Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license through three different routes: online at the DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a local driver's license office. Which route you can use depends on whether your license is Real ID compliant, how long it's been expired, and whether you've had any address changes. Most people can renew online in about 10 minutes without leaving home.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. It contains your renewal number, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew — you'll just need your driver's license number and Social Security number instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is current, not expired, and you haven't changed your address or name since it was issued.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your renewal notice or driver's license, and a check or money order — processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license is expired, you've changed your address, or you need a Real ID upgrade.
- Colorado driver's licenses expire on your birthday, eight years after they were issued, so plan to renew before that date arrives.
- The renewal fee is $28 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID compliant license, and you'll need to pass a vision test for in-person renewal.
Online renewal: fastest option if your information hasn't changed
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page and select "Renew Online." You'll need your renewal notice (which has your renewal number) or your current driver's license number and Social Security number. Have your current address ready — if it matches what Colorado has on file, you can proceed.
The system will ask you to review your personal information, confirm your address, choose whether you want a standard license or Real ID compliant license, and pay the fee by debit or credit card. Once you submit, you're done. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal does not work if your license is already expired, if you've moved since it was issued, if you've changed your name, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID for the first time. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Mail renewal: slower but requires no office visit
read and print the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DR 10) from the Colorado DMV website. Fill in all required fields, sign and date it, and enclose your renewal notice or a copy of your current driver's license. Include a check or money order for $28 (standard license) or $32 (Real ID). Do not send cash.
Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — typically the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver's License Section in Denver. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope. You can continue driving on your current license during this time.
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired, your address hasn't changed, and you don't need a vision test update. If any of those conditions don't explore, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
In-person renewal: required for expired licenses and address changes
Visit a Colorado driver's license office in your county. You can find the nearest office and check current wait times on the DMV website. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it's been less than two years), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $28 or $32 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
At the office, you'll complete an process, have your photo taken, and pass a vision test. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your plastic license is printed and mailed to you.
In-person renewal is required if your current license is expired, you've changed your address since it was issued, you've changed your name, you want to upgrade to Real ID for the first time, or you need to correct information on your license. It's also the only option if you want to add or remove restrictions or endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement).
Real ID compliance: what it means and when you need it
A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Colorado driver's license will no longer work for those purposes after that date.
If your current license is standard (no gold star), you can upgrade to Real ID during renewal. Online renewal lets you choose which type you want. If you renew in person, the office will ask whether you want to upgrade. The fee is $32 for Real ID versus $28 for standard.
To upgrade to Real ID in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address. If you've changed your name since your license was issued, also bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
What to do if your license is expired or lost
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a driver's license office, a vision test, and proof of identity and residency. Contact your local office for the full list of documents you'll need.
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the Colorado DMV and request a replacement. You can do this by phone at 303-205-5600 or in person at any driver's license office. A replacement license costs $20 and arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
If you're renewing a license that's been expired for less than two years, you can still use the standard renewal process (online, mail, or in person). However, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives, so in-person renewal is usually the fastest option because you get a temporary license on the spot.
Timing and fees at a glance
| Renewal Method | Processing Time | Requirements | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 7–10 business days | Current license, unchanged address, renewal notice or DL number | $28 or $32 |
| 2–3 weeks | Completed form, current license, unchanged address | $28 or $32 | |
| In Person | 30 minutes (temporary license same day; plastic license 7–10 days) | Current license, proof of address, vision test | $28 or $32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different state?
No. If you've moved out of Colorado, you should explore for a driver's license in your new state instead of renewing your Colorado license. Once you have a valid license from another state, you can surrender your Colorado license to avoid duplicate licenses.
What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?
You can still renew online or by mail without it. Use your driver's license number and Social Security number instead of the renewal number. If you're concerned your address on file is wrong, renew in person to update it.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Colorado driver's license offices do not require appointments for renewal. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DMV website for current wait times before you go.
What happens if my license expires while I'm waiting for the new one?
If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even if the expiration date passes. If you renewed in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days while your plastic license is being printed.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew, so renewing early extends the total time before you need to renew again.