Colorado driver licenses expire every 10 years, and you renew them through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Colorado issues driver licenses valid for 10 years from the date of issue. When your license approaches expiration, you have several ways to renew: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

Your expiration date appears on the front of your license. The DMV typically sends a renewal notice to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the renewal process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado driver licenses are valid for 10 years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address or other personal information.
  • If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test.
  • The DMV charges a renewal fee that varies depending on the type of license and whether you renew online or in person.
  • You will need your current Colorado driver license number and a valid email address to renew online.

Online renewal: fastest option for valid licenses

If your Colorado driver license is still valid and you have not moved, changed your name, or need to update your photo, you can renew online through the Colorado DMV website. This process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

To renew online, you will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The DMV will send you a confirmation email, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to update your photo, if you have changed your name, or if you are changing your address to a different county. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have moved to a different address, or if you are changing your name or other personal information. Bring your current Colorado driver license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).

If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. If it expired less than one year ago, you typically do not need to retake the tests. The DMV office will take a new photo during your visit.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

Renewing by mail

You can renew your Colorado driver license by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need to update your photo or personal information. Complete the renewal form (available on the Colorado DMV website), include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. Keep a copy of your mailed process for your records in case questions arise.

Renewal fees and what they cover

The renewal fee for a standard Colorado driver license is $28.75 if you renew online or by mail, and $33.75 if you renew in person. These fees cover the cost of producing and mailing your new license. If you need to update your photo or address, the fee remains the same.

The DMV accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or check (by mail only). If you renew in person, you can also pay with cash. Some DMV offices charge an additional fee if you need to retake the written or vision test.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your Colorado driver license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it in person at a DMV office without retaking the written test, though you will need to pass a vision test. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you must retake both the written test and the vision test. You will also need to bring the same documents as above. The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, available on the DMV website.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a fine or other penalties.

Changing your address during renewal

If you have moved to a new address in Colorado, you can update it during renewal. If you renew online, you can change your address as part of the online process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you have moved out of Colorado, you cannot renew your Colorado license. You will need to obtain a license from your new state. Contact the DMV in your new state for information about how to transfer your driving record and obtain a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date shown on your current license. This is useful if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date or if you are planning to travel and want a fresh license.

What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person to report it lost and obtain a replacement. Bring proof of your identity and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement fee is $28.75.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

If you renew online or by mail, your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being produced and mailed to you.

Do I need to retake the written test to renew my license?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If your license expired less than one year ago, you only need to pass a vision test. If it expired more than one year ago, you must retake both the written and vision tests.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, the DMV may suspend your license if you fail to pay court-ordered fines or child support. Contact the Colorado DMV or the court that issued the ticket if you have questions about your specific situation.