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

To replace a lost 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 fill out an process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL-43), pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online in Colorado. The state requires an in-person visit because you must provide a new photo and sign the process in front of a DMV employee. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office, which is valid for 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of Colorado residency to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard driver's license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days if you need to drive when ready.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can check the status online using your driver's license number or social security number.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and request a new license number to protect against identity fraud.

Documents and proof you'll need to bring

Bring one form of valid photo identification and one proof of Colorado residency. Valid photo IDs include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you don't have any of these, you can use a combination of non-photo documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your current Colorado address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works if it shows your name and address. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a letter from your landlord or utility company confirming your address.

Colorado DMV office locations and hours

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. The main office is in Denver at 1881 Pierce Street, but you can visit any DMV office in the state. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. A few offices have Saturday hours.

You can find your nearest office and check current hours on the Colorado DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. During busy times like lunch hours or the end of the month, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

The replacement fee and what it covers

The replacement fee for a lost Colorado driver's license is $20. This is the standard fee for a five-year license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (which you'll need for domestic air travel starting May 2025), the fee is $25. Payment is cash, check, or card at most offices.

The $20 fee covers the new license card itself and the processing. It does not cover a temporary paper license if you request one—that is issued free at the DMV office. If your license was damaged rather than lost, the replacement fee is the same. If you're replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may owe additional reinstatement fees depending on why it was suspended.

Getting a temporary paper license while you wait

At the DMV office, you can request a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while your replacement card is in the mail. You don't pay extra for it—it's included as part of the replacement process. The DMV employee will print it on the spot before you leave the office.

The temporary license is a single sheet of paper with your photo, signature, and license number. It's not as durable as a card, so keep it in a safe place. If you lose the temporary license before your replacement arrives, you'll need to return to the DMV to request another one. Once your new card arrives in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid.

Checking the status of your replacement license

After you leave the DMV office, you can track your replacement license online using the Colorado DMV website. You'll need your driver's license number or Social Security number and your date of birth. The status page will tell you whether your license is being printed, in the mail, or ready for pickup.

Most licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but during busy periods it can take up to two weeks. If your license doesn't arrive within 14 days, contact the Colorado DMV by phone or visit the website to report it. The DMV can reissue the license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail. If your address changes before the license arrives, you can update it online or at a DMV office, and the license will be sent to your new address.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, consider reporting the theft to your local police department. This creates a record in case the license is used for fraud or identity theft. You don't need a police report to replace the license at the DMV, but having one on file can help if someone uses your license number later.

When you replace a stolen license, you can request a new license number instead of keeping your old one. This prevents someone from using your original number to commit fraud. Ask the DMV employee about this option when you explore for your replacement. The new number will be printed on your replacement card. You should also monitor your credit report and watch for suspicious activity on your accounts in the months after the theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to replace a lost license in person at a DMV office. You must provide a new photo and sign the process in front of a DMV employee. However, once you've completed the in-person step, your new license is mailed to you.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

If you don't have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a letter from your landlord, employer, or bank on official letterhead confirming your Colorado address. Some DMV offices will also accept a notarized statement of residency if you have no other documents available.

How long does a replacement license take if I'm traveling?

Your license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days by mail to the address you provide. If you're leaving Colorado before it arrives, you can have it mailed to a different address or pick it up at a DMV office when you return. Ask the DMV employee about these options when you explore.

Do I need a Real ID license to replace my lost license?

No. You can replace your license with a standard Colorado driver's license for $20. A Real ID license costs $25 and is required for domestic air travel starting May 2025. You can upgrade to Real ID now or wait and upgrade later when your standard license expires.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged?

Contact the Colorado DMV with your license number and explain the damage. The DMV can reissue the license at no additional cost. You may need to return the damaged license or provide a photo of the damage, depending on the DMV's policy at the time.