What Colorado requires to renew your driver's license
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and how soon you need the new one. Most people can complete the process without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your current Colorado driver's license must not be expired by more than five years for you to renew by mail or online. If it's been longer than that, you'll need to go to a DMV office and take the written test again. You also cannot renew online or by mail if you've changed your name, if your address has changed and you don't have a document proving the new one, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado offers online renewal through their website, mail renewal, and in-person renewal at DMV offices, depending on your situation.
- Your license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online; older licenses require an in-person visit and a written test.
- You'll need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease, if your address has changed since your last license.
- Online renewal takes about one week for your new license to arrive; mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks.
- The renewal fee varies depending on the license type and how many years you're renewing for, so check the Colorado DMV website for current pricing.
Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you haven't had a name or address change. Go to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles website and look for the "Online Services" or "Renew Your License" section. You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose how many years you want to renew for — typically two, four, or eight years.
After you submit your information and pay the renewal fee, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. This usually takes about one week. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If you need to update your address during online renewal, you must have a document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of who can use it, but it takes longer. You'll need to request a renewal form from the Colorado DMV website or call them to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form.
Processing time for mail renewals is typically two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. If your address has changed, include a copy of a document proving your new address with your mailed form. The DMV will mail your new license to whichever address you list on the form, so double-check this before sending it in.
Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you've changed your name, if you cannot prove a recent address change, or if your license was suspended or revoked. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment for the renewal fee. If you've changed your name, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
When you arrive at the DMV office, you'll check in and wait to be called. The staff member will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll also take the written knowledge test. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it's expired.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, Social Security number, payment method | License not expired more than 5 years, no name or address change |
| By Mail | Completed renewal form, check or money order, proof of address if changed | License not expired more than 5 years, no name change |
| In Person | Current license, proof of address, payment, name change document if applicable | License expired more than 5 years, name change, address change without proof, or suspension/revocation |
Finding a Colorado DMV office near you
The Colorado DMV operates offices in most counties across the state. You can find the office nearest you on the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles website by entering your city or county. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit. A few offices offer appointment scheduling, which you can also check on the website.
Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have limited Saturday hours. If you're planning to visit during a busy time of year — such as near the end of the month or before a holiday — expect longer waits. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on your license type and how many years you're renewing for. A standard driver's license costs less to renew than a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Colorado DMV website lists current fees, which may change, so check there before you pay. You can pay by credit card or debit card for online renewal, and by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
If you're renewing for multiple years at once, the total fee is higher, but the per-year cost is usually lower than renewing for just one or two years. Some people choose to renew for the maximum number of years allowed to avoid renewing again soon, while others prefer shorter renewal periods if they expect their information to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado driver's license if it's been expired for more than five years?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person, bring your current license and proof of address, and take the written knowledge test. After you pass, the DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Online renewals typically arrive within one week. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. In-person renewals are mailed within one to two weeks. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one, even if it's expired.
What if my address changed since my last license?
If you're renewing online or by mail and your address changed, you must include proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have proof, you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office instead.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person at a Colorado DMV office?
Some Colorado DMV offices offer appointment scheduling, but not all. Check the website for your local office to see if appointments are available. If not, you can walk in during business hours, though you may wait longer during busy times. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.
What payment methods does Colorado DMV accept for renewal?
Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. The Colorado DMV website lists current renewal fees, which vary by license type and renewal period.