What you need to do to get a replacement Colorado driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Colorado driver's license, you visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and Colorado residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace your license online or by mail in Colorado. You must appear in person at a DMV office, even if your license is only damaged and still in your possession.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with valid ID and proof of residency to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you pay at the DMV office when you explore.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent plastic license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Bring one document that proves your identity (passport, military ID, or birth certificate) and one that proves you live in Colorado (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Documents to bring to the DMV office

Bring one form of valid identification and one proof of Colorado residency. For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, military ID, birth certificate, or passport card. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents—ask the DMV office by phone before you go, because the rules for combinations are specific.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Colorado address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the document itself.

Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it (like a tax return or W-2). You'll also need to know your current address and any previous addresses you've lived at in Colorado.

Finding a DMV office and making an appointment

Colorado DMV offices are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website at dor.colorado.gov. Search for "DMV office locations" to see the full list with phone numbers and hours.

You can make an appointment online through the same website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments move faster and you won't wait as long. If you call ahead, ask how long the wait is for walk-ins that day—some offices have longer waits than others depending on the time and day of the week.

Some smaller county offices may have limited hours or may be closed on certain days. Check before you drive there, especially if you're traveling more than 30 minutes.

The replacement fee and what happens at the office

The replacement fee for a standard Colorado driver's license is $20. You pay this fee at the DMV office when you submit your process. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If your license was damaged because of a manufacturing defect (not wear and tear), ask the DMV office if the fee can be waived—some offices will do this, but it depends on the damage.

When you arrive, you'll fill out an process for a Colorado Driver's License (form DL-43). The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement. You'll be asked to sign the process and confirm your address and other information. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your plastic license—you can use it to drive, as proof of identity, and for age verification. Keep it with you until your permanent license arrives.

When your permanent license arrives in the mail

Your new plastic driver's license is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied and give them your process number (they'll give you this when you leave).

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy your temporary paper license. You can throw it away—there's no need to return it to the DMV.

If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address with the DMV by phone or online, and they'll mail it to your new address. Do this as soon as you move to avoid delays.

If your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to report it to local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. However, reporting it to police is not required to get a replacement from the DMV—you can go straight to the DMV office with your documents.

If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This alerts creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This step is separate from replacing your license and is optional unless you believe someone may use your stolen ID to open credit accounts.

What to do if you don't have all the required documents

If you don't have a passport, military ID, or birth certificate, call your nearest DMV office and describe what documents you do have. The DMV can sometimes accept a combination of documents—for example, a Social Security card plus a school ID plus a utility bill. The rules vary, so it's worth asking before you make a trip.

If you don't have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, you can bring an older document plus a newer one that shows your name and current address (even if it's not a traditional residency document). Again, call the office first to confirm what they'll accept.

If you've lost your Social Security card and don't have your number memorized, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before or after you go to the DMV. The DMV can sometimes proceed without it if you have other documents, but having it makes the process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it's damaged but still readable?

Yes. Even if your license is still readable, you can replace it if it's cracked, faded, or otherwise damaged. Bring the damaged license with you to the DMV office. You'll pay the $20 replacement fee unless the damage is from a manufacturing defect, in which case some offices may waive it.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary is a backup in case there's a delay. Keep it with you while you're driving.

What if I move before my new license arrives?

Contact the DMV office where you applied and give them your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license is sent to the right place. You can do this by phone or online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

Do I need to report my license to the police if it was stolen?

Reporting it to police is not required to get a replacement, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your stolen ID. If you're worried about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus by contacting Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office to replace your license. You cannot do it online or by mail, even if your license is only slightly damaged.