Where to renew your Fort Collins driver's license

In Fort Collins, you renew your driver's license at the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver's License Office, located at 1881 Cotton Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524. This is the only location in Fort Collins that handles renewals for Colorado residents. You cannot renew at a county clerk's office or through the mail for a standard renewal — you must visit this office in person or use the online renewal option if you meet the requirements.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no Saturday or evening service. Arrive early if possible, as wait times vary throughout the day and can be longer during lunch hours and late afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at the Driver's License Office on Cotton Street unless you meet strict requirements for online renewal.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the office will not accept expired documents.
  • Standard renewals take about 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, but wait times depend on how busy the office is that day.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until it arrives.
  • The renewal fee is $28 for an eight-year license or $8 for a four-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Colorado driver's license or ID card. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. The office will not accept an expired license as your primary ID.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. An original or certified Social Security card is the clearest option, but the office also accepts a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from the past two years. A birth certificate does not count as proof of Social Security number.

Bring one document showing your current Fort Collins address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A phone bill or credit card statement also counts. If you recently moved and have not received a bill at your new address, bring a lease or purchase agreement instead.

Online renewal and when you can use it

Colorado allows online renewal only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your name or other information. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked. If all these conditions explore, you can renew at dmv.colorado.gov and pay the renewal fee online.

Online renewal takes a few minutes and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, the same as in-person renewal. However, most people who need to change their address, update their name, or correct other information must renew in person at the Cotton Street office.

What happens during your in-person renewal

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. Wait until your number is called, then approach the counter with your documents. The staff member will check your documents, verify your information on the computer, and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on your current license.

You will have your photo taken for the new license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the same rules explore as for your original license photo. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, except for religious head coverings.

After your photo, you pay the renewal fee at the counter. The office takes cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. You receive a receipt and are told when to expect your new license by mail. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

Your new license is mailed to the address you provided at renewal. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the day you renew. During busy periods, the office may take longer to process and mail licenses, so plan ahead if your current license expires soon.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver's License Office at (303) 205-5600 to check the status. Have your receipt from renewal ready when you call. If your license was lost in the mail, the office can issue a replacement, though you may need to pay an additional fee.

Renewal fees and payment options

A standard eight-year renewal license costs $28. If you choose a four-year license instead, the fee is $8. The office does not offer discounts for seniors or other groups — the fee is the same for all drivers. You pay at the counter after your photo is taken, and the office accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards.

If you pay by check, write it to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The office does not accept payment by phone or online for in-person renewals — you must pay when you visit. If you renew online, you pay the fee on the website using a debit or credit card.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

If you are unable to visit the Cotton Street office, you have limited options. You cannot have someone else renew your license on your behalf — Colorado requires the driver to appear in person. If you are homebound or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting, contact the Driver's License Office at (303) 205-5600 to ask about possible accommodations or alternative procedures.

If your license has already expired and you need to drive, you must renew before operating a vehicle. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have already started the renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Colorado allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire eight years from your current expiration date, not eight years from the renewal date. This means renewing early shortens the life of your new license.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at the Cotton Street office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new Fort Collins address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your address during the renewal process.

Do I need an appointment to renew?

No appointment is required. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis using a ticket number system. Arrive early to avoid long waits, especially on Mondays and Fridays. You can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go.

What if my new license arrives damaged or with wrong information?

Contact the Driver's License Office at (303) 205-5600 with your receipt and the damaged or incorrect license. The office will issue a replacement at no additional charge if the error was made during processing. If the license was damaged in the mail, the office may ask you to return the damaged license before issuing a replacement.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?

No. Colorado does not issue temporary licenses for renewals. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives by mail. Your old license remains valid during this time.