Renewing Your Colorado License in Person or by Mail
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment — you fill out the form, include your current license and a check, and mail it in. In-person renewal takes longer because you need an appointment, but you can renew when ready if you have one available.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the new card. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must go in person. If your address has changed, you can update it by mail, but the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file — so update your address first if you have moved.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal costs $28 and takes about two weeks; in-person renewal costs $28 and you leave with your license the same day if you have an appointment.
- You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago, and you do not need a new photo.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and written exam.
- Colorado sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, and the form in that notice is the fastest way to renew by mail.
- You must be a Colorado resident with a valid Social Security number to renew; if you are not a citizen, you will need to show proof of lawful presence.
Mail Renewal: What You Need and How Long It Takes
To renew by mail, use the renewal notice the DMV mailed you about two months before your expiration date. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check for $28 to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. Colorado processes mail renewals in about two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
If you lost your renewal notice, you can read the form from the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call 303-205-5613 to request one. Mail the completed form, your current license, and payment to: Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver License Section, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV. If you have moved and have not updated your address yet, do that before you mail your renewal — otherwise your new license will go to your old address and you will have to request a replacement. You can update your address online at the Colorado DMV website, by phone, or in person.
In-Person Renewal: Appointments and What to Bring
To renew in person, you must book an appointment through the Colorado DMV website or by calling 303-205-5613. Walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments are usually available within a few days to a few weeks depending on the office and the time of year. You will need to bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $28 by check, debit card, or credit card.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail and must renew in person. You will also need to pass a vision test and take a written exam on Colorado traffic laws. The DMV will provide study materials, and you can take the test on the same day as your appointment.
If you need a new photo — because you have changed your appearance significantly, or because your current photo is damaged — you can request one during your in-person appointment. There is no extra fee for a new photo during renewal.
When Your License Is Expired or Expiring Soon
If your license expires within the next 30 days, you can still renew by mail, but mail it when ready — do not wait. If your license has already expired but less than five years ago, you can still renew by mail using the same process. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and will need to retake the written exam and vision test.
If your license is expired and you are stopped while driving, you can be cited. Renewing as soon as you notice the expiration date approaching prevents this. Colorado sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, so check your mail around that time.
Address Changes and Name Changes
If you have moved, update your address with the Colorado DMV before you renew. You can do this online, by phone at 303-205-5613, or in person. When you renew by mail, your new license will be sent to whatever address is on file, so updating first ensures it reaches you.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew by mail. You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Non-Citizens and Proof of Lawful Presence
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show proof of lawful presence to renew your Colorado license. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card. You cannot renew by mail if you are a non-citizen; you must renew in person and bring your proof of lawful presence.
If your visa or work authorization is expiring soon, renew your license before it expires so you do not have to renew again when ready. The DMV will note your lawful presence status in the system, and your license will be valid as long as your status remains current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license online?
No, Colorado does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago.
What if I moved out of Colorado — can I still renew my license?
No. Once you move out of state, you should get a driver's license from your new state. If you are still a Colorado resident but moved within the state, update your address with the DMV before renewing.
How much does it cost to renew in Colorado?
Renewal costs $28, whether you renew by mail or in person. Payment must be by check, debit card, or credit card — cash is not accepted by mail.
What happens if I let my license expire for more than five years?
You will have to renew in person, pass a vision test, and take the written exam on Colorado traffic laws. You cannot renew by mail once your license has been expired for more than five years.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Yes. Colorado requires appointments for all in-person services. You can book one online or by calling 303-205-5613. Walk-ins are not accepted.