Documents and information you'll bring to the DMV
To renew your Colorado driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts a specific list of documents for each category — you cannot substitute one for another, so check what you have before you go.
For proof of identity, bring your current Colorado driver's license, passport, passport card, or military ID. If your current license is expired by more than one year, you may need an additional form of ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or bank statement showing your current Colorado address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've moved recently and your utility bill hasn't caught up, a lease or mortgage in your name works just as well.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but you do need to know your Social Security number. Have it ready when you fill out your renewal form.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Colorado driver's license, a passport or military ID, and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
- Your proof of residency document must be dated within the last 60 days, so check the date before you go to the DMV.
- You can renew in person at any Colorado DMV office, by mail if your license is not expired, or online if you meet certain conditions.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how many years you are renewing for — typically $25 to $35 for a standard license.
- Processing times differ by method: in-person renewals are usually done the same day, mail renewals take two to three weeks, and online renewals take five to seven business days.
When your current license is expired or expiring soon
If your Colorado driver's license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no appointment. You fill out the renewal form (Form DL-44), include your documents, and mail everything to the address on the form. The DMV will mail your new license back to you in two to three weeks. Online renewal is faster — five to seven business days — but only works if your license is not expired and you have a Colorado address on file.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is the fastest route if you need your license quickly. You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new license is usually ready the same day, though some offices may mail it to you instead.
The renewal form and what it asks
The form you need is Form DL-44, the process for a Driver's License or Instruction Permit. You can read it from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out at home, and bring it with you to the DMV office. If you renew by mail, you must include the completed form with your documents. If you renew online, you fill out the form on the DMV website instead of printing it.
The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want to be an organ donor. It also asks about any medical conditions that might affect your driving — answer honestly, because false information can result in your license being suspended. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Vision test and medical requirements
Colorado requires a vision test for all driver's license renewals. If you renew in person, the DMV will test your vision at the office — you do not need to bring a vision test from an eye doctor. If you cannot pass the vision test at the DMV, you will not be able to renew that day and will need to see an eye doctor first.
If you have a medical condition that might affect your ability to drive safely — such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or certain heart conditions — you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor. The DMV will tell you if this is required based on your answers on the renewal form. Do not wait until you arrive at the DMV to find out; call ahead if you think this applies to you.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a Colorado driver's license depends on how many years you are renewing for. A four-year renewal costs around $25, and an eight-year renewal costs around $35. These amounts can change, so check the current fee on the Colorado DMV website before you go. If you renew by mail or online, you pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
If you renew in person, the DMV accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card. If you cannot afford the renewal fee, contact your local DMV office to ask about fee waivers — some offices have programs for people with financial hardship, though availability varies by location.
Where to renew and how to find your nearest office
Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can renew at any office in the state, not just the one closest to your home. The Colorado DMV website has a location finder that shows office hours, phone numbers, and current wait times at some locations. Call ahead if you have questions about what documents you need or whether your situation requires an in-person visit.
Some DMV offices are busier than others. If you have a choice, visiting a smaller county office or going early in the morning usually means a shorter wait. If you live in or near Denver, the downtown Denver office is typically the busiest.
What happens after you renew
If you renew in person, your new license is usually ready the same day, though some offices mail it to you instead — ask before you leave. If you renew by mail, your new license arrives in two to three weeks. If you renew online, your new license arrives in five to seven business days.
Your old license is no longer valid once your new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office, which is valid for 30 days. If you renew by mail or online, you cannot get a temporary license — plan your renewal timing accordingly if you need to drive soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Colorado does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may suspend your license if you fail to pay or appear. Check your court records or call the court that issued the ticket before you renew. If your license is suspended, the DMV will not renew it until the suspension is lifted.
What if my address changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address during renewal. If you moved out of state and are now back in Colorado, bring proof of your current Colorado address.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Most Colorado DMV offices do not require appointments for license renewal, though some locations may have a reservation system during busy times. Check your local office's website or call ahead to confirm. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times vary.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person and report the loss. Bring your proof of identity and residency as you would for a regular renewal. There may be an additional fee for a replacement license.
Can I renew early before my license expires?
Yes. Colorado allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for four or eight years from the issue date, not from your old expiration date.