What you need to do right now

To replace a lost driver's license in Colorado, you'll contact the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pay a replacement fee, and provide proof of identity. You can do this in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website — online is the fastest route if your license hasn't expired and you haven't changed your address or name since it was issued.

The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license (as of 2024, though fees can change). If your license has expired, you'll need to renew it instead, which costs more and requires a vision test. The whole process takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail, or you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day if you go in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado's online replacement option is available only if your license is still valid, you haven't moved, and your name hasn't changed since issue.
  • The $20 replacement fee applies to standard licenses; expired licenses require renewal instead, which costs $30 and includes a vision test.
  • In-person replacement at a DMV office gives you a temporary paper license when ready; mail takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • You'll need to prove your identity with a document like a passport, birth certificate, or utility bill, depending on which method you choose.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to local police and the DMV, though reporting to the DMV alone is sufficient for replacement purposes.

Replacing online through the Colorado DMV website

The Colorado DMV's online replacement system is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You can use it only if your current license is not expired, your address and name are the same as what's on file, and you have no medical or vision restrictions that have changed. You'll need a valid credit or debit card to pay the $20 fee.

Go to the Colorado DMV website, select "Replace a Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The DMV will mail your replacement license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You won't receive a temporary license this way, so if you need to drive before it arrives, you'll need to use a different method.

Replacing in person at a Colorado DMV office

Walking into a DMV office is the best choice if you need to drive when ready. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent replacement is mailed to you. Bring one document that proves your identity — a passport, birth certificate, state ID card, or utility bill with your current address all work. You'll also need to pay the $20 fee in cash, check, or card.

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website and check their hours before you go; some offices have limited hours or require appointments. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. If your license was stolen, you can mention that when you arrive, though it's not required for the replacement itself. The permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Replacing by mail

Mail replacement takes longer but requires no trip to an office. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License form (DL 44) from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a copy of one identity document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form.

Include a note if your license was stolen — the DMV will flag it in their system. Mail delivery and processing typically take 7 to 10 business days total, though this varies depending on postal delays. You won't receive a temporary license this way. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you'll have to use the in-person method instead.

If your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to the Colorado DMV is optional for replacement purposes — you can straightforward request a duplicate and the DMV will issue a new one. However, reporting it does add a flag to your record that may help if someone tries to use your old license fraudulently.

You can report a stolen license when you explore for the replacement (mention it on the form or tell the DMV staff in person), or you can file a report with your local police department. The police report isn't required by the DMV, but it creates a record if you later discover identity theft. Keep a copy of any police report for your records.

What to do if your license has expired

If your lost license expired before you lost it, you cannot replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewal costs $30 and requires a vision test, either at the DMV office or at an eye care provider. You'll need to go in person or use the online renewal system if you're may be able to access (same rules as online replacement: no address or name change, no new medical restrictions).

If your license expired recently and you're not sure, check the expiration date on any documents you have from when it was issued, or call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to confirm. They can tell you whether you need replacement or renewal.

Timeline and what to expect

In-person replacement is fastest: you'll have a temporary paper license within an hour and your permanent license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Online replacement takes 7 to 10 business days with no temporary license. Mail replacement also takes 7 to 10 business days with no temporary license.

The 7 to 10 business day window is the DMV's standard processing time and doesn't include mail delivery delays. If you haven't received your license after 12 business days, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status. Keep your temporary paper license (if you received one) until the permanent license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I don't have a Social Security number?

You'll need either your Social Security number or a document showing it (like a tax return or Social Security card) to verify your identity. If you don't have a Social Security number, call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to ask what alternative documents they'll accept.

What if I lost my license and moved to a new address?

You cannot use the online replacement option if your address has changed. You'll need to go in person or mail in an process, and you'll need to provide proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). The DMV will update your address and issue your replacement license with the new one.

How long is the temporary paper license good for?

The temporary paper license issued at a DMV office is valid for 30 days. If your permanent license hasn't arrived by then, contact the Colorado DMV. You cannot renew the temporary license — you'll need to return to the office for a new one if the permanent hasn't come through.

Do I need to report my stolen license to the police?

Reporting to the police is not required by the DMV to get a replacement. However, filing a police report creates a record if someone uses your old license fraudulently. It's optional but recommended if you're concerned about identity theft.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file, and you'll need to sign for it or retrieve it from your mailbox. If you're using in-person replacement, you must be present to receive the temporary paper license.