What you need to do to replace your Colorado license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Colorado driver's license, you'll visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Colorado does not allow you to replace your license by mail or online, even if your current license is still valid. You must appear in person at a DMV office. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and get a report number — some DMV offices ask for this, and it protects you if someone tries to use your old license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard driver's license, and you'll pay by cash, check, or card depending on the office.
- You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, bring a police report number to the DMV office; if it was damaged, bring the old card itself.
- Walk-in appointments are available at most Colorado DMV offices, but you can also schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting.
What documents to bring to the DMV
Bring one form of valid photo ID and one proof of your current Colorado address. Your valid Colorado driver's license counts as photo ID, but if it's damaged beyond recognition, bring a passport, military ID, or tribal ID instead. If your license was stolen and you have no photo ID, a school or work ID with your photo will work if you also bring a second document like a birth certificate or Social Security card.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your employer, insurance company, or the Colorado Department of Revenue also works. If you've moved recently and don't have a document yet, ask the DMV staff — they may accept a signed statement from a landlord or family member in some cases, though this varies by office.
The replacement fee and payment methods
Colorado charges $20 to replace a standard driver's license. This fee applies whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. If you're replacing a license that expired more than two years ago, you'll pay the standard renewal fee instead, which is higher — ask the DMV staff when you arrive to confirm which fee applies to your situation.
Most Colorado DMV offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. A few smaller offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you're visiting a rural location. You'll pay at the counter when you submit your documents. If you're replacing your license because it was stolen, the fee is the same — Colorado does not waive replacement fees for theft.
How to schedule an appointment or walk in
You can schedule an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov. Click "Schedule an Appointment," select your county and the office you want to visit, choose a date and time, and confirm. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially in Denver and other large cities. Scheduling takes about 5 minutes and you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment number.
Walk-ins are also accepted at all Colorado DMV offices, but wait times vary widely. During busy hours (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays), you may wait 45 minutes to over an hour. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be faster. If you walk in without an appointment, take a number at the entrance and wait for your turn. You do not need an appointment to replace your license, but having one saves time.
What happens when you arrive at the DMV office
When it's your turn, hand your documents to the DMV staff member at the counter. They'll verify your identity and address, check your current license status in the system, and ask you to confirm your information. If everything matches, they'll direct you to the photo area, where you'll sit for a new license photo. Wear something you're comfortable being photographed in — the same rules explore as for a new license photo (no hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face).
After your photo is taken, you'll return to the counter. The staff member will print your temporary paper license on the spot and hand it to you. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID, and present it to police if stopped. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it after two weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied.
If your license was stolen versus damaged
If your license was stolen, bring a police report number if you have one. You can file a report with your local police department in person or online through their website — many Colorado police departments allow online theft reports. The report number helps the DMV flag your old license in the system so it can't be misused. Even without a report number, you can still replace your license; the report just adds an extra layer of protection.
If your license is damaged, bring the old card itself to the DMV office. The staff will inspect it to confirm it's too worn or broken to use. Damage that qualifies includes water damage, fading, cracks, or peeling. If the damage is minor (a small scratch or slight discoloration), the DMV may ask you to keep using your current license. Bring the card anyway — the staff will make the final call.
Replacing your license if you've moved out of state
If you've moved to another state and your Colorado license is still valid, you don't need to replace it in Colorado. You can keep using it until it expires, then get a license in your new state. However, if your Colorado license was lost or stolen while you were out of state, you'll need to contact the Colorado DMV by phone or mail to report it and request a replacement. Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 to ask about mailing in a replacement request, though most staff will direct you back to visiting an office in person if you return to Colorado.
If you've moved back to Colorado and need to replace your license, visit any Colorado DMV office with your new proof of address. Your license will be mailed to your current Colorado address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license at a King Soopers or Walmart DMV location?
No. Colorado DMV services are only available at official DMV offices, not at third-party locations like grocery stores or big-box retailers. Visit dmv.colorado.gov to find the DMV office nearest you. Some counties have multiple offices, so you can choose the one most convenient to your location.
What if I lost my license and don't have any other photo ID?
Bring a school ID, work ID, or passport if you have one. If you have none of these, bring a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a second non-photo ID like a utility bill or bank statement. The DMV staff will work with you to confirm your identity using available documents. Call ahead to ask what combination they'll accept.
How long is my temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. It works for driving and as a form of ID anywhere your regular license would. If your permanent card doesn't arrive within 7 to 10 business days, contact the DMV office where you applied to check the status.
Do I need to renew my license at the same time I replace it?
No. Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license is separate from renewing an expired license. If your license is still valid, you'll only pay the $20 replacement fee. If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll pay the renewal fee instead. The DMV staff will tell you which fee applies when you arrive.
What if I can't get to a DMV office in person?
Colorado requires you to appear in person to replace your license — there is no mail-in or online option. If you're unable to visit an office due to disability or transportation issues, contact the DMV office directly to ask about accommodations. Some offices may be able to help you or direct you to resources in your area.