How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Colorado driver's license online through the Colorado DMV website or in person at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The online route is faster but only works if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal. The in-person route works for almost everyone and takes about 15 minutes at the counter.

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 you have changed your name 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 unless you want one; Colorado will use your existing photo unless you request an update.

If you are renewing online, you will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address and name have not changed.
In-person renewal at any Colorado DMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Colorado DMV offices do not require an appointment for standard renewals, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or you can request it at the counter during an in-person visit and receive it within 15 minutes.

Online renewal step by step

Go to the Colorado DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your information against the DMV database and confirm that you meet the conditions for online renewal — no expired license, no medical restrictions, and no address or name changes.

Next, you will review your current address and name to confirm they have not changed. If either has changed, you cannot complete the online renewal and must visit a DMV office in person. If both are correct, you will be asked to pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. Colorado charges $28 for a four-year renewal or $56 for an eight-year renewal. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your current license is already expired, you cannot use online renewal and must go to a DMV office in person instead.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Find your nearest Colorado DMV office on the state website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You can walk in without an appointment, but scheduling one online will reduce your wait time, especially during busy periods. When you arrive, take a number at the front desk and wait to be called.

Bring all required documents — your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you want a new photo, tell the staff member before they take it. The renewal fee is the same as online: $28 for four years or $56 for eight years. You can pay with cash, debit, or credit card. You will be asked to sign a form confirming your information and any medical restrictions.

Once you have paid and signed, you can request your new license be printed at the office and given to you when ready, or you can have it mailed. If you choose the counter option, you will receive it within 15 minutes. If you choose mail delivery, it will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — either online (if you meet the other conditions) or in person. You cannot drive legally on an expired license, so plan to renew before it expires or visit a DMV office as soon as possible after expiration.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to take a written test and vision test in addition to the renewal process. You will also need to provide proof of residency and your Social Security number. The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Colorado DMV handbook, which is free on the state website. Schedule an appointment at your local DMV office to take these tests.

Renewing by mail

Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal through the postal service. Your only options are online renewal or in-person renewal at a DMV office. If you cannot visit an office in person and do not meet the conditions for online renewal, contact your local DMV office directly to discuss whether any other options are available in your situation.

Some DMV offices may be able to work with you if you have a documented hardship or disability that prevents you from visiting in person. Call ahead to explain your situation and ask what alternatives might be possible.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year renewal costs $28 and an eight-year renewal costs $56. These are the standard fees for a regular driver's license. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), the fee is the same — Colorado issues REAL ID licenses by default.

You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at a DMV office. Online, you can pay only with debit or credit card. No personal checks are accepted. If you are renewing in person and choose to have your license mailed, there is no additional postage fee.

What to do if you have changed your name or address

If you have changed your address only, you can update it during online renewal as long as the address change is the only change you have made. If you have also changed your name, you must renew in person at a DMV office. For a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.

If you have changed your address since your last license, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days that shows your new address. The DMV will verify the address and update your record. If you have changed both your name and address, you must do this in person at a DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Colorado allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. Check your current license to see when it expires.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

You will need to replace your license first, not renew it. Visit a DMV office with your proof of residency and Social Security number. The replacement fee is different from the renewal fee. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using the standard process.

How long does it take to get my new license?

If you renew in person and request it at the counter, you will receive it within 15 minutes. If you choose mail delivery, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal also takes 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

No. Colorado will use your existing photo unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, tell the DMV staff member before they process your renewal. There is no additional fee for a new photo.

What if I cannot visit a DMV office in person?

If you meet the conditions for online renewal, that is your best option. If you do not meet those conditions and cannot visit an office, contact your local DMV office directly to discuss whether any other options are available in your situation.

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.