Colorado driver's license renewal: the basic path

In Colorado, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Most people renew online through the Colorado DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a five-year license. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical conditions that need review, and your address on file is current.

If you cannot renew online—because your license expired more than a year ago, you need to update your address, or you have vision or medical concerns—you will need to visit a DMV office in person. In-person renewal takes longer but handles more complex situations in one visit.

The timeline matters: Colorado licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before that date. Waiting until after your birthday means you cannot use the online option and must go to an office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and your address is current, and costs $28.25 for five years.
  • You must renew in person at a DMV office if your license expired more than one year ago, you need an address change, or you have medical or vision concerns.
  • Colorado licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew starting one year before that date.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on office wait times.
  • If you lose your license before renewal, you will need to report it and pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal cost.

Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website

Start at dmv.colorado.gov and look for the "Renew a Driver's License" option. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and any name changes.

Online renewal does not include a new photo—your current photo stays on file. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. The system will show you the renewal fee before you pay, and you can use a debit card or credit card. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV at 303-205-5600 to check the status.

Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office

Visit any Colorado DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy—a photo is not enough.

You will complete a DL-44 form (process for Driver's License) at the office, take a new photo, and pass a vision screening. The vision test checks whether you can read a chart at 20 feet; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If the screener finds a concern, they may ask your doctor to send a report to the DMV before your license is issued.

In-person renewal costs $28.25 for a five-year license, the same as online. Payment is by cash, check, or card. Your new license is printed on site and you leave with it the same day, though some offices may mail it if they are very busy. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early mornings and weekday afternoons are usually shorter than evenings or Saturdays.

When you must renew in person

You cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than one year ago. Colorado considers a license that old invalid for renewal purposes, and you will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test. This is a longer process than renewal.

You also must renew in person if you need to change your address, name, or gender marker on your license. Online renewal only confirms your existing information. If you have moved, bring proof of your new address; if you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Medical or vision concerns also require an in-person visit. If the DMV has a note on your file that your license is restricted (for example, corrective lenses required), or if you reported a medical condition when you last renewed, the system may flag your account and require an office visit to clear it.

Renewing by mail

Colorado allows mail renewal only in limited situations: if you are a member of the military stationed outside Colorado, if you are a Colorado resident living temporarily outside the state, or if you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office. To request a mail renewal form, call the DMV at 303-205-5600 and explain your situation. They will mail you a form and instructions.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person—typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time you mail the form back. You will need to include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and any required medical documentation. Your new license will be mailed to you when it is ready.

What happens if your license is lost or stolen before renewal

If you lose your license before your renewal date, report it to the DMV and pay a $20 replacement fee to get a duplicate. You can report a lost license online at dmv.colorado.gov or by phone at 303-205-5600. Once you have the replacement, you can still renew normally when your birthday approaches—the replacement does not change your renewal date or cost.

If your license is stolen and you suspect identity theft, report it to the police and to the Colorado Attorney General's office in addition to the DMV. Keep the police report number for your records.

Colorado DMV office locations and hours

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. The main office is in Denver at 1881 Pierce Street, but there are branches in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley, Pueblo, and other cities. Hours vary by location—most are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours in larger cities.

You do not need an appointment for renewal at most offices, but some locations use a ticket system where you take a number when you arrive. Check dmv.colorado.gov for your nearest office, current hours, and any wait-time estimates they post online. During lunch hours and late afternoons, offices are usually busier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I just moved to the state?

No. You must have held a Colorado license for at least one year before you can renew it. If you just moved to Colorado with an out-of-state license, you will need to explore for a new Colorado license, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

You will need to bring an original document or certified copy dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail with your name and address will work. If you have none of these, contact your DMV office before you visit to ask what alternatives they accept.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew in person?

Yes. Every in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you renew online, your current photo stays on file. If you want a new photo but are not due to renew yet, you can visit a DMV office and pay a $20 fee for a photo update without renewing your license.

How long is my new Colorado license valid?

A standard Colorado driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. If you are over 65, your license is valid for four years instead.

What if I fail the vision screening at the DMV?

If you do not pass the vision test, the DMV will not issue your license until you provide a report from an eye doctor showing that you can see well enough to drive safely. You can visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist, have them complete the required form, and bring it back to the DMV. This usually takes a few days to a week.