What you need to do right now

If you've lost your Colorado driver's license, you can replace it in person at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement is straightforward a new copy of the same license you already have. If your license was suspended or expired, however, you'll need to handle that separately before replacing it.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Colorado DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment to replace a lost license on the same day.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, though the cost may differ if your license is expired or suspended.
  • You cannot replace a lost license online or by mail in Colorado — in-person visits are required.
  • If you suspect your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police and request a fraud alert with the Colorado DMV.

Documents you'll need to bring

Bring one form of primary identification — a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. If you don't have one of those, you can use two forms of secondary ID instead, such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a utility bill in your name.

You'll also need proof of Colorado residency. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Your name must match the address on your proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You do not need to bring the old license itself — the DMV has a record of it.

Where to go and what it costs

You can visit any Colorado DMV office. The state has locations in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and several other cities. Find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado DMV website before you go — some locations have limited hours or close for lunch.

The replacement fee is $20 for a standard five-year license. If your license was expired at the time you lost it, you may owe an additional renewal fee. If your license was suspended, you cannot replace it until the suspension is lifted — contact the DMV to find out the reason and what you need to do.

The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices have ATMs on-site if you need cash.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and confirm your address and other information on file. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license that is valid for driving when ready. This temporary license lasts 30 days. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to the address on file, arriving in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. If you move before it arrives, contact the DMV to update your address.

If your license was stolen

If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a report with your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. Bring the police report number to the DMV when you replace your license.

You can also request that the Colorado DMV place a fraud alert on your record. This flag warns law enforcement and other agencies that your license may be in someone else's hands. Ask the DMV staff about this option when you visit — they can add it to your replacement request at no extra cost.

If your license is expired or suspended

If your license expired before you lost it, you'll need to renew it rather than straightforward replace it. Renewal requires passing the vision test and paying a renewal fee in addition to the replacement fee. The DMV staff can tell you which process applies to your situation when you arrive.

If your license was suspended for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical hold — you cannot replace it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Colorado DMV or the agency that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is cleared, you can then replace the license.

Getting a replacement before your mail arrives

The temporary paper license you receive on the day of replacement is valid for driving in Colorado and is recognized by law enforcement. However, some businesses, banks, and airlines may not accept it as ID. If you need a photo ID for something other than driving before your plastic card arrives, you may need to use a passport or other government-issued ID instead.

If your plastic card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Colorado DMV. Delays occasionally happen, and the DMV can reissue your card or investigate what happened to the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to replace a lost license in person at a DMV office. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken. There is no online or mail-in option for replacements.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You'll need to bring something dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail. If you recently moved and don't have a document yet, contact the DMV before your visit to ask what alternatives they accept.

Do I have to retake the written or road test?

No. A replacement is straightforward a new copy of your existing license. You only retake tests if your license expired or was suspended, in which case you're renewing rather than replacing.

How long is the temporary paper license good for?

The temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your plastic card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive by then, contact the DMV to report the delay.

What if I move before my replacement card arrives?

Contact the Colorado DMV and give them your new address. They can redirect your card to the new location or reissue it to your updated address. Do this as soon as you move to avoid delays.