How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in Colorado

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Most people renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website — it takes about 15 minutes and costs $28.25 for a five-year license. You can only renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If either of those conditions is not true, you must renew in person or by mail.

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before it comes, you can print a temporary license from your online account when ready after renewal.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest method and works only if your current license is not expired and your address has not changed.
The renewal fee is $28.25 for a five-year license, and you can pay by debit card or credit card during the online process.
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can print a temporary license when ready if you need to drive before it arrives.
If your license is expired or your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail with a paper form.
You will need your current Colorado driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to renew online.

Renewing Online Through the Colorado Department of Revenue

Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Click "Renew Your License" and enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm or update your name, address, and phone number.

Review your information carefully. If anything is wrong — your middle initial, your address, your phone number — correct it now. Once you submit, you cannot change it online. After you confirm everything, you will pay the $28.25 fee with a debit card or credit card. The system will when ready give you a confirmation number and let you print a temporary license that is valid for 30 days.

Do not close the browser window until you see the confirmation page. Write down or screenshot your confirmation number. Colorado will send you an email confirmation as well, but the confirmation number is what you need if you have questions about your renewal.

Renewing by Mail if Your License Is Expired or Your Address Changed

If your license is expired or you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot use the online system. Instead, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form (DL 44) from the Colorado DMV website, or call 303-205-5600 to request one by mail.

Fill out the form completely. You will need to include a copy of proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Mail the form and proof of address to the address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for $28.25 made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the day Colorado receives your envelope. There is no way to track a mail renewal, so allow extra time. If you do not receive your new license within 6 weeks, call 303-205-5600 to confirm Colorado received your process.

Renewing in Person at a DMV Office

You can walk into any Colorado DMV office and renew in person without an appointment. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment of $28.25 in cash, check, or card. If your address has changed, bring the proof of address document.

Processing at the office is when ready — you will get a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is the slowest method if you are in a hurry to get your license renewed today, but it is the fastest way to get a temporary license in your hand if you need to drive right away.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Early mornings on weekdays are usually shorter than afternoons or weekends. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the Colorado DMV website.

What Happens if Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method — online, mail, or in person. If your license status is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the issue with the Colorado DMV before you can renew. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction.

Call 303-205-5600 and ask what is holding your license. The DMV will tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation. Once that is resolved, you can renew through any of the three methods above.

Understanding the Five-Year License and Renewal Timeline

Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires — Colorado calls this the "renewal window." If you renew early, your new license will be valid for five years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.

For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2026, you can renew starting March 15, 2025. If you renew in January 2026, your new license will still expire on March 15, 2031 — five years from your original expiration date. This means you do not lose any time by renewing early.

What to Do if You Lose Your License Before Renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you cannot use the online renewal system because you will not have your license number. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. Bring a government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) along with proof of your current address. The fee is still $28.25.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DMV office for a temporary license when you renew in person. You can drive on that temporary license for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license by mail.

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 a Colorado license. You must get a driver's license from your new state. Contact your new state's DMV to find out what documents you need to transfer your license.

What if I want to change my name on my license during renewal?

You cannot change your name through the standard renewal process. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo unless you request to keep your old one. You can ask to keep your current photo when you arrive at the office.

What if the DMV rejects my online renewal?

The system will tell you why — usually because your address has changed or your license is expired. Follow the instructions on the rejection screen. You will need to renew by mail or in person instead. You will not be charged for the rejected online attempt.

Can I renew if my license has been suspended for unpaid fines?

No. You must pay the fines and clear the suspension before you can renew. Call 303-205-5600 to find out what fines are outstanding and how to pay them. Once paid, you can renew through any method.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.