Yes, you can renew your Colorado driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Colorado allows online renewal for driver's licenses and identification cards through its Department of Revenue website. You must have a license that is not expired by more than five years, be a current Colorado resident, and have no medical or legal holds on your record. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a standard five-year license or $58.75 for a ten-year license. You'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online system. If your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your address, if you've had a name change, or if you have certain medical conditions flagged in the system, you must renew in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's online renewal system works only if your current license expired within the last five years and you have no address, name, or medical changes.
- The online process costs $28.75 for a five-year renewal or $58.75 for a ten-year renewal, and you pay by credit or debit card.
- You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to start the online renewal.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DMV office in person, and wait times vary by location and time of day.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Have your current Colorado driver's license in front of you. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system uses this information to verify your identity and pull up your record.
You also need a valid email address. Colorado will send you a confirmation email when your renewal is submitted and another when your new license ships. If you don't have reliable email access, the in-person renewal at a DMV office is a better option.
A credit or debit card is required to pay the renewal fee. Colorado does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for online renewals. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are all accepted.
The step-by-step online renewal process
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Look for the "Renew Your License Online" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Driver's License" or "Identification Card" depending on what you hold.
Enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will search for your record. If it finds you and confirms you're may be able to access for online renewal, it will display your current information and ask you to review it for accuracy.
Confirm or update your email address and mailing address. If your address has changed since your last renewal, the system will flag this and may require you to renew in person instead. If your address is correct, proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card information and submit.
You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. Write down the confirmation number. Your renewal is complete, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
When you cannot renew online and must go to a DMV office
If your license expired more than five years ago, online renewal is not available. You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment.
Address changes, name changes, and corrections to your license information require an in-person visit. If you've moved since your last renewal and need to update your address, or if your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal petition, you cannot complete the renewal online.
Medical holds or legal flags on your record also prevent online renewal. These might include suspensions, revocations, or court orders. The DMV office staff can explain what the hold is and what you need to do to clear it before you can renew.
If you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed significantly, or if you have new medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely, you may be required to renew in person and possibly pass a vision or driving test.
How long the process takes and when to expect your new license
The online submission itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once you submit, Colorado processes the renewal within one to two business days. Your new license then enters the mail system and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days from the date of processing.
During this time, your current license remains valid. You can continue to drive and use your current license for identification. There is no gap in your driving privileges as long as you renew before your license expires.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Colorado DMV. Have your confirmation number ready. The DMV can check the status of your renewal and reissue the license if it was lost in the mail.
What happens if the online system rejects your renewal
The system will tell you when ready if you're not may be able to access for online renewal. Common reasons include an expired license (more than five years old), an address mismatch, a name change on file, or a hold or suspension on your record.
If you're rejected, you have two options. You can visit a Colorado DMV office in person to renew there. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Or, if the rejection is due to a hold or suspension, contact the DMV by phone at 303-205-5600 to find out what needs to be resolved before you can renew.
Some rejections are temporary. For example, if the system detects a recent address change that hasn't fully processed, waiting a few days and trying again online may work. If you're unsure why you were rejected, the DMV phone line can provide a specific reason.
Costs and payment methods for online renewal
A standard five-year Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.75 online. If you want a ten-year license instead, the cost is $58.75. These are the only two options available through online renewal.
Payment is by credit or debit card only. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted. The charge will appear on your statement under "Colorado Department of Revenue" or similar language.
There are no additional fees for online renewal compared to in-person renewal at a DMV office. The price is the same either way. Some DMV offices may charge a small additional fee if you request a duplicate or replacement license on the spot, but standard renewal is the same cost online or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it's already expired?
You can renew online if your license expired within the last five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
What if I moved to Colorado recently and my license is from another state?
You cannot renew a non-Colorado license online. You must visit a DMV office in person to convert your out-of-state license to a Colorado license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Can I renew online if I have a medical condition or take medications that affect driving?
If you have a medical condition flagged in the DMV system, the online system will reject your renewal. You must renew in person so the DMV can review your medical status and determine whether any restrictions or testing are needed.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
Name changes require an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring your current license, a legal document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and payment.
Can I renew my license online if I have a suspension or hold on my record?
No. The online system will reject your renewal if there is any suspension, revocation, or legal hold on your record. Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to find out what must be resolved before you can renew.