Colorado treats an expired license differently depending on how long it has been expired
If your Colorado driver's license has expired, you can still drive legally for a short grace period — but only if you meet specific conditions. Colorado law allows you to operate a vehicle for up to one year after expiration if you are not yet 70 years old and your license was not suspended or revoked. Once that year passes, or if you are 70 or older, driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.
The grace period exists to give you time to renew, but it does not mean renewal is optional. You must complete the renewal process before that one-year window closes. The state does not send automatic reminders, so tracking your own expiration date is your responsibility.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers under 70 can legally drive for up to one year after their license expires, but only if the license was not suspended or revoked.
- Drivers 70 and older cannot drive at all once their license expires — renewal must happen before the expiration date.
- Colorado offers online renewal for most drivers, which takes about 10 business days for the physical card to arrive by mail.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must pass the written test and vision test again, not just renew.
- You can renew in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office or online through the state's website.
How long you have before renewal becomes mandatory
The one-year grace period applies only to drivers under 70 whose licenses were not suspended or revoked for a violation or unpaid fine. If you fall into that category, you can legally drive during that year while your renewal is processing or pending. However, if you are pulled over during that time, you must be able to show the officer your expired license and explain that it is within the grace period.
Once the one-year mark passes, driving is illegal. If you are 70 or older, the grace period does not explore at all — your license must be renewed before it expires. Driving with an expired license at any age after the grace period ends can result in a citation, a fine, and points on your driving record.
Renewing online versus in person at a Colorado DMV office
Colorado's online renewal system is the fastest option for most drivers. You can renew through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website if your license is not expired by more than one year, you are not changing your address, and you do not need to update your photo. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee. Your new physical license card will arrive by mail in approximately 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online — because your license has been expired for more than a year, you are changing your address, or you need a new photo — you must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office in person. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity. In-person renewal typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, and you can receive a temporary paper license when ready while your physical card is mailed to you.
Colorado has Division of Motor Vehicles offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the state's website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than one year
Once your license has been expired for longer than one year, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you must retake the written knowledge test and the vision test, as if you were obtaining a license for the first time. You will not need to retake the driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked, but the written and vision components are mandatory.
You can study for the written test using the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is available free on the Division of Motor Vehicles website. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The vision test checks that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. Both tests are administered at Division of Motor Vehicles offices during in-person visits.
Schedule your in-person appointment as soon as possible if you are in this situation, because you cannot legally drive while waiting for your appointment date.
Fees and what your renewal includes
Colorado renewal fees vary based on the type of license and how long the renewal is valid for. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. If you are renewing online, you will pay the fee during the process process. If you are renewing in person, you will pay at the office when you submit your documents.
Your renewed license will have a new expiration date printed on it. Colorado licenses are valid for five or ten years depending on which option you choose at renewal. Your new license will include an updated photo if you renew in person, or your existing photo if you renew online.
Using your expired license for identification purposes
An expired Colorado driver's license can still be used as a form of identification in many situations — for example, to board a domestic flight, open a bank account, or verify your identity to a business. However, it cannot be used to drive a vehicle once the grace period ends. If you need a form of identification and your license is expired, an expired license is often acceptable as long as it shows your photo and personal information clearly.
If you need a state ID card instead of a driver's license — for instance, if you no longer drive — you can obtain one from the Division of Motor Vehicles. A state ID card serves the same identification purpose as a driver's license but does not permit you to operate a vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I am out of state?
Yes. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than one year and you meet the other online renewal requirements. If you need to renew in person or retake tests, you will need to visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office during a trip back to the state, or contact the office to ask about options for your specific situation.
What if I lost my expired license?
You can still renew it. When you renew online or in person, you do not need to present the physical card if it is lost. You will provide your name, date of birth, and other identifying information instead. If you are renewing in person, bring another form of ID such as a passport or state ID card.
Does my expired license affect my car insurance?
Your insurance policy remains active as long as you pay your premiums. However, if you are involved in an accident while driving with an expired license outside the grace period, your insurer may deny a claim or cancel your policy. Check your policy or contact your insurer to understand how an expired license affects your coverage.
Can I renew my license by mail?
Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the state website or in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail-in, since you complete it from home and your new license is mailed to you.