What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost driver's license in Colorado, you must visit a Department of Revenue office in person with proof of identity and residency. Colorado does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will pay a fee (currently $20.00 for a standard replacement), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police or the Colorado State Patrol, though this is not required to get a replacement.

The entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If it has, you will need to pass both tests before a replacement can be issued.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a Colorado Department of Revenue office with valid proof of identity and one document showing your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $20.00 and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready; the permanent card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you must pass the written test and driving test before a replacement is issued.
  • Filing a police report for a stolen license is optional but recommended if you believe someone may use it fraudulently.
  • Colorado Department of Revenue offices are open Monday through Friday; some locations offer extended hours on certain days.

Proof of Identity and Residency Documents You Will Need

Colorado requires two separate documents: one for identity and one for current address. Your identity document must be an original or certified copy—photocopies are not accepted. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, you may use a Social Security card plus one additional document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a school ID or employee badge.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Colorado address. Utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and insurance documents all work. A government check or tax return also counts. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, a notarized letter from the homeowner or landlord stating that you live there is accepted, though this is slower and less common.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot afford to lose—the Department of Revenue will not return them. Bring copies or documents you are comfortable leaving behind.

Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Visit

Colorado has 21 Department of Revenue driver's license offices statewide. You can visit any office; you do not have to go to the one in your county. The main office locations are in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo, but smaller offices exist in towns including Greeley, Longmont, Boulder, and Durango. Find the complete list and hours at dor.colorado.gov under "Driver's License Services."

Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but wait times vary. During peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays), you may wait 30 to 60 minutes. Some offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the same website. Booking an appointment does not may provide a shorter wait but does reserve a time slot. If you book an appointment and do not show up within 15 minutes of your scheduled time, you will be moved to the walk-in queue.

Hours are generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some larger offices stay open until 6:00 p.m. on certain days. A few offices close for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m. Check your local office's hours before you go.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than One Year Ago

If your license has been expired for more than 12 months, Colorado treats a replacement as a new license issuance. You will need to pass both the written knowledge test and the driving test before the replacement is issued. You cannot receive a temporary paper license until you pass both tests.

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have three attempts to pass it; if you fail, you must wait one day before retesting. The driving test is a 30-minute evaluation of your ability to operate a vehicle safely. You must bring a vehicle registered in Colorado and proof of insurance. If you pass both tests on the same day, you will receive your temporary paper license before you leave the office.

If your license expired within the past 12 months, you skip both tests and proceed directly to the replacement process described above.

Understanding the Temporary License and Permanent Card Timeline

When you complete your replacement transaction, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 30 days. It has the same legal weight as a permanent card—police will accept it as proof of a valid license, and you can use it to rent a car or present it to an employer.

Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you need the card faster, Colorado offers expedited mail service for an additional fee (currently $15.00 for 3 to 5 business days). Request expedited service when you are at the office; you cannot add it after you leave.

If your permanent card does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 to report it. Keep your temporary license until the permanent card arrives. Once the permanent card reaches you, the temporary license is no longer valid.

What to Do If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should file a report with your local police department or the Colorado State Patrol. This creates an official record in case someone attempts to use your license fraudulently. You do not need the police report to obtain a replacement, but having one on file protects you if the stolen license is used to commit fraud or traffic violations.

When you file the report, provide the officer with your license number (if you remember it), date of birth, and the approximate date and location where you believe it was stolen. Ask for a case number or report number; keep this for your records. Some police departments allow you to file a report online, while others require you to visit in person.

After you file a police report, proceed with the replacement process at the Department of Revenue as described above. Bring the police report number with you if you have it, though it is not required. If you are concerned about identity theft, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Fees and Payment Methods

The standard replacement fee for a lost or stolen driver's license in Colorado is $20.00. If you choose expedited mail delivery, add $15.00 for a total of $35.00. These are the only fees charged for a replacement; there are no additional processing or administrative fees.

The Department of Revenue accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). Some offices may accept checks, but this varies by location. Ask at your office if you plan to pay by check. You will receive a receipt showing the transaction date, the fee paid, and your temporary license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a Department of Revenue office. You cannot complete a replacement through the mail, online, or by phone. You must bring original or certified proof documents and be present to have your photo taken for the new license.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a Social Security card plus one additional document showing your name and date of birth, such as a school ID, employee badge, or insurance card. If you have none of these, contact the Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 to discuss alternative documents before you visit an office.

Do I need to take the driving test again?

Only if your license has been expired for more than one year. If it expired within the past 12 months, you skip both the written and driving tests and receive your replacement when ready.

How long does the permanent card take to arrive?

Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days. Expedited delivery is 3 to 5 business days for an additional $15.00 fee. You can use your temporary paper license for 30 days while you wait.

What if someone finds my lost license and tries to use it?

Once you report it lost to the Department of Revenue and receive a replacement, the old license is deactivated in the system. It will not scan as valid at a bar, bank, or police checkpoint. Filing a police report creates an additional record if fraud occurs, which protects you legally.