What You Need to Do to Get a Replacement License in Colorado
To replace your Colorado driver's license, you must visit a Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of identity and residency. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information against their records, and issue a replacement license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on which service option you choose. The fee is $20.25 for a standard replacement.
You cannot replace a Colorado license by mail, phone, or online. The in-person requirement exists because the DMV must confirm your identity and take a new photograph. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, the process is the same — you do not need a police report or proof of loss.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of Colorado residency to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $20.25, and you can receive your license when ready at the office or by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, no police report or documentation of loss is required.
- Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original license unless you request a renewal instead.
- If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring legal documentation of the name change along with your ID and residency proof.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your Colorado residency. For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an expired Colorado driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask the DMV which documents they will accept before you visit.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your current Colorado address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill or lease, plus that document, will work.
If your name has changed since your original license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the legal document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not issue a replacement under a different name without this documentation.
Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Visit
Colorado has 19 DMV offices across the state. You can visit any office; you do not have to go to the one closest to your address. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. To avoid a long wait, you can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website. Appointments are usually available within a few days. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents ready.
Some DMV offices are busier than others. If you live near multiple offices, calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose the fastest option. The DMV phone line is 303-205-5600.
What Happens at the DMV Office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your identity and residency, check your information in the DMV system, and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file. If everything matches, you will be called to a photo station where a staff member will take your new photograph.
After your photo is taken, you will go to the payment window. Pay the $20.25 replacement fee with cash, debit card, or credit card. At this point, you can choose to receive your license when ready or have it mailed to you. If you choose when ready issuance, the DMV will print your license on the spot and you will leave with it. If you choose mail delivery, your license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether you have an appointment. Keep your receipt — it serves as a temporary license if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.
when ready Issuance vs. Mail Delivery
Colorado offers two ways to receive your replacement license. when ready issuance means the DMV prints your license at the office and you leave with it the same day. This option is useful if you need to drive right away or if you are traveling. Mail delivery means the DMV mails your license to your address on file, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
Both options cost the same: $20.25. The choice is yours at the payment window. If you choose mail delivery and your address changes before the license arrives, contact the DMV when ready to update your address so the license is sent to the correct location.
If you choose when ready issuance but the DMV cannot print your license for technical reasons, they will mail it instead at no extra charge. This is rare but can happen.
If Your License Was Lost or Stolen
You do not need to file a police report or bring any documentation that your license was lost or stolen. straightforward tell the DMV staff that you are replacing a lost or stolen license, and they will process it as a standard replacement. The fee and process are identical to replacing a damaged license.
If you are concerned about identity theft because your license was stolen, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is a separate step from replacing your license and is not handled by the DMV.
Special Situations: Name Changes and Address Updates
If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring the legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. The DMV will issue a replacement license under your new name. The fee remains $20.25.
If your address has changed, you can update it during the replacement process at no extra cost. straightforward tell the DMV staff your new address, and they will print it on your replacement license. You do not need to bring a new residency document if you already provided one showing your current address.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with endorsements (motorcycle, school bus, hazmat), the replacement process is the same. Your endorsements will transfer to your replacement license automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my Colorado license if I live out of state now?
No. You must have a current Colorado address to replace a Colorado license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still own property in Colorado or plan to move back, contact the DMV to discuss your options.
What if I do not have a document that proves my residency?
You can use a notarized letter from someone who lives at your address and has a utility bill or lease in their name. Bring that person's document plus the notarized letter. A notary is available at most banks, libraries, and UPS stores for a small fee.
How long is a replacement license valid?
Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in three years, your replacement will also expire in three years. You do not get a new expiration date unless you request a renewal instead of a replacement.
Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, the DMV will not issue a replacement. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing required programs, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DMV. Contact the DMV to find out what you need to do.
What if the DMV finds an error in my records?
If the DMV discovers an error in your name, address, or other information during the replacement process, they will ask you to correct it before issuing your replacement license. Bring documents that support the correct information. If you disagree with what is in the system, ask to speak with a supervisor.