What You Need to Do to Replace Your Colorado License

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Colorado driver's license, you must visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. Colorado does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also report the theft to local police and obtain a case number or report confirmation. This step is not required by the DMV but protects you against identity theft and creates a record if someone uses your license number fraudulently.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a Colorado DMV office with valid ID and proof of your current address; no online or mail-in option exists for replacements.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or tax return.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have documentation in case of fraudulent use.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring one document from each of these two categories: proof of identity and proof of residency. Your expired Colorado license counts as proof of identity if you still have it, even if it is damaged.

Proof of identity can be your expired Colorado driver's license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a tribal ID card, or a passport card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents: a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a birth certificate plus a document showing your name and date of birth (such as a school ID or employee badge).

Proof of residency must show your current Colorado address and your name. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, a vehicle registration, or a piece of mail from a government agency. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A P.O. box address does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or a document that displays it. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring your birth certificate, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form instead.

Step-by-Step Process at the DMV

Visit any Colorado DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado DMV website.

When you arrive, take a number from the kiosk or ask staff for a ticket. Tell the clerk you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. Hand over your proof of identity and proof of residency. The clerk will verify your information in the system and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.

You will be asked whether you want a standard Colorado license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes such as boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. A standard license cannot. If you are unsure, ask the clerk which one you currently held; your replacement will match that type unless you choose to upgrade.

Pay the replacement fee: $20 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID license. The DMV accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your permanent card.

Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV to confirm your mailing address.

Fees and Payment Methods

The replacement fee for a standard Colorado driver's license is $20. If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license at the time of replacement, the fee is $30. These are one-time fees for the replacement itself; there are no additional processing or process fees.

The DMV accepts payment by cash, personal check, debit card, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). If you pay by check, write it to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Some DMV offices may have limits on the number of checks they accept per day, so cash or card is often faster.

What Happens If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a report with your local police department before or after visiting the DMV. You do not need the police report to get your replacement license, but having one protects you if someone uses your license number to commit fraud or obtain credit in your name.

When you file the police report, provide the license number, your date of birth, and the date you discovered it was missing. Keep the case number or report confirmation for your records. If fraudulent activity occurs later, you can show this report to creditors or law enforcement as proof that you reported the theft.

You may also consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. This is a separate step from the DMV replacement and is not required, but it can help prevent someone from opening accounts in your name.

If Your License Is Damaged But Not Lost

If your license is still in your possession but damaged—cracked, faded, or unreadable—you can still replace it using the same process. Bring the damaged license with you to the DMV as your proof of identity. The clerk will note that it is damaged and issue a replacement.

Damage that makes the license unreadable (such as a barcode that no longer scans or a photo that has faded) is grounds for replacement at no additional cost beyond the standard $20 or $30 fee. You do not need to explain how the damage occurred or provide documentation of it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume you can renew your license by mail or online. Colorado requires an in-person visit for all replacements of lost or stolen licenses. If you try to mail in documents or use an online form, your request will be rejected and you will have wasted time.

Do not bring only a proof of residency without proof of identity, or vice versa. The DMV requires both. A utility bill alone is not enough, and an expired license alone is not enough if you cannot show a current address.

Do not wait more than 60 days to replace your license if you are relying on the temporary paper license. After 60 days, the temporary expires and you cannot drive legally. If your permanent license has not arrived by then, contact the DMV when ready to request a reprint.

Do not assume your temporary paper license works for all purposes. Some businesses, banks, and government offices may not accept it as proof of identity. Bring it along with another form of ID (such as a passport or birth certificate) if you need to conduct important transactions while waiting for your permanent card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license at any Colorado DMV office, or do I have to go to a specific one?

You can visit any Colorado DMV office. There is no requirement to go to the office in your county or the office closest to your home. Choose whichever location and hours work best for your schedule. All offices have access to the same statewide system and can process your replacement.

What if I lost my license out of state and I am not in Colorado right now?

You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person to replace your license. If you are out of state, you will need to return to Colorado or wait until you do. There is no way to complete this process remotely, by phone, or by mail. Some people in this situation choose to obtain a temporary ID from their current state while they wait to return to Colorado.

How long does the temporary paper license last, and what can I use it for?

The temporary paper license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. You can use it for driving and as proof of identity. However, some businesses, financial institutions, and government offices may not accept it. If you need to conduct transactions that require a photo ID, bring your temporary license along with another form of ID such as a passport or birth certificate.

What if my permanent license does not arrive after two weeks?

Contact the Colorado DMV by phone or through their website to report the delay. Provide your name, date of birth, and the date you received your temporary license. The DMV can verify the mailing address on file and request a reprint if necessary. Reprints are usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I upgrade to a REAL ID license when I replace my lost or stolen license?

Yes. When you are at the DMV, tell the clerk you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead of a standard license. The fee will be $30 instead of $20. You do not need any additional documents; your existing proof of identity and residency will satisfy the REAL ID requirements.