Where and How to Report Your Address Change in Colorado
In Colorado, you report an address change to the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You have three ways to do it: online through the Colorado DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your record updates within one business day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days from receipt. In-person visits are when ready but require a trip to your local office.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The change is free, and your current license remains valid. Colorado does not issue a new card with the updated address unless you also renew your license or replace it for another reason.
Your address change becomes part of your driving record and is used by law enforcement, insurance companies, and the state. If you move and do not update your address, tickets and registration notices will go to your old address, and you may miss court dates or payment important date.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's DMV accepts address changes online, by mail, or in person, with online being the fastest option at one business day.
- You need your driver's license number, current address, and new address to make the change; no documents proving residency are required.
- The address change is free and does not require you to renew your license or get a new card.
- If you move out of state, you must get a new license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires, usually 30 to 60 days.
- Updating your address before you move prevents mail from going to the wrong location and keeps your record current with law enforcement.
Online Address Change Through Colorado DMV
The Colorado DMV website allows you to change your address without visiting an office. Go to dor.colorado.gov/motor-vehicles and select the address change option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. Enter your new address and submit.
After you submit online, you receive a confirmation number. Your address updates in the system within one business day. You do not receive a new physical card in the mail — your current license is still valid with the old address printed on it. If you need a card with the new address, you must renew your license or request a replacement, which costs money and takes additional time.
Online changes work only if your information in the system is current and matches what you enter. If you have a name change, a suspended license, or an out-of-state address, you may not be able to complete the change online and will need to use mail or in-person service instead.
Mailing Your Address Change to Colorado DMV
To change your address by mail, print the process for Address Change form from the Colorado DMV website or request it by phone at 303-205-5600. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, and new address. Sign and date the form. Do not send your physical license — the DMV does not need it.
Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form, usually the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, Denver office. Include a copy of a document showing your new address if you want to be certain the change processes correctly, though it is not required. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your mail.
Keep a copy of the form and the envelope receipt for your records. If your change does not appear in the system after 10 business days, call 303-205-5600 to confirm receipt and ask for the status.
In-Person Address Change at a Colorado DMV Office
Walk into any Colorado DMV office with your current driver's license and tell the clerk you need to change your address. Bring a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. The clerk will update your record on the spot, and the change is when ready.
You do not need an appointment for an address change at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster. Check the Colorado DMV website for office hours and locations near you. Some smaller towns have limited hours, so call ahead if you are traveling a distance.
Bring your current license and proof of your new address. You do not need to bring Social Security documents, birth certificates, or other identity papers for an address-only change. If the clerk asks for additional documents, ask what specific document they need and why — address changes should not require extensive paperwork.
What Documents You Need for Each Method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, date of birth, last four digits of SSN | 1 business day | Free |
| By Mail | Completed process for Address Change form, driver's license number | 7–10 business days | Free |
| In Person | Current driver's license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Same day | Free |
Moving Out of State From Colorado
If you move to another state, you must get a driver's license from that state within the timeframe it requires — usually 30 to 60 days after you establish residency. You do not need to formally close your Colorado license; it straightforward expires or becomes invalid once you hold a valid license from your new state.
Before you move, you may update your Colorado address one last time if you have a temporary address in the new state, or you can let it expire. When you explore for your new state's license, bring your Colorado license, proof of residency in the new state, and any other documents that state requires. Each state has different rules, so check your new state's DMV website before you move.
If you are moving temporarily and plan to return to Colorado, you can update your address to a temporary location in the new state and keep your Colorado license active. When you return, update your address back to Colorado. This works as long as your license has not expired.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is not updating your address before you move. Tickets, registration renewal notices, and other official mail will go to your old address, and you may not see them in time to respond. Update your address as soon as you know your new one, even if you have not physically moved yet.
Another mistake is assuming your physical license card will be updated. Colorado does not print a new card with your new address unless you renew or replace your license. Your license remains valid with the old address on it; the DMV system has the new address, and that is what law enforcement and courts see when they look you up.
Do not send your physical license in the mail. The DMV does not need it for an address change, and you need it to drive. If you are changing your address by mail, send only the completed form.
If you move and your new state requires you to get a license there, do not delay. Driving on an out-of-state license after you have established residency in the new state can result in a ticket for driving with an invalid license. Check your new state's rules before you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring proof of residency to change my address online?
No. Online address changes require only your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You do not upload or send any documents. In-person changes do require proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
How long does it take to see my new address in the system?
Online changes update within one business day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your form. In-person changes are when ready. If you need your new address in the system quickly, use the online or in-person method.
Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?
No. An address change alone does not trigger a new card. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you want a card with the new address, you must renew your license or request a replacement card, which costs money and takes additional processing time.
What if I move and do not update my address?
Official mail, including tickets and registration renewal notices, will go to your old address. You may miss court dates or payment important date, which can result in fines, license suspension, or a warrant. Update your address as soon as you move to avoid these problems.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
You can change your address by mail or in person even if your license is suspended or expired. Online changes may not work if your license status is not current. Call 303-205-5600 to confirm whether you can use the online method, or use mail or in-person service instead.