more than two years; the process takes 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to fill out form DL-44, include payment, and mail it to the address on the form; expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing.
In-person renewal at a DMV office requires a valid ID and proof of Colorado residency, such as a utility bill or lease.
Your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal, and you can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.
If you have changed your name, address, or medical status, you must update this information during renewal, even if you renew online.

Online Renewal: What You Need and How It Works

To renew online, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online services portal and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your current address, whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving, and whether your information has changed since your last renewal. You do not upload documents online — Colorado verifies your identity against its existing records. The fee is $28.75 for a five-year license, paid by debit or credit card.

Online renewal is only open if your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years ago. If you are renewing early (your license is still valid), you can do this up to 180 days before expiration. After you complete the online transaction, your new license is mailed to the address on file; if you have moved, update your address before you renew. You can continue to drive on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive.

One important note: if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations, the online system will reject your renewal. In those cases, you must resolve the issue first — usually by paying fines or contacting the relevant agency — before you can renew.

Mail Renewal: Form, Fees, and Mailing Address

To renew by mail, read form DL-44 (process for Driver's License) from the Colorado Department of Revenue website, or call 303-205-5613 to request it. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your medical information. Include a check or money order for $28.75 (do not send cash). Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form — currently the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver's License Section, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. You can drive on your expired license during this time. If you want to track your renewal, call 303-205-5613 and provide your driver's license number; staff can tell you whether your form has been received and processed. If your renewal is rejected — for example, because of an outstanding suspension or incomplete form — the DMV will mail you a notice explaining why.

In-Person Renewal at a Colorado DMV Office

Visit a Colorado DMV office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your photo, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your expired or expiring driver's license, one form of valid ID (such as a passport or military ID), and proof of Colorado residency dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Find your nearest DMV office and check its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Bring all documents with you; staff will not accept incomplete applications. The renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your Colorado license is suspended or revoked — usually because of unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, or child support arrears — you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DMV will tell you the reason and what you must do to restore your driving privileges. This might mean paying fines to the court, completing a DUI education program, or contacting the child support enforcement agency.

Once you have resolved the underlying issue, contact the DMV to confirm your suspension has been lifted, then proceed with renewal using whichever method suits you. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call 303-205-5613 and provide your driver's license number; the DMV can tell you your current status and what steps you need to take.

Address Changes and Other Updates During Renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address during renewal. For online renewal, enter your new address in the form. For mail renewal, write your new address on form DL-44. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide during renewal.

You can also update your medical information during renewal — for example, if you now wear glasses or have developed a condition that affects your driving. If you want to change your photo but are renewing by mail or online, you cannot do so; you must visit a DMV office in person to have a new photo taken. Photo changes are free and take only a few minutes.

Fees, Timeline, and Your Temporary License

Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.75 for a five-year license, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts debit or credit card; mail renewal requires a check or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive while your permanent license is mailed. Online and mail renewals do not include a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

Your new license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. If you renew early (before your current license expires), the five-year period starts from your renewal date, not from your old expiration date. Keep your old license until the new one arrives; some businesses and agencies still ask to see it as proof of identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if your license has not been expired for more than two years, you can renew online from anywhere. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office or by mail using form DL-44. Mail renewal is your best option if you cannot travel to Colorado.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license; you must report it and request a replacement. Call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 or visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and Colorado residency. A replacement license costs $28.75 and takes the same time as a renewal.

How do I know if my license is about to expire?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Colorado also sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration. If you do not receive a reminder, check your license or call 303-205-5613 to confirm your expiration date.

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

No. If you owe fines to a court, the DMV will reject your renewal. You must pay the fine first, then renew. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out the balance and payment options.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to a DMV office in person. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs $28.75.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.