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 Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
The online renewal system works only for standard driver's licenses and ID cards. If you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or renew a commercial driver's license, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles office in person.
Before you begin, check that your address on file with Colorado DMV is correct. If it has changed since your last renewal, update it at a DMV office or by mail before you renew online — the renewed license will be mailed to the address in the system.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago; licenses expired longer than that require an in-person visit.
- The online system accepts debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks, and the renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to the address currently on file with Colorado DMV, so confirm your address before you submit.
- The entire online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
- If you need to change your address, add Real ID, or renew a commercial license, you must complete the renewal in person at a DMV office.
Step-by-Step: Completing Your Online Renewal
Step 1: Go to the Colorado DMV website. Visit the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Look for the "Renew Your License Online" link on the homepage.
Step 2: Enter your driver's license number and personal information. The system will ask for your Colorado driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Double-check these details — any error will cause the system to reject your request.
Step 3: Review your current information. The system will display your name, address, and other details from your current license. If anything is wrong — a misspelled name, an old address, a phone number you no longer use — stop here. You cannot correct these details online. You will need to visit a DMV office or mail a correction form to update your record before renewing.
Step 4: Confirm your vision and medical information. You will answer questions about your vision and any medical conditions that might affect your driving. Answer honestly; these questions determine whether you need an in-person vision test or medical evaluation.
Step 5: Pay the renewal fee. Enter your debit card, credit card, or electronic check information. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $33.50 as of 2024, though this amount can change. The system will show the exact amount before you confirm payment.
Step 6: Confirm and submit. Review all the information one final time. Once you submit, you cannot edit your renewal — if you spot an error after submission, you will need to contact Colorado DMV to correct it or start over.
What Happens After You Submit
After you complete your online renewal, Colorado DMV will send you a confirmation email with a reference number. Save this number in case you need to contact DMV about your renewal.
Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you would have to renew in person at a DMV office and request a temporary license on the spot.
While you wait, your old license remains valid. You can continue to use it for identification and driving until your new one arrives. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or return it to a DMV office.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license expired more than one year ago, the online system will reject your request. You must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (a passport or birth certificate).
You also cannot renew online if you need to add or update a Real ID designation, change your address, or renew a commercial driver's license. Real ID requires proof of citizenship and identity that must be verified in person. Address changes must be processed at a DMV office to may support the new address is correct before your license is printed.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with air brake restrictions, you must visit a DMV office. The online system handles only standard Class D (non-commercial) licenses and ID cards.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
If the system says your information does not match its records, the most common cause is a typo in your driver's license number or Social Security number. Try again, entering each digit carefully. If it still fails, contact Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to verify your information is in the system correctly.
If your payment is declined, try a different card or payment method. Some banks flag online DMV transactions as suspicious; if this happens, call your bank to authorize the charge, then return to the renewal page and try again. You do not have to start the entire renewal over — the system will remember where you stopped.
If you submitted your renewal but did not receive a confirmation email, check your spam folder. If it is not there, log back into the renewal portal and check your status using your driver's license number and reference number. If the system shows your renewal was processed, your license is on the way.
Tracking Your New License
Colorado DMV does not offer a tracking system for renewed licenses in the mail. Once your renewal is submitted, you can check the status by visiting the Colorado DMV website and entering your driver's license number and reference number from your confirmation email.
If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received your license, contact Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600. Have your confirmation number and reference number ready. DMV can check whether your license was mailed and, if necessary, reissue it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The online system will reject your request if your license status is anything other than valid or expired. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with Colorado DMV before you can renew. Contact DMV at 303-205-5600 to find out what steps are required.
What if I move to a different state before my new license arrives?
Contact Colorado DMV when ready at 303-205-5600 with your new address. DMV can update your mailing address and remail your license to your new state. If your license is already in transit, you may need to pick it up at a Colorado DMV office or have it forwarded by mail.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless your current license is more than 10 years old, in which case Colorado law requires a new photo — you must renew in person.
Can I renew online if I have a name change?
No. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change, along with proof of identity and residency.
What if the online system says I am not may be able to access to renew?
The most common reasons are: your license expired more than one year ago, your license is suspended or revoked, or your information does not match DMV records. Contact Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to find out which issue applies to you and what your next step should be.