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 will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method — Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a standard five-year license.
Before you begin, check that your address on file is correct. If you have moved, you will need to update your address through the Colorado Department of Revenue website first, or you can do it as part of the renewal. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than one year ago — those situations require an in-person visit to a driver's license office.
Have your Social Security number handy as well. Colorado will ask you to verify your identity using information from your driving record, so the process moves faster if you have your license in front of you.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is valid or expired less than one year ago; licenses expired longer than that require an in-person visit.
- The online renewal costs $28.25 for a five-year license and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
- You will receive a temporary digital license by email when ready after completing the renewal, valid for 180 days while your physical card is mailed.
- Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
- If your name, address, or other information has changed, update it on the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you renew, or make changes during the renewal process.
Step-by-Step: Completing Your Online Renewal
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Click on "Renew Your Driver's License Online" and select "Driver's License" as the document type. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Colorado will then ask you security questions based on your driving history to confirm your identity. These questions vary — you might be asked about previous addresses, vehicle information, or violation history. Answer as accurately as you can; if you get three questions wrong, the system will stop and direct you to renew in person at a driver's license office.
Once you pass the identity check, review your personal information on screen. Update your address if you have moved, and confirm your email address — this is where Colorado will send your temporary digital license. You can also choose whether to be an organ donor and whether to register to vote at this step.
Enter your payment information and submit. Colorado will charge your card when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and an email with your temporary digital license attached as a PDF. That temporary license is valid for 180 days and can be shown on your phone at traffic stops or when you need to prove your identity.
What Happens After You Submit
Your new physical license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra fee for expedited mail, though this option is not always available during high-volume periods.
While you wait, use your temporary digital license. It is legal to drive with the temporary license in Colorado, and most businesses and government offices will accept it as proof of identity. Keep the PDF email in a safe place in case you need to show it again.
If your physical license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600. Have your confirmation number ready. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays happen, especially during holiday periods or when the office is processing a high volume of renewals.
Updating Your Address During Renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address. The online renewal form includes a section to change your address before you pay. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your mail or utility bill — Colorado's system matches it against postal records.
If you prefer to update your address separately before renewing, you can do that on the Colorado Department of Revenue website without renewing your license. This is useful if you want to make sure the address change goes through before you proceed with the renewal. Either way, your new physical license will be mailed to your updated address.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use the online renewal. You will need to visit a driver's license office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for office locations and hours.
You also cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. A suspension is usually temporary — often for unpaid traffic fines or child support — while a revocation is more serious. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it.
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. You will need to report it to the police and then visit a driver's license office to get a replacement. Bring the police report with you.
Paying for Your Renewal
The standard cost for a five-year driver's license renewal in Colorado is $28.25. This fee is charged at the time you submit your renewal online. Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover — no other payment methods are available through the online system.
If you want expedited mail delivery, there is an additional fee. The exact amount depends on the mail service chosen and is shown before you complete payment. You can decline expedited delivery and use standard mail at no extra cost.
Your payment is non-refundable once you submit the renewal. If you change your mind after paying, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to discuss your options, though refunds are not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid or expired less than one year ago. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must visit a driver's license office in person. You may also need to retake the written and vision tests.
How long does the temporary digital license last?
Your temporary digital license is valid for 180 days from the date you complete your online renewal. It can be shown on your phone at traffic stops or when you need proof of identity. Your physical license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary license covers you if there is a delay.
What if I get the security questions wrong?
If you answer three security questions incorrectly, the online system will stop and you will not be able to complete the renewal. You will need to visit a driver's license office in person instead. Bring your current license and proof of residency with you.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue first to find out why it is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it is restored, you can renew online if it has not been expired for more than one year.
What if my physical license does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 with your confirmation number. Mail delays do happen, especially during busy periods. The office can check the status of your license and let you know if there is a problem. Do not assume it is lost until you have confirmed with the office.