Colorado driver license renewal: online, mail, or in person

You can renew your Colorado driver license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo. Online renewal is fastest and costs nothing extra — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you will wait in line and pay the renewal fee.

Your Colorado driver license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. After your license expires, you cannot legally drive, and you will face a late fee if you renew more than 60 days after expiration.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal costs $28.25, takes 10 minutes, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days — this is the fastest and cheapest option for most people.
  • You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address in the past 60 days, and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed form, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks; use this if you cannot renew online and do not need your license when ready.
  • In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and gives you your new license the same day, but you must bring your current license and proof of address.
  • If your license is expired by more than 60 days, you pay an additional late fee of $10 on top of the renewal fee.

Online renewal: fastest option if your information has not changed

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the quickest and cheapest path. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The process takes about 10 minutes. You pay $28.25 by debit or credit card, and your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You can renew online only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have not changed your address in the past 60 days, you do not need to update your photo, and your name has not changed. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

Go to the Colorado DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check the status of your renewal. Your new license will arrive in a white envelope with your name and address printed on it.

Mail renewal: two to three weeks, requires a form and payment

Mail renewal works if you cannot renew online but do not need your license when ready. Complete the process for Driver License Renewal (Form DL-44), which you can read from the Colorado DMV website or pick up at any DMV office. You will also need your current driver license and a check or money order for $28.25 made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Mail your completed form, your current license, and payment to the address listed on the form. The Colorado DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Your new license will be mailed to you within 2 to 3 weeks of receipt. Do not mail your original license if you still need to drive — instead, include a photocopy of the front and back of your license.

If your address has changed, include a proof of address document with your process. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days. If your name has changed, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office

Renew in person if you need your license the same day, if your information has changed, or if you need a new photo. Bring your current driver license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $28.25 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The process takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's hours before you go — some are open only certain days of the week. If you are renewing because your name changed, bring the certified document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

When you arrive, take a number at the entrance and wait for your turn. A staff member will verify your information, take your payment, and take a new photo for your license. Your new license is printed on site and you receive it before you leave. You can drive legally with your old license until the new one arrives in the mail if there is any delay.

What to do if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than 60 days ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process, but you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. The renewal fee stays $28.25.

If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you pay an additional late fee of $10 on top of the $28.25 renewal fee, for a total of $38.25. You cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a Colorado DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment. You cannot legally drive until you have renewed your license.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, the Colorado DMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test. Call your local DMV office to confirm what documents and tests you need before you go.

Address changes, name changes, and photo updates

If you have moved, you must update your address when you renew. Online renewal will not work if you changed your address in the past 60 days. Use mail renewal or in-person renewal instead. For mail renewal, include a proof of address document (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). For in-person renewal, bring the same proof of address document.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current driver license, a certified copy of the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.

If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. In-person renewal includes a new photo taken at the DMV office at no extra cost.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for a Colorado driver license is $28.25. If your license is expired by more than 60 days, add a late fee of $10 for a total of $38.25. These fees do not change based on your age or license type.

For online renewal, pay by debit or credit card only. For mail renewal, send a check or money order made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Do not send cash by mail.

The Colorado DMV does not accept payment plans or partial payments. You must pay the full amount at the time of renewal. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DMV will contact you and you will owe the renewal fee plus a returned check fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued, not from your old expiration date.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail after I renew online?

Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days of online renewal. This does not include weekends or holidays. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, check the status using your confirmation number on the Colorado DMV website or call your local DMV office.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Colorado address on file?

You must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office and bring proof of your current address. If you have moved to another state, you should get a driver license from that state instead. Colorado will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state.

Do I need to take a new written test or vision test to renew?

No, not for a standard renewal if your license is not expired by more than one year. You do not retake any tests. If your license has been expired for more than one year, call your local DMV office to find out whether you need to retake the written and vision tests before you renew.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your own license. For online renewal, you need your license number and personal information. For mail or in-person renewal, you must sign the process yourself. The Colorado DMV does not accept power of attorney or third-party renewals.