How to Renew Your Driver's License in Thornton, Colorado

Where to renew your driver's license in Thornton

Thornton residents can renew their driver's license at the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver's License Office located in Thornton, or at any other Colorado DMV office. The Thornton office is at 9350 Huron Street, Thornton, CO 80260. You can also renew by mail or online, depending on which type of renewal you need and whether you meet the requirements.

The online option is the fastest if you are renewing a standard driver's license that is not expired by more than one year, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. The mail option works for the same situation but takes longer. If your license is expired by more than one year, you have changed your address, or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a four-year license or $57.25 for an eight-year license, if you meet the requirements.
In-person renewal at the Thornton DMV office requires a current or expired ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have moved, or if you need a new photo.
The Thornton DMV office is open Monday through Friday; hours and wait times are posted on the Colorado DMV website.
Mail renewal is an option for the same situations as online renewal, but processing takes two to three weeks.

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website

To renew online, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's official website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.

Online renewal costs $28.25 for a four-year license or $57.25 for an eight-year license. Payment is made by credit card or debit card during the process. Once you complete the renewal, you will receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and use when ready. Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have changed your address since your last renewal, if you need a new photo, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at the Thornton DMV office

To renew in person at the Thornton office, bring your current or expired driver's license, one document proving your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

The in-person renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will be asked to verify your information, confirm your address, and have a new photo taken. The cost is the same as online renewal: $28.25 for a four-year license or $57.25 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card.

Your temporary paper license is issued on the spot and is valid when ready. Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail service for an additional fee, though this is not always available.

Mail renewal for standard renewals

Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of may be able to access: your license cannot be expired by more than one year, you cannot have moved, and you cannot need a new photo. To renew by mail, read the process for a Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. You will not receive a temporary license, so you should plan ahead if you need your license for travel or identification. This option is useful if you prefer not to visit an office in person or if you do not have internet access.

What happens if your license is expired by more than one year

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at the Thornton DMV office or another Colorado DMV location. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of current address, and your Social Security number.

The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and the cost is the same. However, the DMV may ask additional questions about why your license has been expired for so long. This does not affect your ability to renew; it is a standard procedure. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new physical license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Thornton DMV office hours and contact information

The Thornton DMV office is located at 9350 Huron Street, Thornton, CO 80260. The office is open Monday through Friday. Specific hours and current wait times are posted on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. You can also call the office directly to ask questions about what documents you need or to confirm hours before you visit.

If the Thornton office has a long wait, you can visit any other Colorado DMV office instead. All offices can process renewals, and your license will be mailed to your address on file regardless of which office you visit. The Colorado DMV website lists all office locations and hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

An outstanding traffic ticket or fine does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the Colorado DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to resolve it.

What if I have moved since my last renewal?

If you have moved, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at the Thornton DMV office or another Colorado location. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.

Do I need a new photo if my license is still valid?

No. If you renew online or by mail, your old photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You can also request a new photo during an in-person renewal even if you are not required to have one.

How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?

Your new physical license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your renewal. If you renew online, you receive a temporary paper license by email when ready that you can print and use right away. Mail renewal does not include a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need your license for travel.

What if I lose my temporary paper license before my new one arrives?

If you lose your temporary paper license, contact the Colorado DMV to request a replacement. You can also visit the Thornton DMV office in person and request an emergency temporary license. Bring your Social Security number and proof of identity. There may be a small fee for a replacement temporary license.

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.