Get a replacement license by visiting a Colorado DMV office with proof of identity and residency

To replace a lost driver's license in Colorado, you need to go to a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring proof of your identity and Colorado residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot leave with it the same day.

You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If it expired less than a year ago, you can renew it at the same time you replace it for a small additional fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with a valid ID document and proof you live in Colorado.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; bring your old license or a police report if you have one.
  • If your license expired more than a year ago, you will need to pass the written and vision tests again before you can get a replacement.
  • You can check wait times and book an appointment online at the Colorado DMV website before you go.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Colorado. For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice with your name and current Colorado address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it shows your address.

If you have your old license, bring it. If it was stolen, bring a police report or the report number. If you lost it and do not have a report, you can still get a replacement—the police report just speeds up the process if you are concerned about identity theft.

Where to go and how to book an appointment

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov. The website also lets you book an appointment online, which is faster than walking in without one.

Appointments are usually available within a few days. If you book online, you will get a confirmation email with your appointment time and a list of documents to bring. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on the office and time of day.

Some offices are busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different county's DMV office instead—you do not have to go to the one in your county.

The replacement fee and payment methods

The fee to replace a lost or stolen Colorado driver's license is $20. If your license is also expired and you want to renew it at the same time, add $28 for a four-year renewal or $56 for an eight-year renewal. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Most offices accept all four methods, but call ahead if you want to confirm your local office takes checks.

The fee is non-refundable even if you find your old license after you have already paid for the replacement. If you do find it, you can destroy it or turn it in to the DMV to prevent someone else from using it.

What happens after you pay

After you pay the fee, the DMV will take a new photo and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent license arrives. Keep it with you while you drive.

Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you have moved since your last license, update your address at the DMV office before you leave so the new license goes to the right place. Once the permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid.

If your license expired more than a year ago

If your Colorado license has been expired for more than 12 months, you cannot straightforward replace it—you must renew it, which means retaking the written test and vision test. You will also need to provide proof of Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form.

Schedule an appointment for a renewal instead of a replacement. The process is the same (you go to a DMV office with your documents), but it takes longer because of the tests. Budget an extra 30 to 45 minutes. The fee is $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Colorado DMV directly to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it. Suspensions are often tied to unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or medical conditions; revocations are usually permanent until you meet specific conditions.

The DMV can tell you over the phone whether your license is suspended or revoked. If it is, they will explain what steps you need to take before you can replace it. Do not go to an office without checking first, because you will not be able to complete the replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

No. Colorado mails all replacement licenses. You receive a temporary paper license to drive when ready, but the permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent one arrives, the temporary license is valid.

What if I moved and my address is wrong on my old license?

Tell the DMV staff at the office that you have moved. They will update your address in the system before they mail your new license. Your new license will be sent to your current address, not the old one on file.

Do I have to replace my license if I found it after ordering a replacement?

No, but you have already paid the $20 fee and cannot get it back. You can destroy your old license or turn it in to the DMV to prevent misuse. If you do turn in the old one, keep your temporary paper license until the new one arrives.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document?

You need at least one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Colorado address. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement, ask the DMV office what other documents they accept. Some offices may accept a letter from your landlord or a recent piece of mail from a government agency.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to you. You cannot have it sent to someone else or picked up by another person. Make sure the address you provide at the DMV is where you will receive mail.