Where to renew your Colorado driver's license

You can renew your Colorado driver's license at any Driver's License Office run by the Colorado Department of Revenue, or online through the state's Express Renewal system if you meet specific requirements. The online route is faster and requires no visit to an office — you complete the renewal from home and receive your new license by mail. If you cannot use the online system, you must visit a Driver's License Office in person; there is no phone or mail-only renewal option for standard licenses.

Colorado has 22 Driver's License Offices spread across the state, plus several satellite locations in smaller towns. The main offices are in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo. Each office handles renewals, replacements, and address changes. Wait times vary by location and time of day — offices in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than Denver locations during peak hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through Express Renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had a name change since your last license was issued.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver's License Office takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the location and time of day you visit.
  • You need your current Colorado driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any in-person renewal.
  • Colorado Driver's License Offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations; hours vary by office.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal, whether you renew online or in person.

Using Colorado's online Express Renewal system

The Express Renewal system is the fastest path if you are may be able to access. You access it through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. The system works only if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or endorsements that require testing, and your name has not changed since your last license was issued. If you have a REAL ID-compliant license and it is still valid, you can renew it online without upgrading to a new REAL ID license — the system will issue a standard renewal.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the renewal fee (currently $28 for a five-year renewal), and submit. You do not upload documents or take a new photo — the system uses your existing photo and information on file. After you submit, you receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If the system rejects you during the process, it will tell you why — usually because your license is expired, you have medical restrictions, or your name has changed. In those cases, you must visit a Driver's License Office in person.

In-person renewal at a Colorado Driver's License Office

If you cannot use Express Renewal, you must visit a Driver's License Office. Bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

The renewal fee is $28 for a five-year license. You pay at the office when you complete your renewal. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is expired by more than one year, or if you have medical restrictions or endorsements, you may need to pass a vision test or written test at the office. The staff will tell you what is required when you arrive or when you call ahead.

Colorado Driver's License Office locations and hours

The largest offices are in Denver (two locations), Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo. Smaller offices are in Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Centennial, Durango, Englewood, Greeley, Littleton, Longmont, Loveland, Northglenn, and Westminster. Several towns also have satellite offices with limited hours.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some variation. A few locations offer Saturday hours — typically 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. — but this is not standard across all offices. Hours change seasonally and by location, so check the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call the office nearest you before you visit. Wait times are usually shortest on Tuesday through Thursday mornings and longest on Fridays and Mondays.

You do not need an appointment at most Colorado Driver's License Offices — you walk in and take a number. However, some offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the state website. Scheduling an appointment can reduce your wait time, especially at busy locations like Denver.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring three things: your current Colorado driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If any of these are missing, the office will not process your renewal and you will have to return another day.

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance declaration, or bank or credit card statement. A government check or tax return also works. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Proof of Social Security number can be your original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your Social Security number. A birth certificate does not count. If you do not have any of these documents, ask the office staff what alternatives they accept — some offices may allow a letter from your employer or a benefit statement.

Renewing a REAL ID-compliant license in Colorado

If your current license is a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the top right corner), you can renew it online through Express Renewal without upgrading or providing additional documents. The online system will issue a standard renewal with the same REAL ID status.

If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want to upgrade to one, you must visit a Driver's License Office in person. You will need to bring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency in addition to your standard renewal documents. Acceptable proof includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. A REAL ID upgrade costs the same as a standard renewal ($28 for five years).

What happens after you renew

After you complete your renewal — whether online or in person — your new license is mailed to the address on file. The mail takes 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Use this temporary license as your ID until your permanent license arrives.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue Driver's License Section. Have your confirmation number or temporary license number ready. The office can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.

Your old license is no longer valid once your new license arrives. You do not need to return the old license to the state — you can destroy it or keep it as a record.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you cannot use Express Renewal. You must visit a Driver's License Office in person. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to pass a vision test or written test. Call the office ahead of time to ask what tests are required so you can prepare.

What if I have moved since my last license was issued?

You can update your address during renewal. If you renew online, the system will ask for your current address and update it automatically. If you renew in person, bring proof of residency at your new address (dated within the last 60 days) and the staff will update your address during the renewal process.

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

A five-year renewal costs $28. This is the standard fee for both online and in-person renewal. If you upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license during renewal, the cost is the same. You pay online if you use Express Renewal, or at the office if you renew in person.

Can I renew my license by mail?

No. Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal. You must either renew online through Express Renewal or visit a Driver's License Office in person. If you cannot visit an office, Express Renewal is your only option.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot use Express Renewal if you do not have your current license. You must visit a Driver's License Office in person to report it lost and renew at the same time. Bring proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. There is an additional $20 fee for a replacement license on top of the $28 renewal fee.