What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost driver's license in Colorado, you must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. Colorado does not allow online replacement for lost licenses — you cannot mail in a request or use a third-party service. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
The fee for a replacement license is $20.50 if your license is not expired, or $28.50 if it is expired and you need renewal at the same time. You must bring the documents listed below; without them, the DMV will not process your request.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office with valid proof of identity and proof of residency — there is no online or mail-in option for lost licenses.
- Bring one document from the identity list (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and one from the residency list (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
- The replacement fee is $20.50 for a valid license or $28.50 if your license is also expired; you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you may file a report with local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
- Colorado DMV offices have different hours and some require appointments; check the office locator on the Colorado DMV website before you go.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV Office
Colorado requires two separate documents: one for identity and one for residency. Both must be original or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
Proof of identity: Bring one of these. A U.S. passport (valid or expired within the last five years), a certified copy of your birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a passport card. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the state seal, not a photocopy from a hospital or family records.
Proof of residency: Bring one document dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit union statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document with your current Colorado address. The document must show your name and current address.
If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can use a military discharge papers (DD-214), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as your identity document instead.
Step-by-Step Process at the DMV Office
When you arrive at a Colorado DMV office, the process follows this order:
- Check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you need a replacement license.
- Hand over your identity and residency documents. The staff will verify them and make copies.
- Answer questions about your current address, height, eye color, and any name changes since your last license was issued.
- Have your photo taken for the new license (you cannot bring a photo from home).
- Pay the $20.50 or $28.50 fee by cash, debit card, or credit card.
- Receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic license is printed and mailed.
The temporary paper license is valid for driving in Colorado and out of state. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives. If your plastic card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV office where you applied.
Finding a DMV Office and Making an Appointment
Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments, especially in Denver and surrounding areas. Check the Colorado DMV website office locator at dmv.colorado.gov to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are required.
If appointments are required, you can book one online through the same office locator tool. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 4 weeks in advance during busy seasons (spring and summer). If you cannot find an appointment nearby, try offices in neighboring counties — you can use any Colorado DMV office, not just the one in your county.
Office hours vary. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have extended hours on certain days. Check before you go, because arriving at a closed office wastes a trip.
If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may file a police report, but it is not required to get a replacement. Filing a report creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently, but the DMV will replace it either way.
If you file a report, bring a copy of the police report number or the report itself to the DMV office. The staff will note it in your file. This does not change the fee or the timeline — you still pay $20.50 and receive your temporary license on the spot.
If you are concerned about identity theft (for example, if other documents were also stolen), contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This is separate from the DMV process but worth doing if your wallet or bag contained multiple documents.
What Happens If Your License Is Also Expired
If your license expired while it was lost, you must renew it at the same time you replace it. The fee increases to $28.50 instead of $20.50. You will still bring the same identity and residency documents, and the process at the office is the same — you answer the same questions, have a new photo taken, and receive a temporary license.
Your new plastic license will show the current expiration date (typically five years from the date of issue for a standard license). You do not need to take a written test or driving test to renew a lost license, even if it was expired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport. Colorado requires original documents or certified copies with the state seal. A hospital birth certificate or a photocopy will be rejected.
Do not assume your county's DMV office is the only one you can use. You can visit any Colorado DMV office, so if your local office has no appointments for weeks, try a neighboring county.
Do not lose your temporary paper license. It is valid for 30 days and is your only proof of a valid license until your plastic card arrives. If you lose the temporary license before your plastic card comes, you will need to return to the DMV and pay another $20.50 for a replacement temporary license.
Do not bring an expired utility bill or bank statement. Residency documents must be dated within 90 days of your visit. A bill from six months ago will not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lost license by mail or online?
No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office. You cannot mail in a request or use an online service to replace a lost license. You must bring your identity and residency documents to an office and have your photo taken.
How long does it take to get my plastic license in the mail?
The plastic license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days, so you can drive while you wait. If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV office where you applied.
What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a military discharge papers (DD-214), a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card, or a tribal ID instead. If you have none of these, contact the DMV office before you visit to ask about other options.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No. You can replace a stolen license without a police report. Filing a report is optional and creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently, but the DMV will replace it either way with the same fee and timeline.
Can I use an expired utility bill as proof of residency?
No. Your residency document must be dated within 90 days of your DMV visit. An older bill will be rejected. Use a recent utility bill, bank statement, lease, or other document from the accepted list.