Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring a new photo; the DMV will take one at the office.
If you are renewing online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity against state records. If verification fails, you will be directed to renew in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and your address has not changed.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number, and takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on wait times.
- Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online or in person.
- Colorado licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue, so plan to renew before the expiration date printed on your current card.
Online renewal: fastest option with limits
Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the quickest path if your circumstances have not changed. You log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, answer a few questions about your current address and any medical conditions, review the information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
The system will reject your online request if your license has already expired, if you have any medical restrictions or endorsements on your current license, or if your address has changed since your last renewal. It will also reject you if the state cannot verify your identity against its records — this sometimes happens if you have recently moved or if there is a mismatch between your name as it appears in the DMV database and how you typed it. If you hit any of these barriers, you will be directed to complete your renewal in person instead.
Once you submit your online renewal and payment is processed, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, so you can continue driving while you wait.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Walk into any Colorado DMV office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, verify your information against state records, process your payment, and hand you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Urban offices like Denver and Colorado Springs typically have longer waits during lunch hours and late afternoon. Rural offices usually move faster. You can check current wait times on the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you go, and some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to skip the walk-in line.
If your name has changed, bring the certified document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the DMV may require a form signed by your doctor before they will renew your license. The office staff will tell you on the spot if you need this form.
Fees and payment methods
A five-year driver's license renewal costs $28.50 in Colorado. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card. If you renew in person, the DMV office accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Some offices also accept digital payment through their kiosk system.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may not be able to renew by mail or online and will need to explore for a new license instead, which costs more and requires additional documents. The DMV website lists the exact requirements for your situation.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license is already expired, you cannot renew it online. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal — your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV will process it as a renewal rather than a new process, so the cost remains $28.50.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show them your temporary paper license (if you have already been to the DMV office) or your renewal confirmation (if you renewed online), but these are not a substitute for a valid license. Renew as soon as possible to avoid a traffic citation.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
If you renew online, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, the timeline is the same — the DMV does not issue licenses on the spot except for the temporary paper version valid for 30 days. You will receive your permanent license by mail at the address on file.
Check the mail carefully. The new license will come in a white envelope from the Colorado Department of Revenue. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact the DMV to confirm your mailing address and request a replacement. If your license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, return it to the DMV office with a note explaining the problem, and they will issue a corrected version.
Your new license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of the card. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar about six months before that date so you do not accidentally let it lapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Colorado does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may place a hold on your driving privileges if you have failed to pay or failed to appear. Check your court records or contact the court that issued the ticket before you renew. If a hold exists, the DMV will not process your renewal until it is cleared.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
If you have moved, you cannot renew online. You must go to a DMV office in person and bring proof of your new Colorado address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days. The DMV will update your address in the system and issue a new license with the correct address.
Do I need a new photo if I renew in person?
Yes. The DMV takes a new photo at the office during your renewal visit. You do not need to bring a photo with you. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will appear on your license for the next five years.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
The temporary paper license the DMV gives you at the office is valid for 30 days. It is not a substitute for your permanent license and will not satisfy a law enforcement officer if you are stopped after 30 days have passed. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before the 30 days are up.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
If your license is lost, you cannot renew it online. Go to a DMV office and explain that your license is missing. The DMV will issue a replacement license with the same expiration date as your original, or a new five-year license if your original was about to expire. Bring proof of identity and Colorado residency.