Colorado Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Colorado license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your address and personal information have not changed.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires a completed form, payment, and a new photo if your current license photo is more than 10 years old.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office is required if you need a new photo, have a commercial license, or have not renewed in more than 10 years.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard five-year license, and payment methods vary by renewal method.
- You must have a valid Social Security number on file with Colorado to renew online; if you do not, you must renew by mail or in person.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is available if your license has not expired, you are not a commercial driver, and your address and name have not changed since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive a temporary digital license when ready after payment. Your physical license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days.
To renew online, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal portal. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The renewal fee is $28.50. After you complete the transaction, you can read and print a temporary license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card.
Online renewal does not include a new photo. Your current photo remains on your license. If your photo is more than 10 years old and you want it updated, you must renew in person or by mail and provide a new photo.
Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works if you cannot visit an office or prefer not to use the online system. You will need to complete form DR 2261 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), include payment, and provide a new photo if your current photo is more than 10 years old.
Send your completed form, payment, and photo (if required) to the address listed on the renewal notice or on the Colorado DMV website. The processing time is two to three weeks from the date Colorado receives your process. You can track your process status online using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Payment by mail must be by check or money order made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The renewal fee is $28.50. If you need a new photo, you must provide a color photograph that meets Colorado's specifications: 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last 10 years, and showing your face clearly against a plain background.
In-Person Renewal at a Department of Revenue Office
You must renew in person if you hold a commercial driver's license, have not renewed in more than 10 years, need a new photo, or want to change your address or legal name. In-person renewal also applies if you have a medical condition that requires a special restriction code or if you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked.
Visit your local Department of Revenue office with your current Colorado driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. If you need a new photo, the office will take one for you at no extra charge. In-person renewal typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within seven to 10 business days.
To find the nearest office and check current wait times, use the Colorado DMV office locator on the Department of Revenue website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. Calling ahead is recommended to confirm hours and whether you need to schedule a time slot.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard five-year driver's license. This fee is the same regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Colorado does not charge extra for a replacement license if yours is damaged or lost.
For online renewal, you need only your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For mail renewal, you need a completed form DR 2261, payment, and a new photo if your current photo is more than 10 years old. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your current address.
If your address or legal name has changed, you must provide documentation of the change. For a name change, bring a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
When Your License Expires and Renewal important date
Your Colorado driver's license expires five years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before expiration, so there is no rush to renew on a specific date. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, so plan to complete your renewal before the expiration date passes.
Colorado will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a form you can use to renew by mail, but you can also renew online or in person without waiting for the notice. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can still renew using any of the three methods.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods, but you cannot drive legally until the renewal is complete. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you may receive a citation.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is attempting online renewal when your address or name has changed. Online renewal only works if your personal information matches what Colorado has on file. If you have moved or changed your name, you must renew by mail or in person and provide documentation of the change.
Another frequent error is not providing a new photo when required. If your current photo is more than 10 years old and you try to renew online or by mail without a new photo, your renewal will be rejected. Check the age of your current photo before you start the process.
People also sometimes send payment by credit card when renewing by mail, but Colorado only accepts checks or money orders by mail. If you want to pay by card, renew online or in person. Finally, do not forget to include proof of residency if you are renewing in person and your address has changed. Without it, the office cannot process your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if it has already expired?
Yes, you can renew an expired license using any of the three methods: online, by mail, or in person. However, you cannot legally drive until your renewal is complete. If you are stopped while driving with an expired license, you may receive a citation.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and in-person renewals result in your permanent license arriving by mail within seven to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date Colorado receives your process. You can use a temporary license during this time.
Do I have to provide a new photo to renew my license?
Only if your current photo is more than 10 years old. If your photo is newer than 10 years, you can renew online or by mail without a new photo. If you want a new photo regardless of age, you must renew in person.
What if my name or address has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person or by mail and provide documentation of the change. For a name change, bring a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your new address.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No, commercial licenses must be renewed in person at a Department of Revenue office. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.