Renewing your Colorado license through MyDMV

MyDMV is Colorado's online portal where you can renew your driver's license without visiting a DMV office — if you meet the renewal requirements. You log in with your Colorado driver's license number and date of birth, answer a few questions about changes to your address or medical conditions, pay the renewal fee, and receive a new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Not every renewal can happen online. If your license is expired by more than five years, if you need to change your name or address on your license, or if you have certain medical conditions, you will need to renew in person at a DMV office instead. The MyDMV system will tell you when ready whether you are able to renew online or must visit a location.

Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, which gives you time to complete the process before your current license becomes invalid.

Key Takeaways

  • MyDMV lets you renew online if your license is current and you have not had major changes like a name or address update since your last renewal.
  • The online renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for, so you will see the exact amount before you pay.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
  • If MyDMV tells you that you cannot renew online, you must visit a Colorado DMV office in person to complete your renewal.
  • You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

What you need before you start on MyDMV

Have your current Colorado driver's license number and date of birth ready. You will also need a valid email address, because MyDMV will send you a confirmation and tracking information for your new license.

If you have changed your address since your last renewal, you will need your current address. MyDMV will ask you to confirm it. If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal petition, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must visit a DMV office in person and bring the court order or marriage certificate that documents the change.

Make sure your payment method is ready. Colorado accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks through MyDMV. The fee depends on whether you are renewing for four or five years and whether you hold a standard license, commercial license, or another type.

Steps to renew on MyDMV

Go to dmv.colorado.gov and look for the MyDMV login link on the homepage. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth to log in. You do not need to create a separate account — your license information is your login.

Once you are logged in, select "Renew Your License" from the menu. MyDMV will ask you a series of questions: whether your address has changed, whether you have any new medical conditions that might affect your driving, and whether you want to update any information on your license. Answer honestly, because false information can delay your renewal or cause problems later.

Review the renewal fee, which will appear on the screen before you pay. Choose your payment method and enter the information. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Write down or save the confirmation number — you can use it to track your license status on MyDMV.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your mailing address before the license ships, contact a Colorado DMV office by phone or visit in person as soon as possible.

When you cannot renew online

MyDMV will tell you right away if you do not meet the requirements for online renewal. The most common reasons are: your license expired more than five years ago, you have changed your name, you have changed your address and need to update it on your license, or you have a medical condition that requires a DMV review.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Colorado DMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents related to name changes. You can find DMV office locations and hours on the Colorado DMV website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online first.

In-person renewals usually take 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Tracking your new license after renewal

After you complete your MyDMV renewal, you can check the status of your license by logging back into MyDMV and selecting "Check License Status." Enter your confirmation number to see whether your license has been printed, shipped, or delivered.

Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received it, contact the Colorado DMV by phone or visit a local office. Bring your confirmation number so they can look up your order.

You can drive legally on your current license until your new one arrives, even if your current license has expired during the renewal process. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a DMV office.

Fees and payment on MyDMV

Colorado charges different renewal fees based on your license type and the number of years you are renewing for. A standard driver's license renewal for five years costs less than a four-year renewal, because the five-year option spreads the fee across more years. Commercial licenses and other specialty licenses have different fees.

MyDMV shows you the exact fee before you submit payment, so you will know the total cost before your card is charged. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic checks. There is no additional fee for paying online.

If your payment is declined, MyDMV will tell you when ready and you can try again with a different payment method. Your renewal is not submitted until payment is successful.

What happens if your MyDMV renewal is denied

If MyDMV rejects your renewal after you have paid, you will receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the information you entered and the information on file, or a flag in the system that requires in-person review.

If your renewal is denied, contact the Colorado DMV by phone with your confirmation number. They can tell you what went wrong and whether you need to visit an office in person. Do not pay again — your first payment will be refunded or credited to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, but only if it expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office in person. You can still drive legally while you are renewing, as long as you have proof that you have started the renewal process.

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

Your new license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a DMV office in person to request a temporary paper license.

What if I moved and need to update my address on my license?

If you have moved since your last renewal, you can update your address during the MyDMV renewal process. MyDMV will ask you to confirm your current address and will print the new address on your renewed license. Your new license will be mailed to that address.

Can I renew my license if I changed my name?

No, you cannot renew online if you have changed your name. You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person and bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the name change. The DMV will update your name and issue a new license.

What if I do not have a credit card or debit card to pay on MyDMV?

MyDMV accepts electronic checks as a payment method, so you can pay directly from your bank account if you have a checking account number and routing number. If you cannot pay online, you can renew in person at a DMV office and pay by cash, check, or card.