What you need to do right now

If your Colorado driver's license is lost or stolen, you can replace it by visiting a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, by mail, or through an online order if your license is not suspended or revoked. The fastest route is an in-person visit to your nearest DMV office, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $20.25 for a standard replacement. If you cannot go in person, you can mail in a form and payment, though this takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time.

You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of Colorado residency. A passport, military ID, or birth certificate works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and bring the police report number when you visit the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • An in-person replacement at a Colorado DMV office costs $20.25 and takes about 15 minutes; you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
  • You must bring one form of identity (passport, military ID, or birth certificate) and one proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the DMV.
  • Mail-in replacement is available but takes two to three weeks for processing; you will need to complete form DL-44 or DL-43 and mail it with payment and copies of your documents.
  • Your temporary license is valid for 30 days while your permanent replacement is being produced and mailed to you.

Replacing your license in person at a Colorado DMV office

Walking into a DMV office is the fastest way to replace a lost license. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency in their original form — do not send copies. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, military ID card, tribal ID, or certified birth certificate as proof of identity. For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail.

Tell the DMV employee that you are replacing a lost or stolen license. If it was stolen, provide the police report number. You will pay $20.25 at the counter. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent replacement card will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the temporary license while you wait.

Colorado DMV offices are located in most counties. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others allow you to schedule an appointment online. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait, especially during busy times like lunch hours or the end of the month.

Mailing in your replacement if you cannot visit an office

If you cannot reach a DMV office in person, you can mail in a replacement request. read and complete either form DL-44 (process for a Colorado Driver's License) or form DL-43 (process for a Colorado Identification Card), depending on which document you lost. Both forms are available on the Colorado DMV website.

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $20.25, a copy of your proof of identity, and a copy of your proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Colorado DMV processes mail-in requests in the order they are received. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, and then your new license is mailed to you, adding another week or more depending on postal delivery time.

While you wait for your replacement by mail, you will not have a valid license to drive. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit a DMV office in person to get a temporary license. This is one reason why in-person replacement is usually the better choice if you can manage it.

What to do 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 before you go to the DMV. You do not need to wait for the police to complete their investigation — you can replace your license the same day you file the report. Bring the police report number with you to the DMV office or include it in your mail-in form.

Reporting a stolen license protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. The police report creates an official record and may help if the stolen license is later used for identity theft or other crimes. Keep a copy of the police report for your records.

Understanding your temporary and permanent licenses

When you replace your license in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as a permanent license — you can drive, use it as ID, and present it to law enforcement. The temporary license shows your name, date of birth, address, and license number.

Your permanent replacement card is produced at a separate facility and mailed to your address on file. Standard production and delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the DMV. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer needed, though you can keep it. If your permanent card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status.

Costs and what affects the replacement fee

A standard replacement license costs $20.25 in Colorado. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new card. The fee is the same whether you replace it in person or by mail. You pay by cash, check, or card at a DMV office; by check or money order if you mail in your request.

The $20.25 fee applies to a standard replacement. If your license is expired or you need to renew it at the same time as replacing it, the cost may be different — renewal fees vary based on your age and license type. If you are unsure whether you need a renewal along with your replacement, ask the DMV employee when you visit or call your local DMV office before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement license online?

Colorado does not currently offer online ordering for lost or stolen license replacements. You must visit a DMV office in person or mail in your request. However, you can schedule an appointment online at many Colorado DMV offices to reduce your wait time when you arrive.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can use a military ID card or tribal ID as proof of identity. If you have none of these, contact your local DMV office to ask about alternative documents they may accept. You may be able to use a combination of documents or obtain a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

How long does a temporary license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent replacement card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have your permanent license before the temporary one expires. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call the Colorado DMV to check on the status.

Do I need a police report to replace a lost license?

No, a police report is not required to replace a lost license. However, if your license was stolen, filing a police report is strongly recommended to protect yourself against fraud. You can replace your license the same day you file the report — you do not need to wait for the police investigation to finish.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

Your replacement license is mailed to the address on file with the Colorado DMV, so you do not need to pick it up in person. If you need to change the mailing address before your replacement is sent, contact the Colorado DMV as soon as possible after you file your replacement request.