What You Can and Cannot Do Online in Colorado
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Revenue's website, but you cannot replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license online. If your license is missing or unusable, you must go to a Driver's License Office in person. Online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid and in your possession.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person visit. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. However, if you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal, or if your license has been suspended or revoked, you will also need to visit an office.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's online renewal works only if your current license is valid and you still have it in your hands.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged licenses require an in-person visit to a Driver's License Office.
- Online renewal costs less than the in-person fee and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail.
- You can renew online up to one year before your license expires or up to five years after it expires.
- If you need to change your name, address, or other personal details, you must go to an office instead.
How to Renew Your License Online
Start at the Colorado Department of Revenue website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). Have your license in front of you so you can enter the information exactly as it appears.
The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, choose whether you want a standard or Real ID license (if you do not have Real ID yet, you can add it online), and upload a new photo or use your existing one. You can take a new photo with your phone or computer camera, or keep the photo from your current license. After you pay the renewal fee, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved recently, update your address before you renew, or your license will arrive at your old home. You can update your address online through the same Department of Revenue portal, or you can call the office to make the change before you renew.
When You Must Visit an Office Instead
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit a Driver's License Office in person with proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or utility bill) and proof of Colorado residency. The office will issue you a replacement license on the spot, though you may have to wait in line.
You also must visit an office if you want to change your name, correct your address if you have not updated it online first, add or remove restrictions, change your license class, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. If you are unsure whether your situation requires an office visit, call the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 before you go.
What the Online Renewal Costs
Online renewal in Colorado costs $28.75 for a standard driver's license valid for five years. If you want to add Real ID status (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), the fee is $33.75. You pay by debit or credit card at the time of renewal.
In-person replacement at an office costs more: $35 for a standard license or $40 for Real ID. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, some offices charge an additional fee. Paying online and waiting for mail delivery saves you money and a trip to the office, but it takes longer than walking out with a license the same day.
How Long It Takes to Get Your New License
After you complete online renewal, your license is mailed within 3 to 5 business days. Delivery by U.S. mail takes another 3 to 7 business days depending on where you live in Colorado. Most people receive their license within 7 to 10 business days total, though mail can be slower during holidays or bad weather.
If you need a license sooner—for example, if you have a trip coming up—you cannot speed up the mail delivery. Your only option is to visit a Driver's License Office in person and request a temporary paper license while you wait for your permanent one. The paper license is valid for 30 days and works for most purposes, including driving and boarding domestic flights.
Real ID and Online Renewal
Colorado's Real ID license meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. If your current license is not Real ID, you can add it during online renewal by paying the higher fee ($33.75 instead of $28.75). You do not need to visit an office or bring extra documents—the online system will verify your identity using information already on file.
If you already have Real ID on your current license, your renewal will automatically include it at no extra cost. Your new Real ID license will arrive by mail with the same timeline as a standard renewal. After May 2025, a non-Real ID license will not be accepted at federal buildings or TSA checkpoints, so renewing with Real ID now can save you a trip to the office later.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If your online renewal does not go through, you will see an error message on the screen. Common reasons include a mismatch between the information you entered and what the Department of Revenue has on file, or a problem with your payment method. Try again with a different card, or call 303-205-5600 to ask what information does not match.
If you completed the renewal but your license does not arrive after 12 business days, contact the Department of Revenue with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your order and remail it if needed. If your license arrives damaged, you can return it and request a replacement at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?
Yes. Colorado allows online renewal up to five years after your license expires. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit an office and may need to retake the written test. Renew as soon as you realize your license is expired to avoid this.
What if I moved to Colorado from another state and need to replace my out-of-state license?
You cannot use online renewal for an out-of-state license. You must visit a Driver's License Office in person with your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity. You may also need to pass a written test depending on your age and driving history.
Do I need to bring my old license to the office if I lost it?
No. If your license is lost, you do not have it to bring. Bring other proof of identity instead, such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. The office will look up your record and issue a replacement without your original license.
Can I change my address online at the same time I renew?
Yes. Update your address through the Department of Revenue website before you start the renewal process, or during renewal if the system prompts you. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address. If you forget to update it, your license will go to your old address and you will need to request a replacement.
What if I want a different photo on my new license?
You can upload a new photo during online renewal using your phone or computer camera. The photo must meet Colorado's requirements: face clearly visible, no sunglasses, no hat (unless for religious reasons), and a plain background. If your photo is rejected, you can try again or visit an office to have one taken by staff.