What you need to do to replace a Colorado driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Colorado driver's license, you will visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring required documents, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement is straightforward a new card with the same license number and driving record. The fee is $20 for a standard replacement, though it may be higher if you also need to renew your license (if it has expired or is about to expire).
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Colorado DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $20, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license has expired or will expire within 60 days, you will need to renew it at the same time, which costs more and may require an updated photo or medical form.
- You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring one form of valid identification that shows your current legal name. A U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have one of those, you can bring a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a Social Security card plus a utility bill.
Proof of your current address is also required. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have recently moved and do not have a document yet, call the DMV office ahead of time to ask what they will accept.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the replacement form. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your immigration documents instead.
When you need to renew instead of just replace
If your Colorado driver's license has already expired, or if it will expire within 60 days, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it. A renewal costs more than a replacement and may require additional documents or steps.
Check your license expiration date before you go to the DMV. If you are renewing, you will need to bring the same ID and address proof as for a replacement, but you may also need to provide a medical form (if you are over 61 years old) or an updated photo. The renewal fee depends on how long you want the license to be valid — typically $30 to $50 for a standard renewal.
Finding a DMV office and what to expect
Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can search for the office nearest you on the Colorado DMV website and check real-time wait times before you go. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week.
You do not need an appointment for a replacement — you straightforward walk in and take a number. However, some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can save you time. Check the website for your specific office to see if appointments are available.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to hand over. The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo of you, process the replacement form, collect the $20 fee, and give you a temporary paper license before you leave.
Your temporary license and when your new card arrives
The temporary paper license you receive at the DMV office is valid when ready and works just like your plastic license for driving. You can use it to drive, show to police if stopped, and present it as ID at banks or other places that ask for your license.
Your new plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV processes your replacement. If you need your new license faster, some DMV offices offer expedited mail for an additional fee — ask at the office or check the website.
Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer needed, though you can keep it. If your new card does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the DMV office where you applied to check the status.
If your license was stolen and you want to report it
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to report the theft to local police, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report is not required to replace your license, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your stolen license.
You do not need the police report number to replace your license at the DMV — just bring your documents and pay the fee as usual. However, if you are worried about fraud, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.
Replacing your license if you are out of state
If you are currently living outside Colorado but still have a valid Colorado license, you can mail in a replacement request instead of visiting an office in person. Contact the Colorado DMV to request a mail-in replacement form, or check the website to see if you can read and mail the form yourself.
Mail-in replacements take longer — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form and payment. You will need to include a copy of your ID and proof of address, along with a check or money order for the $20 fee. Include a return address so your new license can be mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No, Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office to have your photo taken for a replacement license. You cannot complete the entire process online, though you can check office locations and wait times on the website before you go.
What if I lost my license but do not have proof of my current address?
Call the DMV office ahead of time and explain your situation. They may accept alternative documents such as a lease agreement, a letter from your landlord, or a recent utility bill in a roommate's name if you are listed on it. Some offices have flexibility for people in transition.
Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was damaged by the DMV's fault?
No, the DMV will replace a license at no charge if the damage occurred while the license was in the DMV's possession or if the card was defective when issued. Bring your damaged license and explain the situation to the staff.
Will replacing my license change my license number?
No, your license number stays the same. Your driving record, restrictions, and endorsements all remain unchanged. The new card is straightforward a replacement with the same number printed on it.
How much does it cost to replace a Colorado license if it is also expired?
If your license has expired or will expire within 60 days, you must renew instead of replace. The renewal fee is typically $30 to $50 depending on the length of validity, not the $20 replacement fee. The DMV staff will let you know the exact cost when you arrive.