Colorado driver licenses renew every five or ten years depending on your age
Colorado issues five-year licenses to drivers under 21 and ten-year licenses to drivers 21 and older. Your renewal date appears on the front of your license. You can renew in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Colorado DMV website if you are renewing a standard license and have not had a name change, address change outside Colorado, or medical suspension.
The Colorado DMV processes most in-person renewals on the same day. Mail renewals take two to three weeks. Online renewals are the fastest option when available — you receive your new license within five to seven business days after approval. You do not need to renew before your current license expires, but driving on an expired license is illegal, so plan ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado driver licenses expire every five years for drivers under 21 and every ten years for drivers 21 and older; your expiration date is printed on the front.
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and the method you choose depends on whether your address, name, or medical status has changed.
- Online renewal is the fastest option when available and takes five to seven business days; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
- You will need your current license, proof of Colorado residency, and a valid form of identification such as a passport or birth certificate.
Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website
Online renewal is available only if your license is still valid, you have not changed your name or moved out of state, and you have no medical restrictions or suspensions on your record. You log into the Colorado DMV website using your driver license number and date of birth, answer questions about your current information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The fee for a ten-year license is $31.50; a five-year license costs $18.50.
After you submit your online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within five to seven business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. If the DMV cannot process your renewal online — for example, because your address changed or your medical status changed — the system will tell you and direct you to renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing by mail with the Colorado DMV
Mail renewal is an option if you cannot visit a DMV office and do not meet the requirements for online renewal. You request a renewal form from the Colorado DMV by phone at 303-205-5600, by mail, or through the DMV website. You complete the form, gather your documents, and mail everything to the address the DMV provides. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet.
You will need to include your current license, proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and a valid form of identification if your name has changed. The renewal fee is the same as online: $31.50 for ten years or $18.50 for five years. Mail your packet to the address provided by the DMV, not to a local office. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the DMV needs to contact you.
Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office
In-person renewal at a DMV office is the most straightforward option if you have time to visit. Bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail), and a valid form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. If your name has changed since your last license, bring legal documentation of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Walk-ins are accepted at most Colorado DMV offices, but wait times vary. You can check wait times and office hours on the Colorado DMV website before you go. Most renewals are completed within 30 minutes to an hour. You pay the renewal fee in cash or card at the office, and you receive your new license the same day. If the office is unusually busy, you may be asked to return later or on another day.
Documents you need for any renewal method
| Document Type | Required For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Current Colorado driver license | All methods | Your existing license |
| Proof of Colorado residency | In-person and mail | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days |
| Valid identification | In-person and mail (if name changed) | Passport, birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID |
| Name change documentation | In-person and mail (if name changed since last license) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order |
Online renewal does not require you to submit documents because the DMV verifies your information against existing records. However, if you are renewing by mail or in person and your address has not changed, you still need proof of residency — the DMV uses this to confirm you still live in Colorado. A utility bill in your name, a lease agreement, a bank or credit card statement, or official mail from a government agency all work.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV treats long-expired licenses differently because they need to verify your identity and current information in real time. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification.
In-person renewal for an expired license takes longer than a standard renewal because the DMV conducts a more thorough review. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour. You will still receive your new license the same day. If you have any medical suspensions or restrictions on your record, the DMV will address those during your visit.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Colorado charges $31.50 for a ten-year driver license and $18.50 for a five-year license. These are the base renewal fees and do not include any additional charges for name changes, address corrections, or other services. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash or card. If you renew online, you must pay by credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order — include the payment with your renewal packet.
The DMV does not accept payment by phone or email. If you are renewing by mail and you do not include payment, your renewal will be delayed or rejected. Write your driver license number on the back of your check or money order so the DMV can match it to your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado driver license before the expiration date?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire ten years (or five years if you are under 21) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license was set to expire. This means renewing very early can actually shorten the life of your new license.
What if I moved out of Colorado after my last renewal?
You cannot renew your Colorado license by mail or online if you no longer live in Colorado. You must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office before you move, or you must obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state, you can return to Colorado to renew in person, or you can wait until you move back.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
For online and mail renewals, the DMV uses your existing photo from your current license. You do not get a new photo unless you request one. If you renew in person, the DMV takes a new photo as part of the renewal process. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.
What if the DMV rejects my renewal process?
The DMV will contact you by phone or mail if your process is incomplete or if there is a problem with your documents. Common reasons for rejection include missing proof of residency, an expired form of identification, or a medical suspension on your record. If this happens, the DMV will tell you what is missing and how to fix it. You can then resubmit by mail or renew in person.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your own license in person, by mail, or online. A family member or representative cannot renew on your behalf. If you are unable to visit a DMV office due to a disability or medical condition, you can contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to discuss other options.