What you need to renew online in Colorado
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if your license is still valid or expired for less than one year. You will need your current 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 online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a standard five-year renewal.
Not every license can be renewed this way. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if your license expired more than one year ago. You also cannot renew online if you are under 21, if you need to update your name or gender marker, or if you are a non-citizen without a valid visa or work authorization document. In those cases, you will need to visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Colorado license is valid or expired for less than one year, and you have your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- The online renewal costs $28.25 and takes about 10 minutes, and you pay by credit or debit card.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than one year, or if you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Step-by-step process for online renewal
Start by going to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dor.colorado.gov and selecting the driver's license renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that it is correct.
Review your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If any information is wrong, you cannot fix it online — you will need to stop and visit a DMV office instead. Once you confirm everything is accurate, you will move to the payment screen. Enter your credit or debit card information and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number by email and on screen. Save or print this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
When your new license will arrive
After you complete your online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Colorado DMV. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your renewal. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you would have needed to renew in person at a DMV office and request expedited service there.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving during the wait. If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
Address changes and other updates
If you need to change your address, you cannot do it through the online renewal process. You will need to visit a Colorado DMV office in person and bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of identity. Changing your address at the same time as renewing your license is possible in person, but not online.
The same rule applies to other updates: changing your name, updating your gender marker, adding or removing endorsements (such as motorcycle or hazmat), or correcting errors on your license. All of these require an in-person visit. If you discover an error on your license after you have already renewed online, you will need to return to a DMV office to correct it before your next renewal.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If the online system tells you that you are not able to renew, the most common reasons are that your license is expired by more than one year, your license is suspended or revoked, or your address needs to be updated. In any of these cases, you will need to visit a Colorado DMV office. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours at dor.colorado.gov/dmv.
Bring your current license (or expired license if you no longer have it), proof of identity, and proof of residency if you are changing your address. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need additional documents — the DMV office can tell you what is required when you call ahead. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.
Cost and payment details
A standard five-year driver's license renewal in Colorado costs $28.25 when you renew online. This is the same price as renewing in person. The fee covers the license itself and the processing. Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online payments. You will see the full amount at checkout before you confirm the payment.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with special endorsements, the cost may be different — the online system will show you the exact amount before you pay. Once you have paid, the fee is not refundable, even if you change your mind or if your new license arrives damaged. If your new license is damaged when it arrives, contact the DMV to request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use the online renewal system. You will need to visit a Colorado DMV office in person and bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The in-person process is more thorough when your license has been expired for an extended period.
What if I do not have my license number?
You will need your license number to start the online renewal. If you have lost your license or cannot find the number, you can call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 and they can look it up for you using your name and date of birth. Once you have the number, you can proceed with the online renewal.
Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new address?
No. Address changes must be done in person at a DMV office. You can renew your license and update your address at the same time during an in-person visit, but the online system does not allow address updates. Bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
What happens if my payment fails?
If your credit or debit card is declined, the online system will ask you to try a different card or payment method. Your renewal will not be submitted until the payment goes through. If you continue to have trouble, you can renew in person at a DMV office instead.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. When you renew online, Colorado uses the photo from your current license. You will not take a new photo unless you renew in person or your current photo is too old or does not meet current standards. The DMV will let you know if a new photo is required.