What You Need to Do to Renew in Colorado

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people can complete an online renewal in minutes without leaving home, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your Colorado license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, which means you have a wide window to get it done. The state does not charge a penalty for renewing early, so there is no reason to wait until the last moment.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year license if you do not need a new photo.
  • You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, or if you want an updated photograph.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower than online; you will need to send in your current license and a completed form, and processing takes two to three weeks.
  • Colorado requires proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) only if you are renewing in person.
  • If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must go to a DMV office in person.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is available if your license is currently valid and you do not need to change your address or photograph. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $28.75 for a five-year license.

The process takes about 10 minutes. You log in to the Colorado DMV portal, answer questions about your current information, review the details, pay the fee, and submit. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal does not give you a new photograph. Your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your address, if you want a new photograph, or if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. In-person renewal also applies if you are changing your name or if you need to update your sex designation on your license.

Bring your current license (or a government-issued ID if your license is lost or expired), proof of residency, and proof of identity. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. You will also need to pay the renewal fee: $28.75 for a five-year license.

Visit the Colorado DMV website to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online or In Person

Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address or photograph. You will need to complete form DL-44 (process for Colorado Driver's License), which you can read from the Colorado DMV website or request by mail. Include your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for $28.75 payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Mail your package to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue using your current license during this time. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and carries a small risk that documents will be lost in transit, so it is best used only when online renewal is not an option.

Fees and What They Cover

Colorado charges $28.75 for a five-year driver's license renewal, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers the license itself and the processing. There are no additional charges unless you request a duplicate license (which costs the same $28.75) or need to change your name or sex designation (which may require additional documentation but no extra fee).

Payment methods vary by renewal type. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at a DMV office accepts cash, debit, credit cards, and checks. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DMV will contact you to request payment before your license is issued.

What Happens If Your License Expires

If your Colorado license expires, you can still renew it for up to one year after the expiration date using online or mail renewal, as long as you meet the other requirements (no address change, no new photo needed). After one year past expiration, you must renew in person at a DMV office and provide proof of identity and residency.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process (such as a confirmation email from online renewal), but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state of residence. Colorado will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. Contact the DMV in your new state to begin the process there.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the document showing your name change.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time. If you need your license urgently, renew in person and request the temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Colorado DMV to resolve the suspension or revocation first. The reason for the suspension (unpaid fines, medical issues, or violations) determines what steps you need to take before you can renew.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

No. Your new license will use the photo from your current license unless you renew in person and request a new photo. If you want a new photo, you must go to a DMV office in person. There is no extra charge for a new photo during renewal.