Colorado driver's licenses renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation
Colorado offers three paths to renew: mail renewal for those who meet certain conditions, online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, and in-person renewal at a driver's license office. Which route you take depends on whether you have a Real ID-compliant license, how much time you have before expiration, and whether your personal information has changed. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your license is valid for five years from the date of issue. Colorado sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, though you do not need to wait for the notice to begin the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and works if your address has not changed and your license is not expired.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, payment, and a new photo, and takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your materials.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office is necessary if your license is already expired, your address has changed, or you need to update your name or other personal information.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require proof of citizenship or legal residency and a Social Security number, and cannot be renewed by mail.
- Renewal fees are $28 for a standard five-year license and $48 for a Real ID license, payable by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website
Online renewal is available at dor.colorado.gov under the Driver License section. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and confirm your address on file.
Online renewal works only if your license is not yet expired, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your name, gender marker, or other personal information. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew in person or by mail.
After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, the Colorado Department of Revenue will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes seven to ten business days. You will receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and carry until your physical license arrives.
Mail renewal with a new photo
To renew by mail, read or request the process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Complete the form, sign it, and include a new photo that meets Colorado's requirements: a color photo taken within the last six months, at least 2 by 2 inches, with a plain white or off-white background and your face clearly visible.
Mail your completed form, new photo, and payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Include your current license with your process so the office can verify your signature and personal information.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your materials. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan accordingly if your license is expiring soon. The Colorado Department of Revenue will mail your new license to the address you provided on the form.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office
Visit a Colorado driver's license office if your license has already expired, your address has changed, you need to update your name or other personal information, or you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time. You can find office locations and hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
Bring your current license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If you are updating your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are renewing a Real ID license, bring proof of citizenship or legal residency and your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number.
You will have your photo taken at the office. Processing is when ready, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while your physical license is mailed to you, which takes seven to ten business days.
Real ID licenses and federal compliance
Colorado Real ID licenses are compliant with federal identification standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Colorado driver's license is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025.
If your current license is a standard (non-Real ID) license, you must renew in person and provide proof of citizenship or legal residency, such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card. You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Real ID renewal cannot be done online or by mail.
If your current license is already Real ID-compliant, you can renew online or by mail without providing citizenship documents again, as long as your personal information has not changed.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a driver's license office and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
If your license expired within the past year, you can still renew by mail or in person. You cannot renew online if your license is expired. Bring your expired license to the office or include it with your mail renewal process so the office can verify your signature and personal information.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard five-year Colorado driver's license costs $28 to renew. A Real ID-compliant license costs $48. These are the only fees charged by the Colorado Department of Revenue for renewal.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires payment by check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must hold a valid Colorado address to renew a Colorado license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you have moved temporarily but still maintain a Colorado address, you can renew online or by mail.
What happens if I renew online but my address is wrong in the system?
If you discover after submitting your online renewal that your address is incorrect, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue when ready. You may be able to update your address before your new license is printed. If your new license is mailed to the wrong address, you can request a replacement at a driver's license office.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your in-person visit. Your physical license is mailed to you and typically arrives within seven to ten business days. You can use the temporary license for driving and identification during this time.
Do I need to take a new photo if I renew by mail?
Yes. Mail renewal requires a new photo taken within the last six months. You cannot use your photo from your previous license. The photo must be at least 2 by 2 inches with a plain white or off-white background.
Can I renew a Real ID license online?
No. Real ID licenses must be renewed in person at a driver's license office. You will need to provide proof of citizenship or legal residency and your Social Security number, even if you already have a Real ID license.