Where to get a replacement license in Colorado

You can get a replacement driver's license through the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You have two main routes: visit a DMV office in person, or use the mail-in process if you meet certain conditions.

The in-person route is faster and handles most situations. Colorado has DMV offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo, plus several smaller county offices. You can find the full list and hours on the Colorado DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The mail-in option works only if your license is still valid (not expired) and you have not had it suspended or revoked. If either of those applies to you, you must go in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your Colorado driver's license in person at any DMV office or by mail if your license is still valid and has not been suspended.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment of $20 for a standard replacement.
  • The mail-in process takes about two weeks; in-person replacement is usually completed the same day.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, report it to local police first and bring the report number to the DMV.
  • If your license was damaged or unreadable, bring it with you so the DMV can see the condition.

What documents you need to bring

For an in-person replacement, bring your current Colorado driver's license if you still have it. If it was lost or stolen, bring a police report number instead — you can file the report online through your local police department's website or in person at a station.

You will also need one document proving your current Colorado address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A government check or tax return also counts.

Bring a payment method for the $20 replacement fee. The DMV accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at in-person locations. If you are mailing in your request, include a check or money order.

In-person replacement at a DMV office

Walk into any Colorado DMV office during business hours with your documents. Tell the staff member at the counter that you need a replacement license. They will take your current license (or police report), verify your address document, and process the fee.

You will then have your photo taken — wear something you are comfortable with, as you cannot retake it. The DMV will print your new license on the spot in most cases. You will walk out with it the same day, usually within 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

If the DMV finds a problem with your documents or your driving record, they will tell you before taking your photo. This is rare for a straightforward replacement, but it can happen if there is a hold on your license or an error in the system.

Mailing in your replacement request

If your license is still valid and you prefer not to visit an office, you can mail your request to the Colorado DMV. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License form from the Colorado DMV website, or call 303-205-5613 to request one by mail.

Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license (front and back), your proof of address, and a check or money order for $20. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form — it is a P.O. Box in Denver.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need it faster, the in-person route is your only option.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged

A lost or stolen license requires a police report. File one online through your local police department's website if available, or go to the station in person. You will receive a report number — write it down or take a screenshot.

Bring that report number to the DMV instead of your old license. The DMV will note in the system that the license was reported lost or stolen. This does not change the replacement process or cost, but it does protect you if someone tries to use your old license.

If your license is damaged but still readable, bring it with you. The DMV staff will look at it and decide whether to issue a replacement at the standard $20 fee or charge a damage fee (which varies). If it is unreadable, bring it anyway so they can see the condition.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

You cannot get a replacement license by mail if your driving privileges are suspended or revoked. You must go to a DMV office in person.

Before you go, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set time; others require you to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a course, or meet other conditions.

The DMV staff can tell you exactly what is required. Once you have completed those steps, you can then replace your license at an office. Bring proof that you have met the requirements — for example, a receipt showing you paid a reinstatement fee, or a certificate of completion for a required course.

Timeline and what to expect

In-person replacement usually takes 30 minutes to an hour from the time you enter the office. The new license is printed while you wait and you leave with it the same day.

Mail-in replacement takes about two weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time on both ends. If you mail your packet on a Monday, expect your new license to arrive in your mailbox around three weeks later.

If there is a problem with your documents or your record, the DMV may contact you by phone or mail before processing. This can add time, so keep your contact information current in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if my address has changed?

Yes. Bring a document showing your new Colorado address. You can replace your license and update your address at the same time for the same $20 fee. If you are moving out of state, you will need to get a license from your new state instead.

What if I lost my license and do not want to file a police report?

You can still get a replacement without a police report — just tell the DMV staff that your license is lost. A police report is optional and mainly protects you if someone misuses your old license. The replacement process and cost are the same either way.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same amount of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027. You do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license if I mail it in?

No. The DMV mails replacement licenses to the address on file. Only the person whose name is on the license can use it. If you need someone to pick it up from your mailbox, that is between you and them, but the DMV will not release it to anyone else.

What if the DMV lost my mail-in request?

If you mailed your request and do not receive your license within four weeks, call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613. They can check whether they received your packet and where it is in the process. If it was lost, they can reprocess your request or direct you to an office for in-person replacement.