Report the loss to Colorado DMV and request a replacement

When you lose your driver's license in Colorado, you need to report it to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will deactivate your lost license so it cannot be used fraudulently, and you can request a replacement at the same time. You do not have to wait a set period or file a police report first — you can go directly to the DMV.

You have three ways to report the loss and request a replacement: in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website. The online option is the fastest if you only need a standard replacement. In-person visits take longer because of wait times, but you walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.

If your license was lost outside Colorado — for example, while traveling — you can still report it to Colorado DMV remotely and request a replacement mailed to your address. You do not need to be in the state to start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your lost license to Colorado DMV online, by mail, or in person; the online method is fastest and costs $20 for a standard replacement.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to report the loss, whether you go online or in person.
  • If you visit a DMV office in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
  • Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license unless you also renew; do not renew unless your license was already expiring soon.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until you resolve the suspension or revocation status with Colorado DMV.

Online replacement through the Colorado DMV website

The Colorado DMV website allows you to report a lost license and order a replacement without visiting an office. Go to dor.colorado.gov/dmv, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number (if you remember it), Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will pay a $20 replacement fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you will not have a physical license, so if you need to drive when ready, you should visit a DMV office in person instead.

If you do not remember your license number, you can still complete the online report using your Social Security number and date of birth. The DMV system will look up your record. If the system cannot find your record, you will need to visit an office in person or call the DMV at 303-205-5600 to verify your identity before ordering a replacement.

In-person replacement at a Colorado DMV office

Visit any Colorado DMV office with proof of identity and your Social Security number. Bring one document from the REAL ID-compliant list: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or military ID. You do not need your lost license itself.

The DMV will verify your identity, deactivate your lost license, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent replacement card is printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is $20, paid in cash or card at the office.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in Denver and other large cities often have longer waits, especially on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Visiting early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits. You can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go.

Mail-in replacement request

You can also report your lost license and request a replacement by mail. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License form from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of one form of REAL ID-compliant identity document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID).

Processing a mail-in request takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope, plus mailing time in both directions. This method is slower than online or in-person, so use it only if you cannot visit an office or access the online system. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during the processing period.

Mail your request to the address on the process form. Keep a copy of what you send and note the date you mail it. If you do not receive your replacement license within 4 weeks of mailing, contact the DMV at 303-205-5600 to check the status.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your Colorado license was suspended or revoked before you lost it, you cannot get a replacement until you resolve the suspension or revocation. The DMV system will flag your record, and any attempt to replace the license will be denied until the underlying issue is cleared.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DMV at 303-205-5600 or check your status online at dor.colorado.gov/dmv. The DMV can tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension before you can get a replacement.

Once you have resolved the suspension — for example, by paying fines or completing a required program — you can then report your lost license and request a replacement using any of the three methods above.

Replacement license expiration and renewal timing

Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027. You do not automatically renew when you replace a lost license.

If your original license was expiring within the next 6 months, consider renewing at the same time you replace it. This saves you a second trip or online transaction later. However, if your license is not expiring soon, replace it only — do not renew — because renewal costs an additional fee and extends your expiration date by 5 years from the renewal date, not from your original expiration date.

To check your license expiration date, call the DMV at 303-205-5600 or log into your online DMV account if you have one set up. The DMV can tell you the exact date and advise whether combining replacement and renewal makes sense for your situation.

If your lost license is found later

If you report your license lost and then find it later, contact the Colorado DMV to let them know. The DMV will reactivate your original license so you can use it again. You do not have to do anything with the replacement card if it has already been mailed — straightforward do not use it.

If you have already received and activated your replacement card, you can continue using it. Your original license will remain deactivated. There is no penalty for finding your license after reporting it lost; the DMV straightforward updates your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a license while waiting for my replacement?

Only if you received a temporary paper license in person at a DMV office. That temporary license is valid for 30 days. If you ordered your replacement online or by mail, you do not have a valid license to drive until your permanent card arrives. Driving without a valid license is illegal in Colorado.

What if I lost my license outside of Colorado?

You can report it lost to Colorado DMV and request a replacement by going online, calling 303-205-5600, or mailing in a request. You do not need to be in Colorado. Your replacement will be mailed to your Colorado address. If you need to drive before it arrives and you are out of state, you may be able to use your passport or other federal ID as proof of identity, but check the rules of the state you are in.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The replacement fee is $20 in Colorado. This covers a standard replacement with the same expiration date as your original license. If you also renew your license at the same time, you will pay an additional renewal fee, which varies by license type (typically $30 to $40 for a standard driver's license).

What if the DMV cannot find my record online?

If the online system cannot locate you by Social Security number and date of birth, visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity. Bring your passport, birth certificate, or military ID. The staff can manually look up your record and process your replacement. This usually takes longer than the online method but resolves the issue on the same day.

Can I get a REAL ID-compliant replacement at the same time?

Yes. If you want your replacement license to be REAL ID-compliant (required for federal buildings and flights), bring the required documents when you visit in person: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Colorado residency. There is an additional $30 fee for REAL ID compliance. If you order online or by mail, you will get a standard license; you can upgrade to REAL ID later when you renew.