Where and How to Report Your Address Change in Colorado
In Colorado, you report an address change to the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You have three ways to do it: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you receive confirmation when ready. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits are same-day if you arrive during office hours.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The DMV will issue you a new card with the updated address at no charge if your license is still valid. If your license has expired or is expiring within 30 days, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid two separate transactions.
Colorado does not require you to notify the DMV within a specific number of days after moving. However, driving with an outdated address on your license can create problems during traffic stops or if you need to use it as proof of residency for other purposes.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Colorado address online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office, and the online method takes about 10 minutes with when ready confirmation.
- Address changes are free and do not require you to renew your license unless it is expiring soon.
- You will receive a new physical card by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you change your address online or by mail.
- Colorado has no legal important date for reporting an address change, but an outdated address can cause problems during traffic stops or when using your license as proof of residency.
- If you change your address online, you must have your current Colorado driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth ready.
Online Address Change Through the Colorado DMV Website
The Colorado DMV website allows you to change your address without visiting an office or mailing documents. Go to dmv.colorado.gov, find the "Address Change" option under the "Driver's License" section, and follow the prompts. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using these details.
After you submit your new address online, the DMV sends you a confirmation email. Your new physical card is mailed to your new address and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Until the card arrives, your old license is still valid for driving — the address change takes effect when ready in the DMV system even though the physical card has not yet reached you.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you encounter an error message or cannot complete the transaction, the DMV help line can walk you through the process or direct you to an office location.
Changing Your Address by Mail
To change your address by mail, read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) from the Colorado DMV website or request it by phone. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your envelope. There is no fee. Your new card will be mailed to your new address. If you are concerned about mail delivery to your new location, consider using the online method instead, which gives you when ready confirmation.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If your envelope is lost in transit, you will have documentation of what you sent and when.
In-Person Address Change at a Colorado DMV Office
Walk into any Colorado DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Tell the clerk you need an address change.
The transaction takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay no fee. The DMV will issue you a new physical card on the spot in most cases, though some offices may mail it to you instead — ask the clerk before you leave. If the card is issued in the office, you can drive home with it when ready. If it is mailed, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Bring your current license and proof of address. Do not bring originals of other documents unless the clerk specifically asks for them. Colorado DMV offices are busiest on Saturdays and the first week of the month — weekday mornings are typically shorter waits.
What Happens If Your License Is Expiring Soon
If your license expires within 30 days of your address change, you have two choices: change the address alone and renew separately later, or renew and change the address in one transaction. Renewing at the same time costs more (renewal fees vary by age and license type) but saves you a second trip or second mailing.
If you choose to renew and change your address together, you can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods described above. The DMV will process both the renewal and the address change together, and you will receive one new card with both the updated address and the new expiration date.
If your license has already expired, you must renew it before or at the same time as changing your address. An expired license cannot be used for driving, even if you are only changing the address.
Documents You Need for Each Method
| Method | Documents Required | Time to Complete | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, Social Security number, date of birth | 10 minutes; card arrives in 7–10 business days | Free |
| By Mail | Completed Form DL 44, copy of current license (front and back) | 7–10 business days | Free |
| In Person | Current license, proof of address dated within 60 days | 10–15 minutes; card issued same-day or mailed | Free |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your address has changed in the DMV system just because you updated it with the post office or your bank. The DMV and the post office are separate systems. You must notify the DMV directly. Driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a citation if you are stopped by law enforcement, though the officer may issue a warning if the address is only slightly out of date.
If you are changing your address online, do not submit the form twice if you receive a slow response. The system may take a few seconds to process. Submitting twice can create duplicate requests or errors. If the page does not respond after 30 seconds, close it and try again in a few minutes.
When changing your address in person, bring proof of address dated within the last 60 days. Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements work. Outdated bills or documents without your name will not be accepted. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, bring a lease or rental agreement instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot change your address on a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Colorado DMV. Once your driving privileges are restored, you can change your address using any of the three methods.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Colorado license?
You can change your address to an out-of-state address online or by mail. However, if you now live permanently in another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead. Holding a Colorado license while living elsewhere can cause problems with vehicle registration, insurance, and traffic stops.
How long does it take to receive my new card after changing my address online?
Your new card is mailed within 1 to 2 business days of your online submission and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Delivery time depends on mail service to your address. Until the card arrives, your old license is valid for driving.
Do I need to change my address if I am moving temporarily?
No. Address changes are permanent in the DMV system. If you are moving temporarily (for example, for a job or school), you can keep your current address on your license. However, if you move permanently, you should update your address so your license matches your actual residence.
What if I never received my new card after changing my address?
Contact the Colorado DMV at the phone number on their website or visit a local office with your old license. The DMV can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. Reissuing a card may take an additional 7 to 10 business days.