How to renew your Colorado driver's license after it expires
Once your Colorado driver's license expires, you cannot legally drive in Colorado or use it as a valid ID for most purposes — but you can still renew it. Colorado does not have a grace period, so an expired license is treated as invalid the moment the expiration date passes. The good news is that renewal is straightforward: you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, depending on how long it has been expired and what type of license you hold.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have the most options. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening. The process takes longer the further past the expiration date you go, so it is worth starting as soon as you realize your license has lapsed.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado driver's licenses have no grace period — they are invalid the moment they expire, and you cannot legally drive with an expired license.
- If your license expired within the last five years, you can renew online or by mail without visiting a DMV office.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and written exam.
- Renewal fees vary based on license type and validity period, but typically range from around $20 to $40 for a standard renewal.
- You can check your license status and expiration date on the Colorado DMV website before you begin the renewal process.
Renewing online if your license expired within five years
The Colorado DMV allows online renewal for licenses that expired within the past five years. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Online renewal works only if you have not changed your address, name, or other key information since your license was issued. If anything has changed, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead. You can start the renewal on the Colorado DMV website under "Online Services."
Renewing by mail for licenses expired within five years
Mail renewal is an option if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you want to avoid going to a DMV office. You will need to complete the process for a Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44), include a copy of your expired license, and mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your process. If there are any problems with your process, the DMV will contact you by mail, which can add time. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you prefer to renew in person, you will need to visit a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. You will also need to pass a vision screening and may need to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long your license has been expired.
You can find your nearest DMV office and check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can significantly reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are typically seen first.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Colorado license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations. A first offense for driving with an expired license typically results in a fine of $65 to $100, though this can vary.
Beyond the fine, driving with an expired license can complicate insurance claims if you are in an accident. Some insurance companies may deny a claim if the driver was operating the vehicle illegally. It is worth renewing promptly even if you have not driven recently.
Renewing a license that expired while you were out of state
If you were living outside Colorado when your license expired but have since moved back, you can still renew through the standard process. You will need to provide proof of your current Colorado residency, such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement showing your current address. If you have been out of state for an extended period, the DMV may require you to renew in person and retake the vision and written tests.
Contact your local DMV office before visiting to confirm what documents you will need, since requirements can vary based on how long you have been out of state and when you plan to return.
Replacing a lost or damaged license at the same time
If your license has expired and is also lost or damaged, you can handle both issues in a single transaction. When you renew, let the DMV know that your license is lost or damaged. You will pay one renewal fee, and the DMV will issue a new license with a new number. This process is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, though online and mail renewal require that you report the loss or damage in the process form.
If you are renewing in person and your license is lost, bring an alternative form of ID such as a passport or state ID card. The DMV staff will document the loss in their system and process your renewal without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired Colorado license as ID for flying or entering a federal building?
No. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and federal agencies do not accept expired licenses as valid identification. You will need a valid, unexpired ID such as a passport, passport card, or Real ID-compliant driver's license to fly or enter federal buildings.
How much does it cost to renew an expired Colorado driver's license?
Renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. A standard four-year renewal typically costs around $20 to $25, while an eight-year renewal costs more. The exact fee is listed on the Colorado DMV website and may change annually. You will pay the same fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Do I have to retake the written test if my license expired more than five years ago?
Yes. If your license has been expired for more than five years, Colorado requires you to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision screening. You must renew in person at a DMV office. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you do not need to retake the test.
What if I moved and my address changed since my license expired?
If your address has changed, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new Colorado address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The DMV will update your address and issue a new license with the current information.
How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Standard mail delivery typically takes one to two weeks after the DMV approves your renewal. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person at a DMV office and receive a temporary license when ready, with your permanent license arriving by mail within a few days.