Where to renew your Fort Collins driver's license

In Fort Collins, you renew your driver's license at the Colorado Department of Revenue Driver's License Division office located at 215 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524. This is the only location in Fort Collins where you can renew in person. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

You can also renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you are not required to take a new photo, and your address has not changed. Mail renewal takes longer — typically four to six weeks — so plan ahead if you choose this route. Online renewal is not available for Fort Collins residents; Colorado does not offer remote renewal for driver's licenses.

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. The office does not take appointments, so arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter lines. If you cannot visit during business hours, you will need to take time off work or arrange your schedule around the office hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fort Collins Driver's License Division office is at 215 North College Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • You must bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of identity — the office has a specific list of what documents they accept.
  • In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes once you are called, but wait times at the office can be an hour or longer depending on the day.
  • Mail renewal is an option only if your license is valid, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
  • The renewal fee is $31.50 for a standard five-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Documents you need to bring for in-person renewal

Bring your current Colorado driver's license. If you have lost it or it has been stolen, you will need to report that to the office and bring a different form of identification instead. The office will not renew a license you cannot produce without additional steps.

You must also bring proof of Colorado residency dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current Fort Collins address. A piece of mail with your name and address is the fastest way to satisfy this requirement.

Bring one form of primary identity document: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two secondary documents instead, such as a Social Security card and a school or work ID. The office staff can tell you whether a specific document will work before you complete your process.

What happens during your renewal appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. The staff member will review your documents, ask you to verify your address and other information on file, and take a new photo for your license. The photo is taken at the office — you cannot bring your own.

You will then pay the renewal fee of $31.50. The office accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. After payment, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If any information on your current license is incorrect — your name, date of birth, or address — tell the staff member before they process your renewal. Corrections made during renewal do not cost extra, but correcting errors after your new license arrives requires a separate transaction.

Mail renewal requirements and timeline

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you do not need a new photo, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. You must be renewing before your license expires or within two years after expiration.

To renew by mail, contact the Fort Collins office at (303) 205-5600 to request a mail renewal form. You will fill out the form, include a check or money order for $31.50 made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue, and mail everything to the address the office provides. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the office receives your materials. Your temporary license will not be issued by mail, so you will have no valid license during this period. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person instead.

Renewing if your address has changed

If you have moved to a new address in Fort Collins or elsewhere in Colorado, you cannot use mail renewal. You must renew in person at the Driver's License Division office. Bring your new proof of residency (dated within 60 days) along with your current license and identity documents.

Address changes are processed during your renewal appointment at no extra cost. The staff member will update your address in the system and print it on your new license. If you have moved out of Colorado, you will need to follow the process for out-of-state renewal, which requires additional documentation.

Renewing if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your driver's license if it is currently suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Contact the Driver's License Division at (303) 205-5600 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Each reason has a different resolution process. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license in person or by mail, depending on your other circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by phone?

No. Colorado does not offer online or phone renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at the Fort Collins office or by mail if you meet the mail renewal requirements. Calling the office can help you understand which option is available to you, but the actual renewal must happen in person or through the mail.

What if I need my license before the 7 to 10 day delivery time?

The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 30 days and can be used to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. If you need a license sooner than the standard mail delivery time, renew in person to get your temporary license when ready.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Fort Collins office?

No. The Fort Collins Driver's License Division office does not take appointments. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter wait times than afternoons or Fridays.

What if my current license is expired?

You can still renew an expired license in person or by mail, as long as it expired within two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires additional documents and steps. Contact the office to confirm your situation.

Can I renew someone else's license for them?

No. The person whose license is being renewed must be present at the office to have their photo taken. A parent or guardian cannot renew on behalf of an adult. If someone is unable to visit the office, mail renewal may be an option if they meet all the requirements.