Renewing your Colorado driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Colorado driver's license without visiting a DMV office if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical suspensions. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online because of a flag on your record or an expired license, you will need to renew by mail or visit a DMV office in person.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail 60 days before your license expires. This notice contains a barcode and instructions specific to your situation. Keep it handy — you will need the information on it to start any renewal method. If you did not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need to provide your driver's license number and date of birth instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website takes 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year license, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can only renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address or name, and you have no medical or legal holds on your record.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a check or money order, and your renewal notice to the DMV address listed on that notice.
- If your license is expired, you have an address change, or you have a flag on your record, you must renew in person at a DMV office or through the mail.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment to any DMV office; appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.
Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website
Go to dmv.colorado.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you will see a summary of your current information and can make any corrections to your address or phone number before you pay.
The renewal fee is $28.75 for a five-year license. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why — common reasons include an expired license, an address change, a name change, or a medical suspension. In those cases, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is expired or if you have a flag on your record that prevents online renewal. Your renewal notice includes a mailing address and instructions. If you do not have your notice, you can mail your materials to the DMV office in your county.
Send the following items in one envelope: your current driver's license, a check or money order for $28.75 (made out to "Colorado DMV"), and your renewal notice if you have it. Do not send cash. Include a note with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number if you are not including your renewal notice. Mail it to the address on your notice or to your county DMV office.
Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. If you need your license sooner, visit a DMV office in person instead. Keep track of when you mailed your materials so you know when to expect your new license; if it does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.
Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office
Visit any DMV office in Colorado to renew your license. You do not have to go to the office in your county — any office will process your renewal. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original or a copy.
Payment is $28.75 for a five-year license. You can pay with cash, debit card, credit card, or check. Most DMV offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. You can book an appointment online at dmv.colorado.gov to skip the line. Appointments are usually available within a few days. Your new license is printed on site and you leave with it the same day.
If you have an expired license, an address change, a name change, or a medical suspension, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal will not be an option. Bring any additional documents related to your situation; for example, if you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
What happens if your license is expired
You cannot renew online if your license is expired. You must renew by mail or in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your renewal confirmation email or receipt, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, the DMV may require you to take a vision test or written exam in addition to renewing. Call your local DMV office before you go to ask whether you will need to test. The fastest way to get back on the road is to visit a DMV office in person, where you can complete everything the same day.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal lets you change your address before you pay. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on a separate note and include it with your materials. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address and tell the staff member at the counter.
If you changed your name since your last license, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail and bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of your name-change document with your payment and license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the expiration date. Renewing early is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your envelope, plus mail time. In-person renewal is the fastest — you leave with your new license the same day. If you need your license urgently, visit a DMV office.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew without it. For online renewal, enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For mail renewal, include a note with your name, date of birth, and license number. For in-person renewal, just bring your current license and proof of address.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DMV office?
Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on the office and time of day. You can book a free appointment online at dmv.colorado.gov. Most offices have appointments available within a few days.
What if my license has a medical suspension or other flag on it?
You cannot renew online if your record has a medical suspension, court hold, or other flag. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. The DMV will explain the flag and what you need to do to clear it. In some cases, you may need to provide medical documentation or court clearance before your new license is issued.