When You Can Renew Your Colorado Driver's License Early

You can renew your Colorado driver's license up to one year before it expires

Colorado allows you to renew your driver's license as early as 12 months before your expiration date. This means if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can walk into a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office on March 15, 2024, and renew it then. The state does not penalize you for renewing early — your new license will straightforward have a new expiration date 10 years from the date you renew (for standard adult licenses).

The reason to renew early is usually practical: you avoid the rush near your expiration date, you get a new photo if your current one no longer looks like you, or you need a REAL ID-compliant license for federal purposes. There is no fee difference for renewing early, and the process is the same whether you renew at 11 months before expiration or one month after.

Key Takeaways

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license starting 12 months before it expires, with no penalty or extra cost.
Your new license will be valid for 10 years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
You can renew in person at any DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Colorado DMV website for some renewal types.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the exact documents depend on whether you are renewing a standard or REAL ID license.

Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office

In-person renewal is the fastest route and takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You can walk into any DMV office in Colorado without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Smaller county offices typically have shorter waits than Denver-area offices, especially early in the morning or mid-week.

Bring your current driver's license, a document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you are renewing a REAL ID license — required for federal buildings and domestic flights — you will also need to bring a certified birth certificate or passport. The DMV will take a new photo during your visit, so plan for that.

You will pay the renewal fee at the counter. Standard driver's license renewals cost $28.75 for a 10-year license. REAL ID renewals cost $33.75. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most offices.

Renewing by mail from Colorado

Mail renewal is available only if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired, you must have a valid Colorado address, and you cannot be renewing a REAL ID license for the first time. If your current license is already expired, you must renew in person.

To renew by mail, contact the Colorado DMV to request a renewal form, or read the form from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $28.75 (standard license) or $33.75 (REAL ID), and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number.

Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail at your Colorado address. This method works well if you are renewing well before your expiration date and do not need a new photo.

Renewing online through the Colorado DMV

Colorado offers online renewal for some drivers, but not all. You can renew online only if you are renewing a standard (non-REAL ID) license and you have not changed your address since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is $28.75 and you can pay by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, because there is no office visit and no mail processing delay. However, you will not get a new photo — your new license will use the photo from your current license.

What happens to your old license after renewal

Once you receive your new license, your old one is no longer valid. You do not need to return it to the DMV, but many people keep it as a backup form of ID or destroy it themselves. Some people cut it in half before throwing it away to prevent identity theft.

If you renewed in person, the DMV will have already taken your old license and destroyed it during your visit. If you renewed by mail or online, your old license will straightforward expire on its original date and become invalid — you can throw it away once your new one arrives.

If you need your license before the standard timeline

If you are renewing in person, you can usually leave the DMV office with a temporary paper license the same day. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent card is being printed. The permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are renewing by mail or online and need to drive before your new license arrives, you will need to renew in person instead. There is no way to speed up mail or online processing once you have submitted your renewal.

Renewing a REAL ID license early

REAL ID renewal follows the same 12-month early window as a standard license, but you must renew in person — mail and online renewal are not available for REAL ID. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a certified birth certificate or passport.

REAL ID licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. If you are planning a trip and your current license is not REAL ID-compliant, renewing early ensures you have the correct ID in time. The fee is $33.75 instead of $28.75.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it in person at a DMV office. If it expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test — contact your local DMV office to confirm what you need to bring. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is expired.

Do I have to get a new photo when I renew early?

Only if you renew in person. In-person renewal includes a new photo. If you renew by mail or online, your new license will use your current photo. Many people choose in-person renewal specifically to get a new photo.

What if I move to a different address before my renewal date?

You can renew early and update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your other documents. In-person renewal is the fastest way to do this.

How long does a renewed license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license the same day and a permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.

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

Colorado does not automatically block renewal for unpaid tickets or fines, but some counties may place a hold on your renewal if you have an active warrant. Contact your local DMV office or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether a hold exists before you attempt to renew.

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.