What you need to do to replace a Colorado driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Colorado driver's license, you must visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You'll pay a replacement fee (currently $20 for a standard license), complete an process form, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and get a report number — some DMV offices ask for this, though it's not always required. If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it until the replacement arrives. Colorado does not issue temporary paper licenses, so you'll need to carry your old license or another form of ID until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof you live in Colorado.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you'll have your photo taken during the visit.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; Colorado does not issue temporary licenses.
  • If your license was stolen, a police report number can help but is not always required.
  • You can use your old license or another ID until the replacement arrives.

Documents and ID you need to bring

Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of Colorado residency. Primary ID options include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you don't have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents — the DMV website lists what counts, but a Social Security card plus a birth certificate is a common pairing.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Colorado address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days works. A post office change-of-address confirmation does not count as proof of residency.

Finding a DMV office and making an appointment

Colorado DMV offices are located in most counties. You can find the nearest office and check hours on the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov). Many offices now require appointments, which you can book online through the same website. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but appointment wait times are typically shorter.

If you book an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early. If you walk in, expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on the time of day and office location. Rural offices tend to have shorter waits than Denver-area offices. Some offices close for lunch, so check the hours before you go.

What happens during your visit

At the DMV office, you'll fill out an process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43). The staff will verify your documents, check your driving record, and take a new photo. You'll pay the $20 replacement fee by cash, debit, or credit card — policies vary by office, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

The photo taken at the DMV is used on your new license. You cannot bring your own photo. If you wear glasses, you can wear them in the photo, but the DMV may ask you to remove them if they reflect light. The entire process at the counter usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

When your new license will arrive

Colorado mails replacement licenses from a central facility, not from the local DMV office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office. If you live in a rural area, add a few extra days for mail delivery. You'll receive the license at the address you provided on your process.

If your license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the Colorado DMV by phone or through their website to check the status. Occasionally licenses are delayed due to mail issues or errors in the address provided. The DMV can reissue or correct the address if needed.

Using your old license while you wait

You can continue to use your old license for driving and identification until the replacement arrives, even if it's damaged or worn. Law enforcement will accept it as valid. If your license was stolen, you may want to carry another form of ID as backup in case you're asked for proof that you reported it.

If you need to drive before the replacement arrives and your old license is completely unreadable or you no longer have it, you can request an expedited replacement. Contact your local DMV office to ask about rush options — some offices can issue a temporary license valid for a short period, though this varies by location.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Colorado DMV. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. The DMV website lists your current license status if you create an online account.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then replace the physical license using the standard process described above. If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DMV before visiting an office — they can tell you over the phone and explain what steps you need to take to clear the suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Colorado requires you to visit a DMV office in person for a replacement license. You must provide proof of identity and residency in person, and you must have a new photo taken. There is no mail-in or online option for replacements.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to visit a Colorado DMV office. If you're traveling and can't return to Colorado when ready, you can request a replacement by mail once you return, but you'll still need to visit an office at some point to provide ID and have your photo taken. Some people in this situation carry a passport or other federal ID until they can visit the DMV.

Do I need a police report if my license was stolen?

A police report is not required, but it's a good idea if your license was stolen as part of a larger theft or if you're concerned about identity theft. If you have a report number, bring it to the DMV — it may speed up the process. If you don't have one, you can still replace your license without it.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The replacement fee is $20 for a standard driver's license. If you're replacing an ID card instead, the fee is also $20. Payment is due at the time of your visit. Some DMV offices accept cash only, while others accept debit and credit cards, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

What if my address changed since my old license was issued?

Provide your current Colorado address on the process form at the DMV office. Your new license will be mailed to that address. If you haven't updated your address yet, do so before you visit — bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).