What You Need Before You Start
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you're between 21 and 61 years old, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal. You'll need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
The renewal happens through the Colorado Department of Revenue's online portal. You won't receive a physical card when ready; instead, you'll get a temporary digital license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. The mailing takes roughly 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed.
If your license was issued before you turned 21, or if you need to update your address, photo, or name, you cannot renew online — you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired within the last year, you're between 21 and 61, and your address hasn't changed.
- The online renewal costs the same as an in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- You'll receive a temporary digital license when ready that works for 30 days, then your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you need a photo update, address change, or name correction, you must renew in person at a Colorado driver's license office.
Step-by-Step: Completing Your Online Renewal
Step 1: Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Navigate to the driver's license renewal section. Look for the link labeled "Renew Online" — this takes you directly to the renewal portal.
Step 2: Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system uses these to pull up your record. If the system cannot find your information, stop here — this usually means you're not may be able to access for online renewal, and you'll need to visit an office.
Step 3: Review your current information. The portal displays your name, address, date of birth, and other details from your existing license. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online. Exit the renewal and schedule an in-person appointment instead.
Step 4: Confirm your address. You'll be asked to verify that your mailing address is correct. This is where your temporary digital license and physical card will be sent. If you've moved, you cannot proceed online.
Step 5: Choose your payment method and enter payment information. Colorado charges the standard renewal fee, which varies depending on how long your new license is valid for. The system accepts major credit and debit cards. Your payment is processed when ready.
Step 6: Review and submit. The portal shows a summary of your renewal. Check that everything is correct, then click submit. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot.
What Happens After You Submit
Once your renewal is submitted, you'll see a temporary digital license on your screen. This license is valid for 30 days and can be used anywhere a physical license is accepted — at banks, airports, bars, and police stops. Many people screenshot or save this to their phone for straightforward access.
Your physical card is printed and mailed to the address you confirmed during renewal. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your renewal was processed. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to check the status.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You don't need to do anything with it — just keep it until the new card shows up, then you can destroy the old one.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license expired more than one year ago, you're under 21 or over 61, or your address has changed since your last renewal, the online system will reject your renewal. In these cases, you must visit a Colorado driver's license office in person.
You also cannot renew online if you need to update your photo, change your name, or correct any information on your license. These changes require an in-person visit and usually require supporting documents — a birth certificate for a name change, for example.
If you're not sure whether you're may be able to access, start the online renewal anyway. The system will tell you within the first few steps if you don't meet the requirements, and you can then schedule an in-person appointment.
Finding a Driver's License Office If You Need One
Colorado has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Many offices now use an appointment system, so check whether you need to book ahead before you go.
Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works), and any documents needed for the change you're making — such as a marriage certificate if you're changing your name. Processing times at offices vary, but most renewals are completed within 30 minutes.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If the system says it cannot find your record, double-check that you've entered your driver's license number and Social Security number correctly. Numbers are straightforward to mistype. If you're still stuck after a second try, your license may not be may be able to access for online renewal, and you'll need to visit an office.
If your payment is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to make sure the card isn't being blocked. Some banks flag out-of-state transactions as suspicious. If the problem persists, you can renew in person instead.
If your temporary digital license doesn't appear on your screen after submission, refresh the page or log back into the portal. Sometimes the page needs a moment to load. If it still doesn't show up after 10 minutes, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue — your renewal may have failed, and you may need to start over.
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's been expired for more than a year, you must renew in person. The online system will tell you when ready if your license is too old to renew online.
What if I move before my new card arrives?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue with your confirmation number and new address. They can redirect your card to your new location, though this may delay delivery by a few days. Do this as soon as you know you're moving.
Is the temporary digital license legal to use?
Yes. The temporary digital license is valid for 30 days and is accepted anywhere a physical license is accepted — at banks, airports, bars, and by police. You can screenshot it or save it to your phone.
How much does online renewal cost?
The cost is the same as in-person renewal and depends on how long your new license is valid. Colorado charges different fees for licenses valid 5 years versus 10 years. The exact amount appears on screen before you pay.
What if I need to change my address at the same time?
You cannot change your address online during renewal. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must visit a driver's license office in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.