Where to renew and what documents you need
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Department of Revenue office, by mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website — but not all three routes work for every person. The route you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how long it's been since you last renewed, and whether you've had any address changes or name changes since your last license was issued.
If your license is still valid and you haven't changed your address or name, you can renew online at dmv.colorado.gov or by mail. Both routes cost the same and take roughly the same amount of time. If your license has expired, you've moved, or your name has changed, you must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office.
For any in-person renewal, bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you're renewing by mail, send photocopies of these documents, not originals.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mail renewal are available only if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your address or legal name since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office is required if your license has expired, you've moved, or your name has changed.
- Colorado driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and the DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks; online renewal is faster but requires a valid credit or debit card and a compatible device to take a new photo.
- Renewal fees vary by license type and age; a standard eight-year license for someone under 21 costs less than one for someone 21 and older.
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website
The Colorado DMV online renewal system walks you through the process step by step. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a device with a camera to take a new photo. The system will guide you through taking a photo that meets Colorado's requirements — you must be looking directly at the camera, have a plain background, and show your full face without sunglasses or a hat.
After you submit your photo and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, the DMV prints your new license and mails it to the address on file. This usually takes five to seven business days from the time you complete the transaction. You can use your current license to drive until your new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired more than one year ago, if you need to update your address or name, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of those explore to you, use mail renewal or visit a DMV office in person.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, read the process for Colorado Driver License or Identification Card form (Form DL-43) from the Colorado DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your name or physical description. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form along with a photocopy of your current driver's license, a photocopy of your proof of address, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a photocopy of your proof of legal name change only if your name has changed since your last renewal.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. The DMV does not send a confirmation that your packet arrived, so consider using certified mail if you want proof of delivery. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.
In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office
Walk-in service is available at Colorado DMV offices, but wait times vary widely depending on the location and time of day. You can check current wait times and make an appointment online at dmv.colorado.gov. Making an appointment is free and usually cuts your wait time significantly, though walk-ins are still served.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and proof of any legal name changes. The DMV office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot if everything is in order. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.
In-person renewal is the only option if your license expired more than one year ago, if you're renewing a CDL, or if you need to update your address or name. It's also the fastest way to get a valid license in your hand if you need to drive before your mail renewal would arrive.
License validity period and renewal timing
Colorado driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. The DMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so watch for that notice in the mail. If you don't receive a notice, you can check your license expiration date on the front of your card or log into your DMV account online.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date — your new license will still expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from the date your old license would have expired. Some people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or to update their photo.
If your license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you've already submitted a renewal process.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
Colorado renewal fees depend on your age and the type of license you hold. A standard eight-year driver's license costs less for someone under 21 than for someone 21 and older. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cost more than standard licenses. The exact fee is listed on the Colorado DMV website and on the renewal form.
You can pay by credit card or debit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you're renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DMV will contact you to collect payment before processing your renewal.
Some people may have access to for fee reductions or waivers — for example, active military members and certain seniors may pay less. Check the Colorado DMV website or ask at a DMV office whether you may have access to for a reduced fee.
What to do if your renewal is delayed or denied
If you submitted a mail renewal and four to six weeks have passed without receiving your new license, contact the Colorado DMV by phone or through the website to check the status of your process. Delays can happen if the DMV needs more information from you or if there's an issue with your address or name on file.
Your renewal may be denied if you owe child support, have unpaid traffic fines, or have a medical condition that makes you unsafe to drive. The DMV will send you a letter explaining why your renewal was denied and what you need to do next. If you believe the denial is a mistake, you can request a hearing or contact the DMV to discuss your options.
If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, you can visit a DMV office in person to get a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This gives you time to resolve any issues with your renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I've moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Colorado, you must surrender your Colorado license and get a license from your new state. You cannot renew a Colorado license by mail or online if your address is outside Colorado. If you still live in Colorado but have a temporary out-of-state address, contact the DMV to discuss your options.
What happens if I renew online but my photo doesn't meet the requirements?
The online system will tell you when ready if your photo doesn't meet Colorado's standards and will ask you to take another one. You can retake your photo as many times as you need during the same session. If you're having trouble, you can stop and try again later, or visit a DMV office in person to have your photo taken by staff.
Do I need to renew my license if I only have a learner's permit or ID card?
Learner's permits and Colorado ID cards follow different renewal rules than driver's licenses. Learner's permits are typically valid for one year and must be renewed in person. ID cards are valid for eight years, like driver's licenses, and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person using the same process. Check your permit or card to see the expiration date and renewal requirements.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
For mail renewal, yes — someone else can mail your renewal packet on your behalf. For online renewal, no — you must complete it yourself because the system requires you to take a new photo. For in-person renewal, you must be present at the DMV office, though someone can accompany you to help with paperwork.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes. The DMV will update your name in their system and issue a new license with your current legal name.