How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Colorado

You can renew your Colorado driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the quickest option — you can complete it in about 15 minutes from home, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical or vision restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

If you don't meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or visit a DMV office. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready — you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website takes 15 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year license, with your new card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
You can only renew online if your current license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical or vision restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
Mail renewal requires mailing your current license and a check to the DMV address listed on the renewal form, and takes 2 to 3 weeks total.
In-person renewal at any Colorado DMV office gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.
Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before your license expires — you can renew up to one year early.

Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website

Go to the Colorado DMV website and select "Renew Driver's License" from the main menu. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to review your information. If your address, name, or other details have changed, you cannot complete the online renewal — you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.

Once you confirm your information is correct, you'll pay the renewal fee of $28.75 for a five-year license using a credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check on your renewal status.

Renewing by mail

The Colorado DMV sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and a form you need to sign and return. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back with your current license and a check for $28.75 made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Do not send cash.

Mail your renewal packet to the address printed on the renewal notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives it. You can renew by mail even if your address has changed — just write your new address on the form. Your new license will be mailed to whichever address you provide.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any Colorado DMV office with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate if your name has changed since your last license. You can pay with cash, check, or card.

The DMV will take a new photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is your proof of a valid license. DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours — check the Colorado DMV website for your nearest office and its hours.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a vision test. You'll also need to provide proof of identity and residency.

If your license expired while you were deployed with the military, Colorado extends the important date. Contact the DMV directly to discuss your situation before attempting to renew.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you're renewing in person or by mail and your address has changed, tell the DMV staff or write your new address clearly on the renewal form. You'll need to provide proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days works. If you're renewing online, you cannot change your address; you must renew in person or by mail instead.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring an original or certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). This applies whether you're renewing in person, by mail, or online — though online renewal will reject you if the name in the system doesn't match your current legal name, so you'll need to use one of the other methods.

Costs and what's included in your renewal

A five-year renewal license costs $28.75. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same — Colorado issues REAL ID licenses by default. Your new license will have an updated photo, your current address, and an expiration date five years from the date you renew.

Your renewal does not include a new vision test or written test unless you're explore for a new license rather than renewing. If the DMV has flagged your record for a medical review or vision concern, you'll receive a notice in the mail and will need to visit an office in person to complete those requirements before your renewal can be processed.

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. You'll receive your renewal notice 60 days before the expiration date, but you can start the renewal process as soon as you receive it. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What if I don't receive my renewal notice?

Contact the Colorado DMV directly at 303-205-5600 or visit a DMV office to request a renewal form. You don't need the notice to renew — it's just a reminder. Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call.

How do I check the status of my renewal?

If you renewed online, use the confirmation number from your email to check your status on the Colorado DMV website. If you renewed by mail or in person, you can call the DMV at 303-205-5600 with your license number. Processing times are 7 to 10 business days for mail and in-person renewals.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. Visit a DMV office with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and take a new photo. A replacement is different from a renewal and requires an in-person visit.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

For online renewal, only you can complete it using your personal information. For mail renewal, you can mail in your signed form and license, but you must sign the form yourself. For in-person renewal, you must appear in person — the DMV cannot accept a renewal on your behalf.

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.