Where to renew your Colorado driver's license
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Department of Revenue office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but it is only open to people whose licenses are not expired and who do not need to update their address, name, or other personal information.
If your license is already expired, you must renew in person. The same applies if you need to change your address, correct your name, or update your photo. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes from arrival to leaving, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
To find the office nearest you, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website and search by county or city. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have no changes to your personal information — otherwise you must go in person.
- You will need your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee.
- Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready.
What documents you need to bring
For in-person renewal, bring your current Colorado driver's license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and address on it works — it does not have to be official.
You will also need to pay the renewal fee. As of 2024, a five-year renewal costs $28.50 if you renew in person. Online renewal costs $28.50 as well. Bring a credit card, debit card, or check; most offices accept all three.
If you are renewing online, you do not need to gather physical documents — you will answer questions about your current license and address on the website, and the system will verify your information against state records.
Online renewal step by step
Start at the Colorado Department of Revenue website and look for the "Online Driver License Renewal" option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system checks these against your record and tells you when ready whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information and confirm that your address, name, and other details are correct. You cannot change any of this information online — if anything is wrong, you must renew in person instead. Once you confirm everything, you pay the fee and submit.
After you submit, you receive a confirmation number on screen. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a Colorado office
Walk in during office hours with your current license and proof of residency. You will fill out an process form — staff can help if you need it — and have your photo taken. The photo is taken at the office, so you do not need to bring one.
After you pay the fee, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being made. Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license lets you drive legally during that time.
If you need to change your address, name, or other information, tell the staff member helping you before you fill out the form. They will make sure the process captures the correct details. Bring any documents that support the change — for example, a marriage certificate if you changed your name, or a lease if you moved.
When you can renew and how long it lasts
Colorado allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. Your current license shows the expiration date on the front. You can renew anytime from one year before that date until the date itself.
Once you renew, your new license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. If your current license expires on March 15, 2025, and you renew today, your new license will expire five years from today — not five years from the original expiration date.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person. Expired licenses cannot be renewed online.
What happens if your license expires before your new one arrives
If you renewed online and your new license has not arrived yet, you can drive legally on your expired license for a short grace period while the new one is in the mail. However, if you are pulled over, you should have your renewal confirmation number with you to show that you have a new license on the way.
If you renewed in person, you have a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which covers you while you wait for the plastic card. Keep the temporary license with you while driving.
If you are concerned your license will expire before the new one arrives, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to check the status. They can tell you whether your new license has been mailed and when it should arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado driver's license by mail?
No, Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online if you are not expired and have no changes to your information, or you can renew in person at any Department of Revenue office.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You must renew in person if you have moved. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). The staff will update your address on the process.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Most Colorado Department of Revenue offices do not require appointments for driver's license renewal. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices may offer appointments during busy times — call ahead to ask whether your local office has an appointment option.
How much does it cost to renew in Colorado?
As of 2024, renewal costs $28.50 whether you renew online or in person. The fee covers a five-year license. Prices may change — check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for current fees.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your name on your new license during the renewal process.