Where to renew your Colorado license in person or by mail
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license through the mail, online, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you have to update your photo or address.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. The same applies if you need to change your address, update your photo, or correct information on your license.
In-person renewals happen at any Colorado Department of Revenue office. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the wait.
Key Takeaways
- Mail and online renewals work only if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need to update your photo or address.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you are changing your address or photo.
- You can schedule an appointment at a Colorado Department of Revenue office online, or walk in during business hours.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; online renewal is faster but still requires processing time before your new license arrives.
- Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person appointment.
Renewing by mail: documents and timeline
To renew by mail, send your current or expired license (expired within five years), a completed process for Renewal form, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. You do not need to include proof of residency or Social Security number for a mail renewal, as long as your address has not changed.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives your packet. The new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, in-person or online renewal is faster.
If your mail renewal is rejected because your license expired more than five years ago or your address changed, the Department will return your documents and notify you that you must renew in person.
Renewing online: what you need and how long it takes
Colorado's online renewal system is available through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. You will need your current or expired license (expired within five years), your date of birth, and your Social Security number. You cannot renew online if your address has changed or if you need a new photo.
Online renewal is faster than mail renewal. After you submit your information and pay the fee, the Department processes your request within one to two weeks. Your new license is then mailed to the address on file. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after submitting your renewal.
If the online system rejects your renewal, it will tell you why — usually because your license expired too long ago or because you need to update your address. In that case, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person: documents you need to bring
For an in-person renewal at a Colorado Department of Revenue office, bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
If you are renewing because your license expired more than five years ago, you will also need to have a new photo taken at the office. If you are changing your address, bring the proof of residency document with you. If you are updating your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
In-person renewals are processed on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Scheduling an appointment versus walking in
You can schedule an appointment online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website or walk in to any office during business hours. Appointments are free and typically reduce your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits, especially during peak hours (lunch time and late afternoon on weekdays).
If you schedule an appointment, arrive five to ten minutes early with all required documents. If you walk in, expect to wait anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is that day. Both methods result in the same renewal process and timeline.
Renewal fees and what they cover
Colorado driver's license renewal fees vary depending on how long your new license is valid. A standard renewal is valid for five years. The fee for a five-year renewal is set by the state and does not change based on your age or driving record.
The fee covers the license itself, processing, and mailing. If you renew in person and need a new photo, the photo is included in the renewal fee — there is no separate charge. If you are renewing by mail or online, your current photo is used unless you request a new one in person.
Payment methods vary by renewal type. Mail renewals accept check or money order. Online renewals accept credit and debit cards. In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Colorado license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a Colorado Department of Revenue office in person. The office will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to restore your driving privileges.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. Revocation is more serious and usually results from multiple DUI convictions or serious traffic violations. The process to restore your license varies depending on the reason, and may involve paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue before visiting an office if you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked. They can tell you the status and what documents you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Colorado, you cannot renew your Colorado license. You must get a license from your new state instead. If you still live in Colorado but your mailing address is temporarily out of state, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to arrange delivery to an out-of-state address.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
You must renew in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license with a new number and expiration date. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are accepted at all Colorado Department of Revenue offices. Appointments are not required but are recommended to reduce wait time. You can schedule one online for free.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you renew by mail or online, the entire process takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives or processes your request.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended for unpaid child support?
No. You must resolve the child support issue first. Contact the Colorado Department of Human Services or the agency handling your case to find out what you owe and how to pay it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a Department of Revenue office.