How to replace your Colorado driver's license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Colorado driver's license in person at any Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or through the mail. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but works if you cannot get to an office.

You do not need to retake the written or road test — Colorado treats a replacement as a straightforward document reissue, not a new license process. You will pay a replacement fee (currently $20 for a standard license) and provide proof of identity and Colorado residency.

Which route you choose depends on how soon you need the license and whether you have the documents ready. Most people go in person because the temporary license lets you drive when ready while the permanent one is mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license in person at any Colorado DMV office or by mail, and you do not need to retake any tests.
  • In-person replacement takes about 30 minutes and includes a temporary paper license you can use right away.
  • Mail replacement takes two to three weeks and requires you to send original documents, which you will get back.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of Colorado residency, and the $20 replacement fee for either method.
  • Your license number and expiration date stay the same on the replacement, so your driving record is unaffected.

In-person replacement at a Colorado DMV office

Walk into any DMV office in Colorado with your documents and fee, and you will walk out with a temporary license the same day. The permanent license arrives by mail in about two weeks. This is the fastest way to get back on the road if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.

Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license), proof that you live in Colorado (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance document dated within 60 days), and $20. You do not need to bring the old license if it is lost or stolen — the DMV can look up your record by name and date of birth.

The DMV will take your photo, print your temporary license on the spot, and mail the permanent one to the address on file. If your address has changed, tell the staff before you leave so the permanent license goes to the right place. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and looks like a white paper card with your photo and license number.

Mail replacement if you cannot visit an office

You can mail in a replacement request if visiting a DMV office is not possible. Send your documents to the address listed on the Colorado DMV website, and your replacement license will arrive in two to three weeks. You will not get a temporary license this way, so you cannot drive until the permanent one arrives.

Include a completed process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card (form DR 2161), a government-issued photo ID, proof of Colorado residency, and a check or money order for $20 made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Include a note explaining that this is a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license.

Mail everything to the address on the DMV website and keep a copy of what you send. The DMV will return your original documents (except the check) along with your new license. If you need the license faster, go in person instead — the mail route is only worth it if you have no other way to reach an office.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen as part of a larger theft or identity theft, consider reporting it to the Colorado State Patrol or your local police department before you replace it. You do not have to file a report to get a replacement, but a police report creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number fraudulently.

When you replace the license, the new one will have the same number as the old one — Colorado does not issue a new number for replacements. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Replacing a damaged license

If your license is still readable but damaged (cracked, faded, or water-damaged), you can replace it the same way as a lost or stolen one. Bring the damaged license with you if you go in person — the staff will take it and destroy it. If you mail in a replacement, include the damaged license in the envelope.

Colorado will not charge you extra for a damaged replacement; the fee is still $20. Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as the old one, so your driving record and license history do not change.

What happens to your old license number

Your replacement license keeps the same number as your original license. This means your driving record, points, and any restrictions stay attached to the new card. You do not start over — Colorado straightforward issues a new physical card with the same legal identity.

If you are replacing a license because it was stolen and you are worried about fraud, the same number can feel risky. However, the old card is deactivated in the system as soon as you report it lost or stolen to the DMV, so someone cannot use it to rent a car or open an account. The number itself is not the security risk; the physical card is.

Replacing your license if you have moved out of state

If you have moved to another state and your Colorado license is lost or stolen, you have two options: replace it by mail, or wait until you visit Colorado again and replace it in person. You cannot replace a Colorado license at a DMV office in another state.

The mail route is usually easier for out-of-state moves. Send your documents to the Colorado DMV address, and the replacement will be mailed to your new address if you include it in your process. Once you move permanently, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of replacing the Colorado one — most states require you to switch within 30 to 60 days of moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No, Colorado does not offer online replacement. You must go in person or mail in your documents. The in-person route is faster and gives you a temporary license the same day.

Do I need to bring my old license to replace it?

No. If your license is lost or stolen, you do not need it. If it is damaged, bring it so the staff can destroy it, but it is not required. The DMV can look up your record by name and date of birth.

How long is the temporary license good for?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two weeks, but if it does not, you can return to the DMV and get another temporary one.

What if I moved and my address changed?

Tell the DMV staff before you leave if you are replacing in person, or include your new address on the process if you are mailing. Your replacement license will be mailed to whichever address you provide.

Will replacing my license affect my driving record or points?

No. Your replacement license has the same number as your original, so your driving record, violations, and any points stay the same. A replacement is just a new physical card.