Colorado driver's license renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes online, by mail, or in person, depending on your age and when your license expires

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: the state's online portal, by mail, or at a local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The fastest is online at colorado.gov/dor/dmv if you are between 21 and 64, your license is not expired, and you have not changed your address. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you are under 21, over 65, or if your license has been expired for more than one year.

You will need your current Colorado driver's license, a valid form of identification if renewing in person, and proof of residency if you have moved. The renewal fee is $28 for a standard four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license. Colorado does not require a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you are over 65.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at colorado.gov/dor/dmv is available only if you are 21 to 64, your license is not expired, and your address has not changed.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license.
  • You must renew in person at a DMV office if you are under 21, over 65, or if your license has been expired for more than one year.
  • Colorado does not require a new photo during renewal unless your license expired more than five years ago or you are turning 66 or older.
  • You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times at colorado.gov/dor/dmv before visiting in person.

Online renewal through Colorado's DMV portal

The Colorado DMV website at colorado.gov/dor/dmv offers the fastest renewal path. Log in with your Colorado driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will answer questions about your current address, any name changes, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. The system will confirm your may be able to access in real time.

Online renewal costs $28 for a four-year license. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot use this method if your license is already expired, if you have moved and need to update your address, or if you are under 21 or over 64. If any of those explore, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal and what to send

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) from colorado.gov/dor/dmv. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $28 (four-year) or $56 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. If you have moved, include proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Do not mail your process more than 90 days before your license expires. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail and must go to a DMV office in person.

In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office

Visit a local DMV office if you are under 21, over 65, your license has been expired for more than one year, or you need a new photo. Bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address if you have moved (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can check wait times and reserve a time slot at colorado.gov/dor/dmv before you go.

The renewal fee is $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will have your photo taken at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV clerk for a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days.

When you need a new photo during renewal

Colorado requires a new photo if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you are turning 66 or older during the renewal period. In both cases, you must renew in person at a DMV office. If your license is not expired and you are under 66, you can renew online or by mail without a new photo.

If you want a new photo even though you are not required to have one, you can request it during in-person renewal at no extra cost. Some people choose to do this if their current photo is very old or if they have changed their appearance significantly.

Address changes and what documents you need

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot do this online; you must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, include proof of your new address such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued document with your new address (such as a voter registration card) also works.

For in-person renewal, bring the same proof of address documents. The DMV clerk will verify your address and update it in the system before issuing your new license. If you do not update your address during renewal, your license will still show your old address, and you may have trouble with traffic stops or identification checks.

Temporary permits and driving while you wait

If you renew in person at a DMV office, you can request a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail. This permit allows you to drive legally and serves as proof of your identity. Ask the DMV clerk for the temporary permit before you leave the office; it is issued at no extra cost.

If you renew online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary permit. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so plan your renewal early enough that your new license arrives before the expiration date. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive until the new license reaches you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver's license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address if you have moved. You will have a new photo taken and pay the renewal fee.

What if I have moved to a different state since my last renewal?

You cannot renew your Colorado license if you no longer live in Colorado. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you are moving soon but still live in Colorado, you can renew now and update your address with your new state's DMV after you move.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. This does not include the time it takes for mail to reach the DMV office. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can visit a DMV office in person to request a temporary paper permit.

Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to renew my license?

No, renewal does not require a written test or driving test. You only answer questions about your address and personal information. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to take a test before the DMV will renew it, but standard renewal does not.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You can update your name during online or mail renewal by answering the question about name changes on the form. If you renew in person, bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.