What you need to do right now
If your Colorado driver's license is lost, you need to visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of identity and residence. Colorado does not issue replacement licenses by mail. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The fee is $20 for a standard replacement.
You cannot renew online, by phone, or through a third-party service. The DMV office visit is required because the state treats a lost license as a new issuance, not a straightforward reprint. Bring original documents — photocopies are not accepted at the counter.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person; there is no mail-in or online option for a lost license replacement.
- Bring an original proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and an original proof of Colorado residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
- The replacement fee is $20, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the permanent card is mailed.
- Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though processing can take longer during peak periods.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and request a case number to show the DMV, though this is not required.
Documents you must bring to the DMV office
Colorado requires one original proof of identity and one original proof of residence. Photocopies, faxes, and digital images will not be accepted. The DMV will not accept documents that have been altered or that show a different name than what you are using now.
Acceptable proof of identity: U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, birth certificate (certified copy), or Colorado ID card. If you are using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office, not a hospital record or photocopy.
Acceptable proof of residence: Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or property tax notice. The document must show your current Colorado address and be dated within the last 90 days. A PO box does not count as proof of residence.
If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the original court order or marriage certificate showing the change. The DMV will not process a replacement under a different name without this document.
Step-by-step process at the Colorado DMV
First, locate the nearest DMV office using the Colorado Department of Transportation website. You can search by county or city. Some offices accept walk-ins; others operate by appointment only. Check the office hours and appointment availability before you go.
When you arrive, take a number at the front desk or check in at the kiosk if the office has one. Bring all original documents with you. Tell the clerk that you need to replace a lost license. The clerk will verify your identity, check your documents, take a new photo (unless you have a valid photo on file from a recent renewal), and process the replacement.
You will pay the $20 fee at the counter. Colorado accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The clerk will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving, voting, or identification purposes. Write down the temporary license number for your records.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days, but during high-volume periods (late spring and summer) it may take up to three weeks. You will not receive a tracking number or notification when it ships.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. This is optional but recommended if you are concerned about identity theft or fraud. Ask the police for a case number or report number when you file.
Bring the police report number to the DMV if you have one. It is not required, but it documents the theft and may help if someone uses your license number fraudulently. The DMV will note the report in your file.
Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A driver's license contains your name, address, and date of birth — enough information for someone to open accounts in your name. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
If you cannot visit a DMV office in person
Colorado does not offer exceptions to the in-person requirement for lost license replacements. You must appear at an office yourself. You cannot send someone else to pick up a replacement on your behalf, and you cannot complete the process remotely.
If you are temporarily out of state, you can still visit a Colorado DMV office when you return. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, which gives you time to travel back and complete the replacement in person. If you will be out of state longer than 30 days, contact the DMV to ask about extending the temporary license — extensions are rare but sometimes granted for military deployment or medical reasons.
If you are unable to drive to an office due to disability or medical condition, call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for you to complete the process with information, such as allowing a caregiver to accompany you or providing a wheelchair-accessible station.
Timeline and what to expect after you leave the office
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and can be used for all purposes — driving, voting, and identification. Keep it in a safe place. If you lose the temporary license before your permanent card arrives, you will need to return to the DMV and pay another $20 for a second replacement.
The permanent license is mailed to the address on file at the DMV. If you have moved since your last license, update your address at the DMV office before you leave. You can also update your address online through the Colorado DMV website if you need to change it after your visit, though the permanent license will still be mailed to the address you provided at the office.
If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600. Have your temporary license number ready. The DMV can check the status of your order and reissue if necessary, though this is uncommon.
Fees and payment methods
The replacement fee for a lost Colorado driver's license is $20. This is a flat rate regardless of how long your previous license had remaining. You cannot pay online or by mail — payment must be made in person at the DMV office when you submit your documents.
Colorado DMV offices accept cash, personal check, debit card, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need to withdraw cash. Ask the clerk if you are unsure whether your payment method is accepted.
If you need a rush replacement or expedited mail delivery, Colorado does not offer these services for lost licenses. All replacements follow the standard 7 to 10 business day timeline. There is no fee to add to speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day I report it lost?
You will receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the DMV office, which is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. There is no same-day permanent license option in Colorado.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
Tell the DMV clerk at your visit that you have moved. They will update your address in the system and mail your permanent license to your new address. Bring proof of your new residence (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) to verify the change.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
Reporting to police is optional but recommended if your license was stolen or if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report number can be brought to the DMV and noted in your file, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at the DMV office to replace a lost license. You cannot authorize someone else to do it on your behalf, and you cannot have the license mailed to a different person.
What if my temporary license expires before my permanent one arrives?
Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to request an extension. Extensions are uncommon but may be granted if your permanent license is delayed. You may also return to a DMV office and pay another $20 for a second temporary license if needed.