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 — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a standard five-year renewal.
Not everyone can use the online route. You cannot renew online if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your address, if you want to add the REAL ID star, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record. If any of those explore, you will need to visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office in person.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Colorado will mail it to the address on file with your current license, so if you have moved recently, update your address at a DMV office before renewing online.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Colorado license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, 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; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You cannot change your address, add REAL ID, or renew if your license expired more than one year ago using the online system.
- If you need to change your address before renewing, visit a Colorado DMV office in person first, because your new license will mail to your current address on file.
Step-by-Step: The Online Renewal Process
Start at the Colorado Department of Transportation website and look for the "Renew Your Driver's License Online" link under the Driver's License section. Click it to open the renewal portal. You will be asked to enter your Colorado driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Colorado uses this information to pull up your record and confirm your identity.
Once your identity is confirmed, you will review your current license information on screen. Check that your name, date of birth, and address are correct. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online — you will need to stop and visit a DMV office instead. If everything looks right, proceed to the payment screen.
Enter your debit card, credit card, or electronic check information. Colorado processes the payment when ready. After payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number — you may need it if there are questions about your renewal.
What Happens After You Pay
Colorado mails your new license to the address currently on file with your existing license. The mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 or visit the DMV website to check the status of your renewal. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
When You Cannot Renew Online
The online system will reject your renewal if your license expired more than one year ago. Colorado considers a license that old to be invalid, and the state requires you to retake the written test and vision test at a DMV office before issuing a new one. You will need to schedule an appointment at your local DMV office.
You also cannot renew online if you want to change your address. If you have moved, visit a DMV office in person and update your address before attempting to renew online. Your new license will mail to whatever address is on file, so changing it first ensures your license arrives at the right place.
If you want to add the REAL ID star to your license — which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in May 2025 — you must do that at a DMV office. The online renewal system does not offer REAL ID upgrades. Bring your passport, birth certificate, and proof of Colorado residency when you visit.
Finding a Colorado DMV Office
Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. Use the DMV office locator on the Colorado Department of Transportation website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices now require appointments, which you can book online through the same website. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times are often longer.
If you live in a rural area far from a DMV office, some county clerk offices offer limited DMV services, including address changes. Call your county clerk's office to ask what services they provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired?
Yes, if it expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must visit a DMV office in person and retake the written and vision tests. Colorado considers licenses expired longer than one year to be invalid.
What if I entered the wrong information and the system rejected me?
The most common reason for rejection is a mismatch between the license number or Social Security number you entered and what is in Colorado's system. Double-check both numbers and try again. If you still cannot get through, visit a DMV office or call 303-205-5600 to confirm your information is correct in the system.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Colorado uses the photo from your current license for the online renewal. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
What if my new license arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 with your confirmation number. They can issue a replacement at no charge if the error was made by the state. If the damage happened after you received it, you may be charged a replacement fee.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. The online system is for standard Class D driver's licenses only.