Where to Get a Replacement License and What You Need

Colorado issues replacement driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can obtain a replacement in person at any DMV office across the state, or by mail if your license was lost or stolen and you meet specific conditions. The in-person route is faster — most replacements are issued the same day — but the mail option works if you cannot visit an office.

Before you go, gather these documents: your Social Security number, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment for the replacement fee. If your license was stolen, bring a police report or case number. If it was lost, you do not need a report, but DMV will ask how you lost it. Bring your current license if you still have it, though it is not required.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado DMV offices issue replacement licenses the same day in person at any of their 24 locations statewide.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the time of replacement.
  • You must show proof of Colorado residency (a recent utility bill or bank statement) and your Social Security number.
  • Mail-in replacement is available only if your license was lost or stolen and you have no other Colorado ID, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, bring a police report number; if lost, you do not need a report but DMV will document the loss.

In-Person Replacement at a DMV Office

Walk into any Colorado DMV office with your documents and a completed process for Identification (Form DL-44), which you can fill out on site or read from the Colorado DMV website before you arrive. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and the $20 or $30 fee in cash, check, or card. The office will take a new photo, verify your information against their records, and print your replacement license on the spot.

Colorado has 24 DMV offices. The largest are in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins, but smaller towns have offices too. Check the DMV website for hours and location details — some offices have longer waits on Fridays and at lunch time. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now offer online scheduling. Arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

If your license was stolen, bring the police report or the case number the police gave you. If it was lost, DMV will ask where and when, and will note that in their system. This matters because DMV flags repeated losses and may require additional verification on future replacements.

Mail-In Replacement for Lost or Stolen Licenses

You can request a replacement by mail only if your license was lost or stolen and you have no other current Colorado ID. read the process for Identification (Form DL-44) from the DMV website, complete it, and mail it with a copy of your proof of residency and a check or money order for $20 or $30 to the address listed on the form. Include a brief statement describing how your license was lost or stolen.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DMV receives your envelope. If your license was stolen, include the police report number or case number if you have it. DMV will mail your replacement to the address on file. If that address is no longer correct, update it before you mail the form, or call DMV to update it after you submit.

The mail-in route is slower and requires you to trust the postal service with payment, so most people choose to visit an office instead. Use mail-in only if you cannot reach a DMV office within a reasonable time.

Fees and What They Cover

A standard replacement license costs $20. A REAL ID-compliant replacement (the kind required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings) costs $30. Both are valid for five years from the date of issue. You pay the full fee at the time of replacement — there are no partial fees or discounts for replacements.

The fee covers the license itself and the processing. It does not cover any documents you may need to obtain to prove your identity or residency, such as a birth certificate or utility bill. If you need certified copies of documents, those come from other agencies and have separate costs.

Proof of Residency and Identity Requirements

Colorado requires one document showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or court document) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and Colorado address.

You also need to provide your Social Security number. DMV verifies it against Social Security Administration records. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, though this requires additional steps and is less common.

If your address has changed since your last license, bring the new proof of residency. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the DMV office about alternative documentation — some offices accept letters from shelters or social service agencies.

Replacing a License That Was Stolen Versus Lost

Colorado treats stolen and lost licenses differently in one key way: if your license was stolen, you should file a police report and bring the report number or case number to DMV. This protects you if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently. DMV will flag your record to note the theft.

If your license was lost, you do not need a police report. DMV will ask you to describe how and where you lost it, and will document that in your file. Repeated losses may trigger additional verification on future replacements, so be honest about the circumstances.

In both cases, your replacement license will have a new number and expiration date. The old license is no longer valid once the replacement is issued.

Timeline and What to Expect

In-person replacement takes 15 to 30 minutes from the time you enter the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You walk out with your new license the same day. Mail-in replacement takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DMV receives your envelope, plus postal delivery time on both ends — plan for two to three weeks total.

If DMV cannot verify your information (for example, if your Social Security number does not match their records), they will contact you by phone or mail to resolve the issue. This can add a few days to the process. If you provide incomplete documents, DMV will ask you to return with the missing items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if my current license is suspended or revoked?

No. DMV will not issue a replacement if your driving privileges are suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first — usually by paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out the suspension period — before you can obtain a replacement. Contact DMV to find out the status of your license.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must provide one document showing your name and current Colorado address dated within 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, ask your bank for a recent statement, or contact your employer for a pay stub. If you are homeless, ask the DMV office about alternative documents such as a letter from a shelter.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes. DMV takes a new photo at the time of replacement, whether you visit in person or request one by mail. You cannot use your old photo. The new photo becomes part of your new license.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of the license. You can renew it before expiration through the standard renewal process.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DMV will update your name in their system and issue a replacement with your new name. This counts as a replacement, not a renewal, and costs the same fee.