How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Colorado driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Colorado driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver License Office. Online renewal is the fastest route — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name, address, or medical status since your last renewal. In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your address or name, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.

Your renewal type depends on when your license expires and what information has changed. Colorado licenses are valid for five years for most drivers under 61, and four years for drivers 61 and older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. If you are within six months of that date, you can begin the renewal process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is available if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name, address, or medical information.
Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, and works only under the same conditions as online renewal.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is required if your license has been expired for more than a year or if you have changed your name, address, or medical status.
The renewal fee is $31.50 for a five-year license (drivers under 61) or $23.50 for a four-year license (drivers 61 and older), as of 2024.
You will need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue

Start at the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver License Services website. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to log in. The system will verify your identity and pull up your existing record. You can then review your information, confirm or update your address, and pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you have not had any changes to your medical status or name. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail. After you complete the online process, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online — you must go to a Driver License Office in person. The same applies if you need to renew a motorcycle endorsement or any other special endorsement.

Mail renewal and what documents you need

Mail renewal requires you to complete form DL-44 (process for a Driver's License or Identification Card) or form DL-43 (Renewal process for a Driver's License or Identification Card). You can read both forms from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and your medical status has not changed.

Include with your form: your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($31.50 for a five-year license, $23.50 for a four-year license), and proof of your current Colorado address. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail your completed packet to the address listed on the form — currently the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver License Services, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214.

Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after the department receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. If you need your license sooner, online or in-person renewal is faster.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal, if you have had a change in medical status, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you meet the conditions for online or mail renewal.

Find your nearest Driver License Office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Most offices operate by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling the office directly. Walk-in service is available at some locations but wait times are often longer. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Colorado address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer questions about your medical status and driving record, and pay the renewal fee. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address. Online renewal allows you to change your address during the process if your license is not expired. If your license is expired or you prefer to renew in person, bring proof of your new Colorado address to the Driver License Office.

If you have changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License Office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your Colorado driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver License Office. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have an appointment to renew. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your appointment confirmation, but you may still receive a citation. Schedule your in-person appointment as soon as possible to avoid driving with an expired license.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a Colorado driver's license is $31.50 for a five-year license (drivers under 61) or $23.50 for a four-year license (drivers 61 and older). These fees are current as of 2024 and may change. For online renewal, you pay by debit card or credit card at the time you complete your process. For mail renewal, you must include a check or money order. For in-person renewal, the Driver License Office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year, there may be an additional late fee. Contact your local Driver License Office or the Colorado Department of Revenue to confirm the exact amount before you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be mailed to you, and you can use your old license until the new one arrives.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Colorado address on file?

If you no longer live in Colorado, you should not renew your Colorado license. Instead, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. Holding a valid license from another state and a Colorado license at the same time is illegal. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to begin the process there.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

After you complete your renewal (online, by mail, or in person), your new license is typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery time varies depending on your location. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card.

What if my name or medical information changed since my last renewal?

If your name has changed, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If your medical status has changed — for example, you now need corrective lenses or have a new medical condition — you must also renew in person so the office can update your record and any necessary restrictions on your license.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Colorado does not automatically deny license renewal based on unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or your license has been suspended for a specific reason (such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction), the renewal system will flag your record. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue or your local Driver License Office to find out whether your license can be renewed before you attempt to do so.

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.