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 conditions flagged on your record, and you have not had certain violations or address changes that require an in-person visit. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in roughly two weeks.
If you do not meet these requirements, you will need to visit a Driver's License Office in person. The state does not offer phone or mail-only renewal for licenses that fall outside the online may be able to access rules.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical holds or recent violations on your record.
- You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card during the online process.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Driver's License Office in person with proof of residency and your current license.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Colorado's online renewal system has specific rules about who is allowed to use it. You are may be able to access if your license has been expired for less than one year, you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need review, and you have not had certain violations or address changes since your last renewal. You also cannot have an outstanding child support obligation flagged in the state system.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have a medical hold on your record, if you have had a DUI or certain traffic violations, or if you need to update your address or name. You also cannot renew online if you are under 21 years old or if your license was suspended or revoked. In these cases, you must visit a Driver's License Office in person.
How to renew online step by step
Start by going to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Look for the "Renew Your License" option on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity.
Next, you will review your current information on file — name, address, and license class. If any of this information is incorrect, you cannot proceed online and must visit an office in person. If everything is correct, you will confirm that you meet the renewal requirements and agree to the terms. Then you will choose your license validity period: four years for $28.50 or eight years for $57. Pay with a credit or debit card. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Save or print this number for your records.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You do not need to do anything else. Continue using your current license until the new one arrives, which typically takes 10 to 14 business days.
What documents and information you need
To renew online, have these items ready before you start: your current Colorado driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. You will also need a valid payment method — a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card.
You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of residency when renewing online. The system verifies your identity using information already in the Colorado Department of Revenue database. If the system cannot verify you, it will direct you to visit an office in person.
What happens if you do not meet the online requirements
If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to visit a Driver's License Office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are renewing after your license has expired by more than one year, you may also need to pass a vision test.
You can find your nearest Driver's License Office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times. Walk-ins are also accepted, but appointment holders are usually seen first. The in-person renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
After you complete your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email with your confirmation number. This confirms that your payment was processed. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid and you can continue to use it.
If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. If there was an error with your address or payment, the department may contact you by phone or mail to resolve it.
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 Driver's License Office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The office will update your address and issue your new license.
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses expired less than one year. If your license has been expired longer, you must visit an office in person. You may need to pass a vision test and provide additional documentation depending on how long it has been expired.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue when ready at 303-205-5600 with your confirmation number. They can issue a replacement license at a Driver's License Office. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to your renewal fee. Bring your Social Security number and proof of identity.
Can I choose a different address for my new license to be mailed to?
No. Online renewal mails your new license to the address currently on file with the Colorado Department of Revenue. If you need it sent elsewhere, you must renew in person at a Driver's License Office and request a different mailing address at that time.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you choose to renew in person, where you can request a new photo.