What you need to do to renew in Colorado
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Department of Revenue office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can complete a renewal without taking a new photo or retaking the written test.
Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, which means you have a two-year window to get it done — one year early plus the year after expiration. However, if your license has already been expired for more than one year, you will need to renew in person and may have to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew starting one year before expiration.
- Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option if your license is current and you have not changed your address.
- Mail renewal is available if your license has not been expired for more than one year and you do not need to update your address or photo.
- In-person renewal at a local Department of Revenue office is required if your license expired more than one year ago or if you need to change your address or photograph.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee, which varies depending on your renewal method.
Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue
The Colorado Department of Revenue website allows you to renew online if your license is still valid (not expired) and you have not moved. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 15 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal because there is no appointment fee.
After you complete the online renewal, Colorado will mail your new license to the address on file. The mailing typically takes one to two weeks. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving. Online renewal does not include a new photograph, so your current photo will appear on your new license.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license has not been expired for more than one year, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photograph. You will need to request a mail renewal form from the Colorado Department of Revenue, either by calling their customer service line or visiting their website. Fill out the form, include your current license and payment, and mail everything to the address provided on the form.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time Colorado receives your materials. You should mail your renewal at least one month before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. Keep your current license until you receive the new one in the mail.
Renewing in person at a Department of Revenue office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, or if you want a new photograph on your license. You can visit any Department of Revenue office in Colorado without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour from the time you arrive. You will have your photograph taken and receive your new license on the spot. If your license expired more than one year ago, the staff member may ask you to retake the written test to confirm you still know Colorado traffic laws. This test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.
What documents and information you will need
For any renewal method, you will need your current Colorado driver's license or ID card. If you are renewing in person or by mail, you will also need to show proof of your current address. Colorado accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail as proof of residency. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need a valid payment method. Online and mail renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. In-person renewals accept cash, checks, and cards. The renewal fee depends on your age and the type of license, but typically ranges from $30 to $50 for a standard five-year renewal. If you are renewing early (more than one year before expiration), you may pay a lower fee.
What happens if your license has been expired for a long time
If your Colorado driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Department of Revenue office in person. The staff will ask you to retake the written knowledge test, which covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules. You will also have a new photograph taken.
The written test is the same one new drivers take and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. You need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it the same day at most offices. Bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency, just as you would for a standard in-person renewal.
Changing your address during renewal
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot change your address online or by mail — you must do it in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee.
Updating your address at the same time as your renewal takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal, about 30 minutes to an hour. Your new license will show your updated address and will be mailed to you or given to you on the spot, depending on whether you also need a new photograph. If you only need to change your address and your license is not expiring soon, you can update your address separately without renewing your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you are renewing by mail or online, make sure to submit your renewal at least one month before your expiration date so you receive your new license in time. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office.
How much does a Colorado driver's license renewal cost?
The fee varies based on your age and whether you are renewing early or on time. Standard renewals typically cost between $30 and $50. Online renewals are usually cheaper than in-person renewals because there is no appointment or processing fee. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for the exact current fee.
Do I need to retake the written test when I renew?
Only if your license has been expired for more than one year. If you renew before or within one year of expiration, you do not need to retake the test. The test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs and requires a score of at least 80 percent to pass.
What if I need a new photo on my license but do not want to renew yet?
You can visit a Department of Revenue office and request a new photograph without renewing your license. This costs less than a full renewal and takes about 15 minutes. Your license will remain valid for the rest of its five-year term with the new photo.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
Online and mail renewals typically take one to two weeks for delivery after Colorado processes your request. Mail renewal takes longer overall because Colorado must first receive and process your materials, which adds another one to two weeks. Plan to submit your renewal at least one month before expiration to avoid driving with an expired license.