You can order a replacement Colorado driver's license online, but only if your current license is still valid and you haven't changed your name, address, or other key information
Colorado's online replacement service is fast and straightforward — you fill out a form on the Colorado Department of Revenue website, pay a fee, and the license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The catch is that this route works only for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses when nothing else about you has changed. If you need to update your address, name, or any other detail, or if your license has expired, you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person instead.
The online process costs $20 and requires your current Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. You'll receive a confirmation email, and you can track your replacement license through the mail once it ships.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's online replacement service works only if your license is still valid and you have no changes to your name, address, or other personal information.
- The replacement fee is $20, and you'll need your current license number and Social Security number to start the order online.
- Your replacement license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days of ordering.
- If your license has expired, your address changed, or you need to update any personal details, you must visit a Colorado driver's license office in person.
- You can order a replacement online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website without scheduling an appointment.
What the online replacement process actually requires
Before you start, gather your current Colorado driver's license and have your Social Security number ready. You'll also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the $20 fee. The Colorado Department of Revenue's online system will ask you to enter your license number, date of birth, and the reason your license needs replacing — lost, stolen, or damaged are the only reasons the online route accepts.
The system will verify your information against the state's records. If everything matches and your license is still valid, you'll be able to complete the order when ready. You'll receive a confirmation number by email, and that's your proof the order went through. Save this number in case you need to check on your replacement or contact the department.
When you must go to an office instead
The online replacement option closes off if your address has changed since your license was issued. Colorado requires you to update your address in person at a driver's license office, even if you're only replacing a lost or damaged card. The same applies if you've changed your name — whether through marriage, divorce, or legal change — or if any other information on your license is now incorrect.
Your license must also still be valid to use the online service. If your license has expired, you cannot order a replacement online. Instead, you'll need to renew your license at a driver's license office, which involves a new photo and a renewal fee. Expired licenses cannot be replaced through the mail.
If you're unsure whether your address or other details are current in the system, call the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license section before ordering online. A staff member can confirm what information they have on file and tell you whether the online route will work for you.
How to order your replacement license online
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license website and look for the "Replace a License" option. You'll be directed to an online form where you enter your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The form will ask why you need a replacement — select the reason that applies (lost, stolen, or damaged).
Review the information you've entered to make sure it matches your current license exactly. Any mismatch will cause the order to be rejected. Once you've confirmed everything is correct, proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card information and complete the transaction. You'll receive a confirmation email with your order number and an estimated delivery date.
Keep that confirmation email. It contains your order number, which you can use to track your replacement license once it ships. The Colorado Department of Revenue will mail your new license to the address on file with your current license, so make sure that address is correct before you submit the order.
What happens after you order
Your replacement license will be mailed to the address currently listed on your Colorado driver's license. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days, and delivery takes another 3 to 5 business days, for a total of about 7 to 10 business days from the time you order. During busy periods, processing may take longer.
You can use your confirmation email as proof that you've ordered a replacement if you're stopped by law enforcement before your new license arrives. Some officers will accept the confirmation; others may ask you to carry your old license or another form of ID. It's safest to carry your old license along with the confirmation until the replacement arrives.
If your replacement doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue with your order number. They can check the status and remail the license if it was lost in transit.
Visiting a driver's license office if you need to make changes
If your address, name, or any other information has changed, you'll need to visit a Colorado driver's license office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and proof of your name change if applicable (a marriage certificate or court order). You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
The fee for a replacement license with updated information is $20, the same as the online fee. The office will take a new photo, update your information in the system, and issue your replacement license on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the office's process. Ask the staff member which option applies at the location you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement online if my license expired?
No. The online replacement service is only for valid licenses that are lost, stolen, or damaged. If your license has expired, you need to renew it in person at a driver's license office. Renewal involves a new photo and costs more than a straightforward replacement.
What if I moved and need a replacement license?
You must visit a driver's license office in person to update your address and get a replacement. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your information and issue your replacement on the spot or by mail.
How long does it take to receive a replacement license ordered online?
Most replacements arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, and mail delivery takes another 3 to 5 business days. During busy periods, it may take longer. You can track your license using the order number from your confirmation email.
What do I do if my replacement license doesn't arrive?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue with your order number. They can check whether your license was mailed and remail it if it was lost in transit. Keep your confirmation email so you have the order number ready.
Can I use my confirmation email as ID if I'm stopped before my replacement arrives?
Some law enforcement officers will accept your confirmation email as proof you've ordered a replacement. To be safe, carry your old license along with the confirmation until your new license arrives. Your old license is still valid even though you've ordered a replacement.