What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost driver's license in Colorado, you must visit a Department of Revenue office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. Colorado does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost licenses. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $20.50 for a standard replacement.

If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and request a report number — some Colorado DMV offices ask for this, though it is not always required. Having the report number can help if someone tries to use your stolen identity before you replace the card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a Colorado Department of Revenue office with a valid ID and proof you live in Colorado.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50, and you get a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you.
  • Your new permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days at the address on file with the DMV.
  • If your license was stolen, getting a police report number is optional but useful if you need to dispute fraudulent use later.
  • Colorado does not offer phone, online, or mail-in replacement for lost licenses — you must go to an office in person.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV Office

Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of Colorado residency. Primary ID means a passport, military ID, or tribal ID — not a credit card or Social Security card. If you do not have a passport or military ID, you can use a combination of two secondary documents instead, such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Colorado address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option because it clearly shows your address and recent date.

If you have changed your name since your lost license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Colorado will not issue a replacement under a different name without this document.

Finding and Visiting a Colorado DMV Office

Colorado Department of Revenue offices are located in most counties. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have reduced hours on Fridays or are closed certain days. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go.

You do not need an appointment for a replacement license — walk-ins are accepted. However, some offices get busy in the late morning and early afternoon. Arriving early or going on a Tuesday or Wednesday often means a shorter wait. If you are in a rural county with only one office, check the website for any closures or holiday schedules.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost on the way. The staff will take your documents, verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and print your temporary license on the spot. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter.

What Happens After You Leave the Office

You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for driving when ready. This temporary license is good for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card. Keep it with you when you drive — it is a legal license and police will accept it.

Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you move before the card arrives, you will need to update your address with the DMV or the card may be returned to the old address.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to check the status. Have your temporary license number ready when you call.

If Your License Was Stolen

A stolen license is treated the same way as a lost one at the DMV — you pay the same $20.50 fee and follow the same replacement steps. However, you should also file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. Ask for a report number when you file.

The police report creates an official record that your license was stolen, which protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. Keep the report number for your records. If you later discover that someone used your stolen license to get a ticket or open an account, you can provide the police report number to show you reported it missing before the fraud occurred.

You do not need the police report to get your replacement license from the DMV, but having one is good protection. Some people file the police report after they get the replacement license, which is fine — the DMV does not require it first.

Fees and Payment Methods

The replacement fee for a lost or stolen Colorado driver's license is $20.50. This is the standard fee for a regular driver's license replacement. If you are replacing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee may be different — ask the DMV office when you arrive.

Colorado DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they take, so bringing cash or a debit card is the safest option. Ask at the counter if you are unsure.

If you need your replacement license faster than 7 to 10 business days, Colorado does not offer expedited mail service through the DMV. Your only option is to check back at the DMV office after 10 business days to see if your card has arrived early, or to contact the DMV by phone to ask if it has been processed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring expired documents as proof of residency. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement must be dated within the last 60 days. If all your documents are older than 60 days, contact the utility company or your bank to request a recent statement before you go to the DMV.

Do not assume your temporary paper license will work everywhere. While it is a valid license for driving, some businesses and agencies may not accept it as proof of identity for other purposes like opening a bank account or boarding a plane. Your permanent license will arrive within 10 business days, so plan accordingly if you need ID for something other than driving.

Do not wait to replace your license if you know it is lost or stolen. The longer you wait, the longer someone else could potentially use it. Go to the DMV as soon as you can gather your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost Colorado license by mail or online?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a Department of Revenue office with proof of identity and residency. There is no mail-in or online replacement option for lost licenses.

How long is the temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have it before the temporary expires. If it does not arrive by day 14, call the DMV at 303-205-5600.

What if I do not have a passport or military ID for proof of identity?

You can use two secondary documents instead, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, or a birth certificate and a bank statement. The DMV office staff can tell you which combinations they accept.

Do I need a police report to get my replacement license?

No. The DMV does not require a police report to replace a stolen license. However, filing one with your local police department creates a record that protects you if someone uses the stolen license fraudulently before you replace it.

What if I move before my new license arrives?

Contact the Colorado DMV with your new address so they can update your file. If you do not update your address, your new license may be returned to your old address. You can update your address by phone at 303-205-5600 or at a DMV office.