What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost driver's license in Colorado, you will visit a Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and Colorado residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you go in. You cannot do this by mail or online — Colorado requires you to appear in person and submit to a new photograph.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, though that is separate from the replacement process itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado Department of Revenue office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of current Colorado address.
  • The replacement fee is typically around $20 to $30, though the exact amount depends on how many years remain on your license.
  • You will have a new photograph taken at the office, so plan to look presentable.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have documentation in case of identity theft.

Documents You Must Bring to the Office

Colorado requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of your current address in Colorado. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, a Social Security card, or a tribal ID. If you bring a birth certificate or Social Security card, you will also need a second form of ID with your photo on it.

For proof of Colorado residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring an old license as proof of address — it will not be accepted because it is the document you are replacing.

If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

Where to Go and How to Find Your Nearest Office

Colorado has Department of Revenue offices in most counties. The main office is in Denver, but you can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. To find the office nearest you, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool, or call 303-205-5600 to ask for the address and hours of the location most convenient to you.

Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some allow you to schedule an appointment online. Check the website for your specific office to see whether appointments are available. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day — wait times can be long in the afternoon, especially on Fridays.

The Replacement Fee and What It Covers

The fee for a replacement license in Colorado ranges from about $20 to $30, depending on how much time remains on your current license. If your license expires soon, the fee will be lower because you are only paying for a short-term replacement. If your license has several years left, the fee will be higher. The office will calculate the exact amount based on your expiration date.

You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices. The fee covers the new license itself and the photograph taken at the office. It does not cover any other services, such as address changes or license class upgrades — if you need those, you will pay additional fees.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After you complete the process and pay the fee, the office will take a new photograph of you and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and will work until your permanent license arrives. Keep it with you while you drive.

Your permanent replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid — destroy it or keep it for your records, but do not carry it as your license.

If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need the police report to replace your license, but having one on file protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud or identity theft. Keep a copy of the report for your records.

You may also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This is a separate step from replacing your license and is optional, but it is a common precaution after theft.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit an Office in Person

Colorado does not offer mail-in replacement for lost licenses. If you are unable to visit an office yourself, another person can explore on your behalf if they bring a notarized power of attorney document along with your documents and theirs. The power of attorney must specifically authorize them to explore for a replacement license.

If you are out of state or unable to travel to Colorado, you will need to either return to Colorado to visit an office or arrange for someone with power of attorney to go on your behalf. There is no remote or online option for this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a Department of Revenue office. You cannot complete a replacement by mail, phone, or online. You must bring your documents and have a new photograph taken at the office.

How long does it take to get my new license?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready when you finish at the office. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. If there is a delay in the mail system, it may take longer.

What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease to prove my address?

You can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days. If you have none of these, contact the Department of Revenue office before you go — they may accept other documents depending on your situation.

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

No. A police report is not required to replace your license. However, filing one protects you in case someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud. It is recommended but optional.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the mail?

Yes. Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provide, and anyone at that address can receive it. If you want someone else to pick it up from a different location, you will need to arrange that separately — the Department of Revenue does not hold licenses for pickup.