How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a second piece of residency proof. You do not need to take a new photo unless your license has expired for more than one year, though you can request a new photo at any renewal.

If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Colorado lets you renew online if your license is current, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed — this is the fastest option.
In-person renewal at any DMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
You'll need a new photo only if your license expired more than one year ago; otherwise, the DMV uses your existing photo.
Renewal fees vary depending on how long you want your new license to be valid — typically $27 to $31 for a standard renewal.
Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or you can leave with a temporary paper license if you renew in person.

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website

Start at the Colorado DMV website and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You'll be asked to enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DMV records.

Once verified, you'll review your current license information and confirm that your name, address, and other details are correct. If anything needs to change, you cannot do it online — you'll need to visit a DMV office instead. After you confirm your information, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives and your current license is expiring soon, ask the DMV office for a temporary paper license when you visit in person, or contact your local DMV office to ask about temporary options.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website and check its hours before you go. Most offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online appointment system — check your local office's page to see if you need to reserve a time slot.

Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you're renewing in person, the DMV will take a new photo unless your current license photo is less than one year old and you don't want a new one. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

When you finish, you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 60 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary license is your proof of renewal.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

Colorado driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want your new license to be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs $27, a five-year renewal costs $31, and a six-year renewal costs $35. You choose the length when you renew, either online or in person.

The fee covers the license itself and the DMV's processing. If you renew online, the fee is charged to your credit or debit card when ready. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, credit card, or debit card at the DMV office.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you'll need to pass a written test and a driving test, and you'll need to bring additional documents like proof of identity and proof of Social Security number.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using the standard process. Bring your expired license along with your other required documents to a DMV office, or contact the DMV to ask if you can renew online with an expired license (policies can vary).

If your license expired more than one year ago and you need to drive before you can complete the reapplication process, you cannot legally drive. Contact your local DMV office to understand the full reapplication process and timeline.

Renewing if your address has changed

If you've moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DMV office — you cannot renew online. Bring your current license and two pieces of proof of your new Colorado residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you, all dated within 60 days.

The DMV will update your address in the system during your visit. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. Make sure the address you provide is correct, because the DMV will use it to mail your renewed license.

Renewing if you have medical restrictions or a REAL ID endorsement

If your current license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), you must renew in person. The DMV will review your restrictions and may ask you to provide updated medical documentation from your doctor. Bring any medical forms your doctor has completed along with your other renewal documents.

If your current license has a REAL ID star (the gold star in the upper right corner), your renewed license will also have a REAL ID star as long as you bring the same documents you brought for your original REAL ID license. If you don't have REAL ID and want it on your renewed license, you can add it during in-person renewal by bringing additional identity and residency documents — ask the DMV office what you'll need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I live out of state now?

No. Colorado requires you to be a Colorado resident to hold a Colorado driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you should get a driver's license from your new state. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Colorado resident, you can renew online or by mail — contact the Colorado DMV to ask about mail renewal options.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You'll need to report it lost and get a replacement before you can renew. Visit a DMV office with your proof of residency and Social Security number. The DMV will issue a replacement license, and you can renew it at the same time if it's due for renewal. There may be an additional fee for the replacement.

How do I know when my license expires?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can also log into your DMV account on the Colorado DMV website to see your expiration date. The DMV does not send renewal reminders by mail or email, so it's your responsibility to track the date.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Colorado does not automatically block renewal for unpaid tickets or fines, but some courts may place a hold on your license. If the DMV system shows a hold, you won't be able to renew until the hold is cleared. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out how to resolve it.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring documents proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.

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.