Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Department of Revenue office, or online through the state's portal if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of legal presence if you were not born in the United States. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your name or other information on the license itself.
If you renew online, you will pay the fee, upload a new photo, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within the same timeframe. The in-person process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado offers both online and in-person renewal; online is faster if your information has not changed and your license is not expired.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of legal presence if applicable.
- You can find your nearest Department of Revenue office and check current wait times on the state's website before you go.
- Your renewed license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal, and you will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal step by step
Start at the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and confirm that you are may be able to access for online renewal — if your license is expired or your address has changed, you will be directed to renew in person instead.
Once verified, you will upload a new photo or use the photo on file if you choose. You then pay the renewal fee (currently $33 for an eight-year renewal) by debit or credit card. The system will confirm your mailing address and send your renewed license to that address. You do not need to print anything or visit an office.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office
Locate your nearest office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Most major cities have multiple locations. Bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax notice dated within 90 days), and proof of legal presence if you were not born in the United States. Proof of legal presence can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa.
Walk in during business hours — no appointment is required, though you can check wait times online before you go. The staff member will take your photo, verify your information, and collect the $33 renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Colorado license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test and the driving test, not just renewing. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by going in person; online renewal is not available for expired licenses.
Bring the same documents as you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence if needed. The process is the same, and you will still receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you have moved or changed your name, you must renew in person — online renewal does not allow address or name changes. Bring your current license, proof of your new Colorado address (dated within 90 days), and proof of legal presence if applicable. If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The staff member will update your information on the spot. Your renewed license will show your new address and name and will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license with the updated information the same day.
Fees and how long your renewed license lasts
A standard eight-year renewal costs $33. If you are 65 or older, the renewal is free. You pay the fee at the time of renewal, whether you renew online or in person. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Your renewed license is valid for eight years from the date you renew it. Colorado does not send renewal reminders, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder when your license is due to expire. You can check your license expiration date on the front of your card or by logging into your Colorado Department of Revenue account online.
What to do if you cannot find your current license
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online — you must go in person. Bring proof of your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID), proof of Colorado residency, and proof of legal presence if applicable. You do not need your current license itself.
The staff member will issue you a replacement license with a new number. You will pay the same $33 renewal fee. If you also need to report your license as stolen, you can do that at the same visit, and the staff member will note it in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I live out of state?
No. Colorado requires proof of current residency to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must get a license from your new state. If you still own property in Colorado or maintain a residence there, you may be able to renew, but you will need to provide proof of that residency.
What if my name on my license does not match my current legal name?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The staff member will update your name during the renewal process, and your new license will reflect the correct name.
How do I check the status of my renewed license after I explore?
If you renewed online, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. If you renewed in person, ask the staff member for a receipt with a tracking number. You can use this number to check the status on the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call the office where you renewed.
What if I need my license before the 7 to 10 business days?
Colorado does not offer expedited mail delivery for renewed licenses. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, use the temporary paper license you received at the in-person office. It is valid for 30 days and is accepted by law enforcement and other agencies.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes. Colorado does not suspend your license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons (unpaid child support, unpaid court fees, or a medical suspension), you must resolve that issue before you can renew.