Colorado lets you renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires

You can start the renewal process in Colorado as early as 12 months before your current license expires. The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows this window so you can renew on your schedule rather than waiting until the last minute. Your new license will be valid from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date, so renewing very early means your new license will expire later than if you waited.

This one-year window applies whether you renew in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online. The method you choose affects how long the process takes and what documents you need to bring, but the timing rule is the same across all three.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Colorado driver's license starting 12 months before the expiration date printed on your current license.
  • Renewing early means your new license will have a later expiration date, so you will not need to renew again as soon if you wait until close to the important date.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not had a major address change, but not all drivers are may be able to access.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and is available only if your license is still valid and you meet other specific conditions.

How to renew online if you are may be able to access

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest route if your situation qualifies. You can renew online if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your address in the past four years, you do not need to update your name or gender marker, and you do not have any medical or vision restrictions that need to be reviewed. The process takes about 10 minutes and you will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.

Go to the Colorado DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License Online," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Colorado charges different amounts depending on whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license; check the current fee on the DMV website since it varies. After you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive at the address on file.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, it will explain why and direct you to either mail renewal or in-person renewal. Do not ignore that message — trying to force an online renewal when you do not meet the requirements will result in a rejection and you will have to start over with a different method.

Renewing by mail if you cannot go in person

Mail renewal is available if your current license is still valid and you meet the same conditions as online renewal: no address change in the past four years, no name or gender marker changes, and no new medical or vision restrictions. The process takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.

Request a mail renewal form from the Colorado DMV website or call 303-205-5600 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back), and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your payment. Include a check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail your packet to the address on the form, not to a general DMV office, because applications sent to the wrong address will be delayed.

Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to give the DMV time to process it and get your new license to you before the important date. If you are renewing early, you have plenty of time, but do not wait until the last month.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is the most straightforward option if you have time to visit a DMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), and proof of identity (your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport). The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

You do not need an appointment at most Colorado DMV offices, but you can schedule one online at the DMV website to skip the walk-in line. Walk-in hours vary by location, so check your local office's schedule before you go. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter and receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

In-person renewal is the best choice if you need to update your address, change your name, add or remove a gender marker, or if you have medical or vision restrictions that need to be reviewed in person. It is also the fastest way to get a temporary license you can use right away.

What happens to your old license after you renew

When you receive your new license in the mail, your old license is no longer valid. You should destroy it — cut it up or shred it — rather than throwing it away whole. Do not try to use your old license after your new one arrives, even if the new one has not been activated yet. Some people keep the old license as a memento, but the DMV recommends destroying it to prevent identity theft.

If you renew in person, the DMV will take your old license at the counter and destroy it themselves. You will not see it again.

Renewing early if your license is already expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of current address, and proof of identity. The process is the same, but you will need to appear in person because the DMV cannot verify your identity through the mail or online if your license is no longer valid.

There is no penalty for renewing after your license has expired, but you cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary paper license from the DMV as proof that you have started the renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license more than one year early?

No. The Colorado DMV will not process a renewal process more than 12 months before your expiration date. If you submit an process too early, it will be rejected and returned to you. You can resubmit it once you are within the 12-month window.

Will my new license have a different expiration date if I renew early?

Yes. Your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew (or five years if you are under 21). So if you renew 11 months early, your new license will expire about 11 months later than your old one would have. This is why some people wait to renew until closer to their expiration date — to avoid renewing too far in advance.

What if I renew online but then need to change my address before my new license arrives?

Contact the Colorado DMV when ready at 303-205-5600 or through the website. If your new license has not been printed yet, they may be able to update your address before it ships. If it has already been mailed, you will need to submit a change-of-address form after you receive it, or renew again in person at a DMV office with your new address.

Do I need a REAL ID-compliant license to renew early?

No. You can renew with a standard license if you want to. However, if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license. You can request one during renewal for a higher fee. Check the Colorado DMV website for the current REAL ID fee.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Yes. Colorado does not hold up license renewals because of unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if you have an active suspension on your license for other reasons (such as a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support), you will not be able to renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DMV to find out whether your license has any active holds.