How to Renew Your Driver License in Colorado

Renewing Your Colorado Driver License: The Basic Steps

You can renew your Colorado driver 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 not had any address changes you have not reported, and you have not had any medical suspensions or restrictions added since your last renewal.

If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a DMV office in person. The mail-in process takes two to three weeks, while in-person renewal is when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest option and works if your license expired less than a year ago and you have no address or medical changes.
You will need your current driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Mail-in renewal takes two to three weeks for processing, while in-person renewal at a DMV office is completed the same day.
Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed, regardless of which method you choose.
If your license has been expired for more than one year or you have had medical or address changes, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing Online Through the Colorado DMV Website

Online renewal is available at dmv.colorado.gov. You will need your current Colorado driver license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $28.25 renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes and you will receive a confirmation number when ready after completion.

After you renew online, you do not receive a temporary license. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your confirmation number from the online renewal serves as proof that your renewal is in process.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have moved and not updated your address with the DMV, if you have had any medical suspensions or restrictions added, or if you are under 21 years old. In any of these cases, you must renew in person.

Renewing by Mail in Colorado

To renew by mail, you must first read and print the process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) from the Colorado DMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver license and a check or money order for $28.25 to the address listed on the form.

Mail-in renewal takes two to three weeks for the DMV to process your process. Your new license will then be mailed to you, adding another 7 to 10 business days. The total time from mailing your process to receiving your new license is typically three to four weeks. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving.

Mail-in renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot have been expired for more than one year, you cannot have any unreported address changes, and you cannot have any new medical suspensions or restrictions. If any of these explore to you, visit a DMV office in person.

Renewing in Person at a Colorado DMV Office

You can renew your license at any Colorado DMV office. Bring your current driver license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $28.25 in cash, check, or card. In-person renewal is completed the same day, and you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have moved and not yet updated your address, if you have had any medical suspensions or restrictions added since your last renewal, or if you are under 21 years old. You must also renew in person if you want to change your name, update your photograph, or correct any information on your license.

Colorado DMV offices are located in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Pueblo, and several other cities. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time.

What Happens If Your License Expires

If your Colorado driver license expires, you can still drive for a grace period of up to 30 days after the expiration date while you are in the process of renewing. However, you cannot legally drive after that 30-day period ends. If you are stopped by law enforcement with an expired license, you may receive a citation.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and may be required to pass a written test and vision test as part of your renewal. The DMV will let you know what tests are required when you arrive.

Renewing a Commercial Driver License in Colorado

If you hold a Colorado commercial driver license (CDL), renewal rules are different. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office, and you must pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner. You will also need to provide proof of your medical certification card.

CDL renewal costs $28.25 for a five-year license, the same as a standard driver license. However, the process takes longer because of the medical examination requirement. Schedule an appointment at a Colorado DMV office to renew your CDL and bring your current CDL, proof of your medical certification, and proof of your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver license if I have moved out of state?

No. If you have moved out of Colorado, you must obtain a driver license from your new state. You cannot renew a Colorado license if you no longer live in Colorado. Contact the DMV in your new state to begin the process of obtaining a license there.

What if I lost my current driver license before I could renew it?

You must visit a DMV office in person to replace your lost license. Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your current address. The replacement fee is $28.25, the same as a renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

How much does it cost to renew a Colorado driver license?

A standard five-year Colorado driver license renewal costs $28.25. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are renewing a commercial driver license, the cost is also $28.25 for a five-year license.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, the DMV may suspend your license if you have unpaid fines related to traffic violations. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the status of any fines before you renew.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If your name has changed, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DMV will issue you a new license with your updated name at no additional cost beyond the standard $28.25 renewal fee.

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.