Yes, you can renew your Colorado driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
Colorado allows online renewal through its Department of Revenue website, but not everyone qualifies. 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 you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If your license expired more than a year ago, or if you need to update your address or photo, you must renew in person at a Driver's License Office.
The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, a valid payment method, and an email address to receive your confirmation. Colorado will mail your new physical license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license has not been expired for more than one year and you have no address changes or legal holds.
- The online renewal process happens through the Colorado Department of Revenue website and takes about 10 minutes.
- You will need your driver's license number, a payment method, and an email address to complete the renewal.
- Your new physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Driver's License Office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
Who can and cannot renew online
Colorado's online renewal system has specific restrictions. You are may be able to access if your license is still valid or expired by less than one year, your address has not changed, and you have no medical suspensions, legal holds, or court orders on your driving record. You also cannot have any outstanding child support obligations flagged in the system.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than one year ago, you need to change your address, you want to update your photo, you have any type of suspension or restriction, or you are under 21 and need to renew before your 21st birthday. In any of these situations, you must visit a Driver's License Office in person.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal on the Colorado Department of Revenue website: your current Colorado driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need a valid payment method — Colorado accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks.
Have your email address ready, because Colorado will send a confirmation to that address once your renewal is complete. Keep this confirmation for your records. You do not need to print anything or upload documents for a standard online renewal.
The step-by-step online renewal process
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page. Click the option for online renewal and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm that your address, name, and other details are correct.
Review the vision and medical questions on the form. Answer honestly — if you have new medical conditions or vision changes since your last renewal, you may not be able to complete the online process and will need to visit an office instead. Once you confirm all information is accurate, proceed to payment.
Enter your payment method and complete the transaction. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is the same whether you renew online or in person. After payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number and an email confirmation. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Your current license remains valid while you wait for your new one to arrive. You can continue driving and using your current license for identification during the 7 to 10 business day mailing period. There is no gap in your driving privileges.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. If there was an error in the mailing address, the department can reissue your license, though this may take additional time.
When you must renew in person instead
Visit a Driver's License Office if your license expired more than one year ago, you need to change your address, you want to update your photo, or you have any suspension or medical hold. You will need to bring your current Colorado driver's license and one document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
In-person renewal at an office typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the location is. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment online first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver's License Office.
What if I moved to a new address since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a Driver's License Office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Colorado mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online renewal. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue driving without interruption.
What if the online system says I cannot renew online?
The system will tell you if you do not meet the requirements. In that case, you must visit a Driver's License Office in person. Bring your current license and proof of residency to complete your renewal.
Can I renew online if I have a medical condition?
You can renew online if you have no new medical conditions since your last renewal. If you developed a new condition that affects your driving, you must renew in person so the office can assess whether restrictions are needed.