Colorado driver's license renewal is fastest online if your license is current and you haven't changed your address

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Most people can renew online without leaving home, as long as your license hasn't expired more than five years ago and you haven't moved. If you've had a name change, address change, or your license is older than five years expired, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year renewal or $57.50 for a ten-year renewal. You'll need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your current license is valid, you haven't moved, and your license hasn't been expired for more than five years.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but works for address changes and expired licenses, and costs the same as online renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or you need to update your name or address on your ID.
  • Colorado charges $28.75 for a five-year renewal or $57.50 for a ten-year renewal, regardless of which method you choose.
  • You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired license.

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website

Start at the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system checks whether you're may be able to access to renew online — it will tell you when ready if you need to renew by mail or in person instead.

If you're may be able to access, you'll answer questions about whether your address, name, and medical information are still correct. You'll choose your renewal length (five or ten years) and pay by debit card or credit card. Colorado does not accept checks or cash online. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You can renew online up to six months before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew online as long as it expired less than five years ago.

Mail renewal for address changes and expired licenses

To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-44R) from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Fill it out completely, including your current address if you've moved. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form along with your current driver's license (or a photocopy if you need to keep using it while you wait) and payment to the address listed on the form. Payment can be by check or money order made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form.

Mail renewal is your option if you've moved and need to update your address, if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you prefer not to renew online. The cost is the same as online renewal: $28.75 for five years or $57.50 for ten years.

In-person renewal at a Colorado driver's license office

Visit your local Colorado driver's license office with your current driver's license and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You'll fill out an process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you've had a name change, or if you need to update your address and prefer not to use mail renewal.

Wait times at driver's license offices vary by location and time of day. Call ahead or check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to see current wait times at your nearest office.

What to do if your Colorado license has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This means you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person, pass the written knowledge test, and pass a road test. You'll also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

explore for a new license takes longer and costs more than renewal. The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and safe driving practices. The road test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely. If you haven't driven in several years, you may want to take a practice test or a refresher course before you go to the office.

Renewing your license if you've moved out of state

If you've moved to another state, you cannot renew your Colorado license by mail or online. You'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Most states require you to surrender your out-of-state license when you get your new one, though a few allow you to keep it.

If you're moving soon but your Colorado license is still valid, you can renew it before you move. This gives you a valid Colorado license to use until you get your new state's license. Once you move, contact your new state's driver's license office to find out what documents you'll need and whether you have to take a written or road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver's license if I'm out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if your license is current and you haven't moved. If you've moved to another state, you'll need to renew by mail instead, since online renewal requires your current Colorado address.

What happens if I drive with an expired license in Colorado?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Colorado. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired less than 30 days ago, the penalty is usually a warning or a small fine. After 30 days, fines increase. Renew before your license expires to avoid this.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, Colorado uses your current photo from your existing license. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by visiting a driver's license office in person instead.

How long is a Colorado driver's license valid after renewal?

You choose either a five-year or ten-year renewal when you renew. A five-year license costs $28.75 and a ten-year license costs $57.50. Your new license is valid starting the day you renew, not the day your old one expired.

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

Colorado may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or tickets. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is suspended. If it is, you'll need to resolve the fine or ticket before you can renew. The driver's license office can tell you whether your license is suspended when you try to renew.