Where to renew your license in Larimer County
In Larimer County, you can renew your Colorado driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Fort Collins, located at 3365 Timberline Road. This is the main location that handles renewals for the county. You can also renew by mail or online, depending on your situation — but the Fort Collins office is where you go if you need to renew in person.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no appointment system; you arrive and take a number. Wait times vary, but mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons. If you cannot get to Fort Collins, some smaller towns in Larimer County have limited DMV services, but they may not handle all renewal types — call ahead to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- The main DMV office for Larimer County is at 3365 Timberline Road in Fort Collins, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, or online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain requirements.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- A standard renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes in person, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to the office in person.
What documents you need to bring
For an in-person renewal at the Fort Collins DMV office, bring your current Colorado driver's license. You will also need one document that proves you live in Colorado — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have your Social Security number memorized, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it. The DMV staff can look up your information if you have your current license, but having these documents ready speeds up the process.
Renewing by mail or online instead
If your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, you can renew by mail. Fill out the process for Renewal of Driver's License form (available on the Colorado DMV website), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. This takes about two to three weeks total.
Online renewal is faster if you are may be able to access. You can renew online through the Colorado DMV website if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need a new photo. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew in person or by mail.
The cost and how long it takes
A standard driver's license renewal in Colorado costs $28.25 for a four-year license or $56.50 for an eight-year license. You choose which term when you renew. The DMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order; if you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card.
If you renew in person at the Fort Collins office, you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives at your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days. By mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks. Online renewal is the fastest option — your temporary license is issued when ready, and your permanent one arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the mail or online route — you must go to the Fort Collins DMV office in person and bring all the documents listed above.
When you renew an expired license in person, the process is the same as a standard renewal, but the staff will verify your information more carefully. You still receive a temporary paper license and your permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring your expired license with you; it helps the DMV staff locate your record.
If you need a new photo or have other changes
If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at the Fort Collins office. The DMV takes a new photo during your visit at no extra charge. You cannot get a new photo by mail or online renewal.
If you have changed your name, address, or other information on your license, you also need to renew in person. Bring proof of the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill or lease for an address change. The DMV staff will update your record and issue your new license with the correct information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Colorado allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or at the last minute.
What if I move out of Larimer County but still live in Colorado?
You can renew at any DMV office in Colorado, not just the one in Fort Collins. If you move to a different county, you can visit the DMV office nearest to your new address. You will need to update your address on your license, so bring proof of your new residence.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license in person if you need a new photo or have made changes to your information. If you are renewing by mail or online and nothing has changed, you can handle it yourself without visiting the office. A family member cannot submit the renewal on your behalf.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it. Replacement is a different process than renewal and requires a visit to the Fort Collins DMV office. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN and proof of Colorado residency. The replacement fee is different from the renewal fee.
How do I know if my license is about to expire?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Colorado sends a reminder notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but do not rely on it arriving — check your license directly. You can also log into your Colorado DMV account online to see your expiration date.