Colorado lets you renew your driver license online if your license is still valid and you meet a few basic conditions
You can renew your Colorado driver license through the state's online system without visiting a Department of Revenue office. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $28.75, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access if your current license hasn't expired more than one year ago, you have no medical or legal holds on your record, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
The online renewal system is run by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles. You'll need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the past year and you have no medical suspensions or address changes.
- The online renewal costs $28.75 and takes about 10 minutes to complete on the Colorado DMV website.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person from an office.
- If your license expired more than a year ago, you have a medical hold, or your address changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Online renewal is available only to people whose current license is still valid or expired within the last 12 months. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person. The same applies if you have any medical suspensions, administrative holds, or court-ordered restrictions on your driving record.
You also cannot renew online if your mailing address has changed since your last license was issued. If you've moved, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person so staff can verify your new address and update your record. Similarly, if you need to change your name, gender marker, or organ donor status, those changes require an in-person visit.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal process: your current Colorado driver license (you'll need the license number printed on it), the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or electronic check.
You'll also need an active email address. Colorado will send you a confirmation email when your renewal is submitted and another when your new license ships. Keep these emails for your records.
The step-by-step renewal process
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Look for the "Renew Your Driver License" option on the homepage. You'll be taken to a find form where you enter your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Review the information Colorado has on file — your name, date of birth, address, and current license expiration date. If any of this information is wrong, stop and contact the DMV office directly; you cannot correct major errors online. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your card or check information and submit.
You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Screenshot or write down this number. Colorado will email you a receipt within a few minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if you don't meet the online requirements
If your license expired more than a year ago, you'll need to visit a Colorado DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You'll also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired.
If you have a medical hold or suspension, contact the DMV directly before attempting to renew. The hold must be cleared by the medical review board or the court before you can get a new license. If your address changed, visit any DMV office with proof of your new address — a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days.
After your renewal is submitted
Once you've completed the online renewal, you don't need to do anything else. Your new license will be mailed automatically to the address Colorado has on file. During the 7 to 10 business day wait, you can still drive using your current license — it remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.
If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, check your email for any messages from the DMV. If there's a problem with your payment or your information, Colorado will contact you. If you still haven't received it after two weeks, call the DMV at 303-205-5600 with your confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired within the past 12 months. If it's been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written driving test.
What if I moved to a new address?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. Visit a DMV office in person with proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days. You can update your address and renew at the same time.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before it arrives, bring your confirmation email as proof of renewal.
What if the online system says I can't renew online?
The system will tell you if you have a medical hold, suspension, or other issue preventing online renewal. Contact the DMV at 303-205-5600 to find out what needs to be resolved. You may need to visit an office in person or clear a hold before you can renew.
Can I change my name or gender marker when I renew online?
No. Name changes and gender marker updates require an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of the name or gender change (a court order, marriage certificate, or updated birth certificate), and proof of residency.