How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Colorado driver's license renewal: in-person, online, or by mail

Colorado offers three paths to renew your driver's license: online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, in person at a Driver License office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. The fastest route is online if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, medical suspension, or conviction that affects your driving record. If any of those explore, you must renew in person.

Your renewal timeline depends on your license type and when it expires. Standard licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on your card. You can renew up to one year before expiration and up to six months after. If you renew after expiration, you will pay a late fee on top of the standard renewal cost.

Colorado charges $28.75 for a five-year renewal (standard passenger license) or $58.75 for an eight-year renewal. The eight-year option is available only to applicants age 21 and older. Payment methods vary by renewal route: online accepts credit and debit cards; in-person offices accept cash, check, and card; mail-in renewal requires a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but only works if your current license is valid and you have not changed your name or had a medical suspension.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office is required if your license is expired, you have changed your name, or you have a medical suspension or conviction on your record.
Mail-in renewal is available only if you are age 65 or older, active military stationed outside Colorado, or unable to visit an office due to disability or hardship.
Colorado charges $28.75 for a five-year renewal or $58.75 for an eight-year renewal, and you can renew up to one year before your birthday or up to six months after.
Bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number if renewing in person.

Online renewal: fastest option if your record is clean

To renew online, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver License Services website and select "Renew Your License." You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull your driving record automatically.

Online renewal works only if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, you have not changed your name since your last renewal, you have no medical suspension on your record, and you have no disqualifying conviction (such as a felony drug offense or certain traffic crimes). If any condition fails, the system will reject your process and direct you to renew in person.

Once you complete the online form and pay by credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a Driver License office

Visit any Colorado Driver License office if you cannot renew online. Bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency dated within 60 days (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or property tax notice), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you have changed your name since your last renewal, also bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Colorado has Driver License offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and several smaller towns. You can find the full list and hours on the Department of Revenue website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online, which typically reduces wait time to 15 to 30 minutes.

Processing takes about 15 minutes once you reach the counter. You will pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail-in renewal: limited to specific groups

Mail-in renewal is available only if you are age 65 or older, on active military duty stationed outside Colorado, or unable to visit an office due to disability or documented hardship. To renew by mail, contact the Driver License Services office at 303-205-5613 or visit the Department of Revenue website to request a mail-in renewal packet.

The packet will include a form to complete, instructions, and a return envelope. You must include your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, proof of your Social Security number, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail the packet to the address provided in the instructions.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at the time you submit your packet.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as a new applicant. This means taking the written test, vision test, and photo at a Driver License office. You will also pay the full fee for a new license ($28.75 for five years or $58.75 for eight years) plus a late fee.

If your license expired within the last six months, you can still renew it. Go to any Driver License office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will pay the renewal fee plus a late fee (the amount varies depending on how long past expiration your license is). Processing is the same as a standard in-person renewal.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency dated within 60 days, proof of your Social Security number, and your current medical certificate (FMCSA Form 649-C or 649-D). If your medical certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one from a certified medical examiner before renewing your CDL.

CDL renewal includes a vision test and a written test on the rules of the road. You do not need to take the skills test unless your CDL is expired or you are upgrading your license class. Processing takes about 30 minutes, and your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not attempt online renewal if your license is expired or if you have changed your name. The system will reject your process, and you will have to start over in person. Do not wait until your birthday to renew—you can renew up to one year early, which gives you time to handle any problems that come up.

If you are renewing in person, bring original documents or certified copies. Photocopies of your residency proof or Social Security card will not be accepted. If you have moved recently, update your address before you renew; if you renew with an old address on file, your new license will be mailed to the wrong place.

Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order only. Do not include your Social Security card in the mail packet—a copy or a W-2 is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew a Colorado license if you no longer live in Colorado. You must surrender your Colorado license and obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Colorado resident, you can renew online or by mail if you meet the mail-in criteria (age 65+, military, or hardship).

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

You cannot renew a lost license online. Go to any Driver License office with proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee ($20) plus the renewal fee. The office will issue you a temporary permit to drive while your new license is mailed.

How long does my new license take to arrive after I renew?

All Colorado licenses—renewed online, in person, or by mail—are mailed to you and arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives and your current license is expired, request a temporary permit at the time of renewal.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the office. You cannot bring your own photo.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

Update your address before you renew. You can change your address online through the Department of Revenue website, at any Driver License office, or by mail. If you renew with an old address on file, your new license will be mailed to that address, and you will have to request a replacement with the correct address.

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.