Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it from home in about 15 minutes — but it's only open to people whose licenses are not expired and who don't need to change their address, name, or other information on the license itself.
If you're renewing in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Colorado address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office.
If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You won't need to visit an office or take a new photo — Colorado will use your existing photo from your current license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 15 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license isn't expired and you're not changing your address or name.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renew online or in person.
- Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website
Go to the Colorado DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it's correct.
You'll then pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The fee for a five-year renewal is $28.25. Once you submit payment, you're done — your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system tells you that you don't meet the conditions for online renewal, you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office instead. This usually happens if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if there's a flag on your record.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Find the DMV office closest to you on the Colorado DMV website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the wait. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day — offices are usually less busy early in the morning or mid-week.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. At the office, you'll take a new photo and pass a vision test. The staff will process your renewal and give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
The in-person renewal fee is $31.25 for a five-year license. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.
When your license is expired or close to expiring
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person — the online system will not let you proceed. You'll still bring the same documents (current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address), and the process is the same.
If your license expired more than five years ago, Colorado may require you to take a written knowledge test and a driving test in addition to the vision test. Contact your local DMV office before you go to find out whether this applies to you.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved to a new address in Colorado, you must renew in person — you cannot change your address through online renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
If you've changed your name, you'll also need to bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Renew in person and bring all these documents with you.
What happens after you renew
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license you receive in person (or the confirmation email from online renewal) is valid during this time. You can use it as proof of identity and driving privileges until your permanent license arrives.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one — you don't need to return it to the DMV. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew.
If you're moving out of Colorado
If you're moving to another state, you don't need to renew your Colorado license before you leave. You can renew it by mail or online from your new state if your license hasn't expired yet. Once you move, you'll eventually need to get a license from your new state — the timeline and requirements vary by state.
If your Colorado license expires while you're out of state, you'll need to renew in person the next time you visit Colorado, or you can contact the Colorado DMV to ask about mail renewal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. The DMV will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered suspension. You'll need to resolve the ticket or fine first. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call the Colorado DMV to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You'll need to replace your lost license before you can renew it. Go to a DMV office with proof of your identity and address, and they'll issue a replacement. Once you have it, you can renew right away if your license is close to expiring.
Do I need a new photo if I renew online?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you'll take a new photo at the DMV office.
How much does it cost to renew in Colorado?
Online renewal costs $28.25 for a five-year license. In-person renewal costs $31.25. Some offices charge an additional fee for expedited service or appointment scheduling.
What if my renewal is rejected online?
The online system will tell you why you can't renew online — usually because your license is expired, you need to change your address, or there's a flag on your record. Visit a DMV office in person to complete your renewal, or call the Colorado DMV to ask about your specific situation.