Yes, you can renew your Colorado driver's license online if you meet certain requirements
Colorado allows online renewal through its Department of Revenue website, but not everyone is may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical or legal holds on your record, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal. If your license expired more than a year ago, you'll need to renew in person at a driver's license office instead.
The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year renewal or $57.50 for a ten-year renewal. You'll need a valid email address, your current Colorado driver's license number, and a payment method. The new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical or legal holds.
- The online renewal costs $28.75 for five years or $57.50 for ten years and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it for travel or identification.
- If your address changed, your license expired more than a year ago, or you have a medical hold, you must renew in person at a Colorado driver's license office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website to begin renewal. You'll need your current Colorado driver's license number, which appears on the front of your card. You'll also need a valid email address where Colorado can send your confirmation and tracking information.
Have a payment method ready—Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You do not need to print anything or visit an office. The entire transaction happens on the state's website.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dor.colorado.gov and look for the driver's license renewal section. Click the link to renew online and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current information from the state's records.
Review your name, address, and other details on the screen. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. If your address has changed, stop here—you cannot complete the online renewal and must visit a driver's license office in person instead. After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number in case you need to track your license or contact the state.
When you cannot renew online
Several situations require an in-person visit to a Colorado driver's license office. If your license expired more than one year ago, the online system will not process your renewal. If you have a medical hold—meaning the state has flagged your record due to a medical condition—you must renew in person. The same applies if you have a legal hold, such as an unpaid traffic fine or child support obligation.
If your address has changed since your last renewal, you also need to go in person. Colorado requires address changes to be verified at an office. If you need to change your name, add or remove the REAL ID designation, or update your gender marker, you must renew in person as well.
How long it takes to receive your renewed license
After you complete the online renewal and pay, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. This timeline assumes the address in the system is current and correct. If mail is slow in your area or the post office has delays, it may take longer.
If you need your license sooner, you can visit a driver's license office in person and request an expedited renewal, though this requires paying an additional fee and going to an office location. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for office hours and locations near you.
What happens if your renewal is denied
If the online system rejects your renewal attempt, you'll see a message explaining why. Common reasons include a medical hold, a legal hold, an expired license that is too old, or an address mismatch. The message will tell you to contact the Colorado Department of Revenue or visit an office in person.
If you're unsure why your renewal was denied, call the Department of Revenue at the phone number listed on their website or visit a local driver's license office. Staff can review your record and tell you what needs to happen before you can renew. In some cases, you may need to resolve an outstanding issue—like paying a traffic fine—before the state will process your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my address changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a Colorado driver's license office in person to update your address and renew at the same time. Bring a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Can I renew online if my license expired two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that expired within the last year. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. You may also need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been.
How do I know if I have a medical or legal hold on my license?
The online renewal system will tell you if a hold exists when you enter your information. If you see a message about a hold, you cannot renew online. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to find out what the hold is for and how to clear it.
Can I renew my license online if I'm out of state?
Yes. The online renewal process works from anywhere as long as you have internet access and meet all other requirements. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file in Colorado, so make sure that address is current before you submit your renewal.
What if I don't receive my license after 10 business days?
Wait a few more days, as mail delivery can vary. If you still haven't received it after two weeks, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and remail it if needed.