Where to renew your license in Denver
In Denver, you can renew your Colorado driver's license at any Department of Revenue office, but the main location most people use is the Denver Driver License Office at 1881 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80204. This office handles renewals during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no appointment needed for standard renewals — you walk in and take a number.
You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must be renewing for the first time (not a second or third renewal by mail), and you cannot have any medical restrictions or changes to your information. If mail renewal is an option for you, the Colorado Department of Revenue will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires, with instructions and a prepaid envelope included.
A third option is the online renewal system at dmv.colorado.gov, which works if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you do not need a new photo. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal.
Key Takeaways
- The Denver Driver License Office at 1881 Pierce Street is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and handles walk-in renewals without an appointment.
- Mail renewal is free and works only if your license expired less than one year ago and this is your first mail renewal.
- Online renewal through dmv.colorado.gov is the fastest option if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo.
- You will need your current license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of identity — bring originals, not copies.
- In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes on average, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
What documents to bring for in-person renewal
If you are renewing in person at the Denver office, bring your current Colorado driver's license and two forms of identification. One must be a primary ID (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), and the second can be a secondary ID (Social Security card, bank statement, utility bill, or lease agreement with your name and current address).
You also need proof of Colorado residency dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Denver address works. If you have moved since your last license, bring the document that shows your new address — the office will not accept a verbal statement of your new address.
Bring originals, not photocopies. The staff will not accept scanned or photographed documents, and they will not accept documents that have been altered or corrected with pen or marker.
The in-person renewal process step by step
Step 1: Arrive and take a number. Walk into the Denver Driver License Office and grab a ticket from the dispenser near the entrance. The ticket will have a number and a letter indicating which window to go to when your number is called. Arrive early if possible — the office gets busier between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Step 2: Hand over your documents. When your number is called, go to the window and give the clerk your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The clerk will scan these documents and enter your information into the system.
Step 3: Confirm your information and pay. The clerk will show you a screen with your name, address, and other details. Review it carefully and tell the clerk about any changes — if you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your height or eye color, say so now. You will pay the renewal fee at this point. As of 2024, a standard four-year renewal costs $28.25 and an eight-year renewal costs $56.50.
Step 4: Take your photo and sign. You will go to a photo station where a staff member will take your new license photo. You will then sign a digital pad to authorize your license. Do not smile with your teeth showing — Colorado's photo rules require a neutral expression.
Step 5: Receive your temporary license. Before you leave, the clerk will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you while you wait for the permanent one.
Mail renewal: when it works and how long it takes
Mail renewal is free and requires no trip to an office, but it only works if your license expired less than one year ago and you have not renewed by mail before. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person or online.
To renew by mail, wait for the renewal notice from the Colorado Department of Revenue — it arrives about 30 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and a form to sign. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back with your current license. Do not send a copy; send the original license itself.
Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the office receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. During this time, you can drive with your expired license as long as you have the renewal notice in your vehicle as proof that you have applied.
Online renewal: fastest option with limitations
Online renewal through dmv.colorado.gov takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a four-year license. You can do it from home at any time, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. However, online renewal only works if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, your address has not changed since your last license, you do not need a new photo, and you have no medical restrictions or corrections to make.
To renew online, go to dmv.colorado.gov, click "Driver License Renewal," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee. The system will verify your identity and process your renewal when ready. You will receive a confirmation email with a temporary license number that you can print or save to your phone.
If you need a new photo, your address has changed, or you have any other updates to make, you cannot use online renewal — you must go in person to the Denver office or use mail renewal if you are may be able to access.
What happens if your license is expired or lost
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must renew in person at the Denver Driver License Office. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license (if you still have it), proof of identity, and proof of residency. If you have lost your license, bring your proof of identity and residency, and the office will issue a replacement.
If your license has been expired for several years, the office may require you to retake the written test and vision test before issuing a new license. Ask when you arrive whether you will need to test, or call the office ahead at (720) 263-6230 to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does in-person renewal take?
Most people spend 15 to 30 minutes from arrival to leaving with a temporary license. Wait times depend on how busy the office is — early morning and late afternoon are usually faster than midday. On Fridays, the office closes at 4:30 p.m., so arrive by 3:30 p.m. to have time to complete the process.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will still expire on the same date your old one would have. There is no advantage to renewing early except convenience.
What if I have changed my name since my last license?
Bring a document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. This counts as a standard renewal, so the fee is the same.
Can I renew if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call (720) 263-6230 to find out the reason and what steps you need to take.
What if my temporary license gets lost or damaged before my permanent license arrives?
Contact the Denver Driver License Office at (720) 263-6230 and explain what happened. They can issue a replacement temporary license or expedite your permanent license. Bring your proof of identity and residency if you go in person to get a replacement temporary license.