What you need to do to replace a lost Colorado license
To replace a lost Colorado driver's license, you'll visit a Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot replace a license by mail or online — Colorado requires you to appear in person.
The fee for a replacement license is $20 if you're replacing it before your current license expires. If your license has already expired, you'll pay the full renewal fee instead, which is higher. You'll need to bring your Social Security number and at least one form of government-issued photo ID, plus proof that you live in Colorado.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado Department of Revenue office in person with a photo ID and proof of your current Colorado address.
- The replacement fee is $20 if your license hasn't expired yet; if it has expired, you'll pay the full renewal fee instead.
- You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Bring your Social Security number, one government-issued photo ID, and a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your name and address.
Documents you'll need to bring
Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized — you'll need it to complete the replacement form. You must also bring at least one form of government-issued photo ID. This can be a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an ID from another state.
You'll need proof that you currently live in Colorado. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days is your best option.
If you don't have a government-issued photo ID from another source, you may be able to use a combination of documents instead — ask the office when you call to confirm what they'll accept in your situation.
Where to go and how long it takes
Find your nearest Colorado Department of Revenue office on the state's website or by calling 303-205-5613. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours. A few locations offer Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go.
The replacement process itself takes about 30 minutes once you're called to the counter. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster than afternoons or Fridays. You'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed.
Your replacement card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status. Keep your temporary paper license until the plastic card arrives.
What happens if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same — you still visit a Department of Revenue office with your documents and pay the $20 replacement fee. You don't need a police report to replace it, though you may want to file one if other items were stolen with it.
If you're concerned that someone might use your stolen license to commit fraud, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is a free service that makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can also check your credit report for suspicious activity at annualcreditreport.com.
Replacing a damaged license
If your license is damaged but still readable — water damage, a cracked card, faded photo — you can replace it the same way as a lost license. Bring the damaged card with you to the Department of Revenue office along with your other documents. The fee is still $20 if your license hasn't expired.
If your license is so damaged that it's unreadable or the photo is no longer visible, the office may ask you to surrender it. This doesn't change the process or the fee — you'll still walk out with a temporary paper license and receive your replacement card by mail.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, so you can use it when ready after you leave the Department of Revenue office. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If you're pulled over, show the officer both the temporary paper license and your old license if you still have it — this helps confirm your identity.
If your temporary license expires before your plastic card arrives, contact the Department of Revenue right away. This is rare, but if it happens, you may need to visit the office again or request an extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at the Department of Revenue office to have your photo taken for the replacement license. You cannot send someone else to do it for you, and you cannot complete the replacement by mail or phone.
What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?
A bank statement, mortgage statement, or insurance bill with your name and current address works as long as it's dated within the last 60 days. If you've just moved and have none of these, a signed lease is your best option. Call the Department of Revenue office to ask what documents they'll accept in your specific situation.
Do I need to take a new photo, or can I use my old one?
You'll take a new photo at the Department of Revenue office when you explore for your replacement. You cannot use your old photo. The photo is taken on the spot as part of the replacement process.
What if my replacement card doesn't arrive after two weeks?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 to check the status of your card. Provide the temporary paper license number or the date you applied. If there's a delay, the office can tell you where your card is in the mail and whether you need to take any action.
Is the $20 fee the same for everyone?
The $20 replacement fee applies if your current license hasn't expired. If your license has already expired, you'll pay the full renewal fee instead, which is higher. If you're not sure whether your license is expired, check the expiration date on your card or call the Department of Revenue to confirm.