Where to go and what you need to bring

You get a replacement Colorado driver's license from the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can visit any DMV office in person, or you can order a replacement online through the Colorado DMV website if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged but not expired. The online option takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs less than an in-person visit.

If you go in person, bring your current Colorado ID (even if it's damaged), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If your license was stolen, bring a police report. If you're replacing an expired license, you'll need to renew it at the same time, which requires an eye exam at the DMV office.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Colorado DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the line.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a replacement license online for $20 if it was lost, stolen, or damaged, and it arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person replacement at a DMV office costs $30 and takes about 30 minutes, but you leave with a temporary license the same day.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of address dated within 60 days, and a police report if your license was stolen.
  • If your license is expired, you must renew it in person at a DMV office, which includes an eye exam and costs $35.
  • You can schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting, or walk in during office hours Monday through Friday.

The online replacement process

The Colorado DMV online replacement works only if your license is not expired and was lost, stolen, or damaged. Go to the Colorado DMV website, select "Replace a Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll pay $20 by credit or debit card.

The DMV will mail your replacement license to the address on file. If that address has changed, you need to update it before ordering online — you can do this through the same website. If you need your license faster than 7 to 10 business days, you must go to a DMV office in person instead.

Getting a replacement at a DMV office

Walk into any Colorado DMV office during business hours with your documents, or schedule an appointment online first. Tell the staff member at the counter that you need a replacement license. They'll check your documents, take a new photo (unless you have a valid photo on file from a recent renewal), and print a temporary license on the spot that's valid for 30 days.

Your permanent replacement arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The in-person replacement fee is $30. If your license is expired, the staff will process a renewal instead of a replacement, which costs $35 and requires you to pass an eye exam at the DMV office.

What happens if your license was stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and get a case number or a copy of the report. Bring this document with you when you visit a DMV office, or mention the theft when you order online. The DMV uses the police report to flag your old license number so it can't be used fraudulently.

If you're concerned about identity theft beyond the lost license, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is separate from the DMV process but protects your credit if someone tries to open accounts in your name.

Renewing instead of replacing an expired license

If your Colorado license has expired, you cannot order a replacement online — you must renew it in person at a DMV office. Renewal requires an eye exam, which the DMV administers on-site at no extra charge. The renewal fee is $35.

Bring your expired license, proof of address, and your Social Security number. The process takes about 30 minutes. You'll receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written driving test as well — the DMV staff will tell you when you arrive.

Replacing a license that's damaged but not expired

A damaged license — one that's cracked, faded, or has a photo that's no longer legible — can be replaced online for $20 or in person for $30. You don't need a police report or any special documentation. Just bring your damaged license to a DMV office, or order online if you prefer to wait for mail delivery.

If the damage makes your license unreadable to you or to others, going in person is faster because you get a temporary license the same day. If the damage is minor and you can wait, the online option is cheaper and requires no trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary license to drive while I wait for the permanent one?

Yes. The temporary license the DMV prints for you is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, and other purposes. Keep it with you until your permanent license arrives by mail.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

Update your address on the Colorado DMV website before ordering a replacement online, or bring proof of your new address to a DMV office. The DMV will mail your replacement to your current address on file.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

You can walk in during office hours, but scheduling an appointment online saves time. Many DMV offices have short wait times for appointments, especially early in the week or early in the day.

How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?

The DMV typically mails replacement licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your order or visit. Delivery time depends on your location within Colorado. If you need your license faster, you must pick up a temporary license in person at a DMV office.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the Colorado DMV with your temporary license number and a photo of the damage or error. They will send you a corrected replacement at no charge. This usually takes another 7 to 10 business days.