What to do when ready after you lose your license

If your Colorado driver's license is lost, you need to report it to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and request a replacement. The fastest way is to go in person to a DMV office with proof of identity and residency — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not have to take a new written or road test. A replacement license costs $20.50 and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report the theft to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Do not wait to replace it. Driving without a valid license in Colorado is illegal, even if you know you had one and lost it. A police officer will not accept your word that your license exists somewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a Colorado DMV office in person with a government-issued ID and proof of your current address to request a replacement license on the spot.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail in 7 to 10 business days for $20.50.
  • You do not need to retake the written or road test — the DMV will issue a replacement with your original expiration date.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to police, but reporting is not required to get a replacement from the DMV.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or passport card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, but this takes longer and the DMV may ask for additional documents.

You also need proof that you live in Colorado right now. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill or credit card statement is acceptable too.

If you have changed your name 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 DMV office

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov. Search for "office locations" or call 303-205-5600 to confirm hours before you go.

Some offices are busier than others. If you go early in the morning on a weekday, you will usually wait less than 30 minutes. Fridays and afternoons tend to be slower. A few offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DMV website — if yours does, booking ahead can save you time.

You do not have to go to the office in your county. Any Colorado DMV office can issue a replacement license, so you can visit whichever is most convenient.

What happens when you arrive at the DMV

Tell the staff member at the counter that you lost your license and need a replacement. Hand over your ID and proof of residency. The DMV will look up your existing license record in their system — they have your photograph and signature on file, so you will not need to take new ones.

You will fill out a short form (the process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card). The staff member will review it, take your $20.50 payment, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail. The DMV will send it to the address you provided on your process. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address on the DMV website or call 303-205-5600 to have it redirected.

If you cannot go to a DMV office in person

Colorado does not allow you to request a replacement license by mail or online. You must appear in person at a DMV office. However, if you are out of state or unable to travel, you can ask someone you trust to go on your behalf if you give them a notarized power of attorney form.

The DMV website has a power of attorney template you can read, print, sign in front of a notary public, and give to your representative along with a copy of your ID. Your representative will then bring that form, their own ID, and your ID copy to the DMV office. This process takes longer than going yourself, so plan ahead if you choose this route.

Replacing your license if it was stolen

If someone stole your license rather than you losing it, the replacement process is the same — bring your ID and proof of residency to any DMV office and pay $20.50. You do not need a police report to get a replacement.

However, reporting the theft to your local police department is a good idea if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report creates a record and may help if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. You can file a report online through most Colorado police departments' websites or by calling your local non-emergency number.

What to do while you wait for your permanent license

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Keep it with you whenever you drive — it is your proof that you have a valid license. If you are stopped by police, show them the temporary license. It is legal and counts as a valid Colorado driver's license.

Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, call the DMV at 303-205-5600 with your driver's license number or date of birth so they can track it. Mail delays do happen, especially during busy seasons, but the DMV can check the status and reissue if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just my temporary paper license?

Yes. Your temporary license is a valid Colorado driver's license for 30 days. Police will accept it as proof of licensure. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle at all times, just as you would your permanent license.

Do I have to retake the written test or road test?

No. A replacement license is issued with your original expiration date and all the same restrictions and endorsements. The DMV uses your photograph and signature already on file, so you do not repeat any testing.

What if my permanent license never arrives?

Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 after two weeks have passed. Provide your driver's license number or date of birth. The DMV can confirm whether it was mailed and reissue a new one if it was lost in the mail.

Can I get a replacement if I am not a Colorado resident anymore?

No. You must be a Colorado resident to hold a Colorado driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you will need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV for their replacement process.

Does it cost more if my license was stolen instead of lost?

No. The replacement fee is $20.50 regardless of whether your license was lost or stolen. Reporting a theft to police does not affect the cost.