What you need to renew online in Colorado
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Revenue website if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You will need your current 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 whole process takes about 10 minutes, and you do not need to visit an office or mail anything in.
Not every renewal can happen online. You cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address, if you want to add or remove endorsements (like motorcycle or commercial driving), or if you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license for the first time. In those cases, you will need to visit a driver's license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need to change your address or add endorsements.
- You will pay a renewal fee through the website using a credit or debit card, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can keep using it for identification and driving.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
Steps to renew your license online
Start by going to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Click on the "Renew Your Driver's License" option and select "Online Renewal." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number so the system can pull up your record.
Review the information on your license — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, you can proceed. The system will then ask you to confirm your mailing address, since your new license will be sent there. If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot complete the online process and will need to visit an office instead.
Once you confirm your information, you will see the renewal fee. As of 2024, a standard five-year renewal costs $28.25 online. Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email — save this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
How long the renewal takes and what to expect
After you submit your online renewal, Colorado processes it within one business day. Your new license will then be mailed to the address you confirmed, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your current license is still valid for driving and identification, so you do not need to do anything else.
If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, you can check the status on the Colorado DMV website using your confirmation number. If there is a problem — for example, if the address on file is incorrect or the payment did not go through — the DMV will contact you by phone or email at the number or address in your record.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You will need to visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office with your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of your Social Security number. The office will process a full renewal, which takes longer and may require a new photo.
You also cannot renew online if you want to change your address. Even though the online form asks you to confirm your mailing address, it does not let you update your actual residence address — the one that appears on your license. To change your address, you must go to an office in person with proof of your new residence. Similarly, if you want to add a motorcycle endorsement, a commercial driver's license (CDL), or any other endorsement, you must visit an office and may need to pass a written test or skills test.
If you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license for the first time, you cannot do it online. You will need to visit an office with your current license, proof of citizenship (a passport or birth certificate), and proof of residency. After that first Real ID renewal, you may be able to renew online in future years.
Payment and fees
Colorado charges $28.25 for an online five-year driver's license renewal as of 2024. This fee covers the renewal itself and is paid directly through the website using your credit or debit card. There are no additional fees for online renewal compared to renewing in person, and you do not pay for shipping — the cost of mailing your new license is included.
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and give you a chance to try again with a different card. Make sure the name and billing address on your card match your records, since some payment processors reject mismatches. If you have trouble with the payment, you can call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 to ask about other payment options or to renew in person instead.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you submitted your renewal but did not receive a confirmation number, the transaction may not have gone through. Check your bank or credit card statement to see if you were charged. If you were charged but did not get a confirmation, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 with your license number and the date you attempted to renew. They can look up your submission and resend your confirmation number.
If your new license arrives damaged, lost, or with incorrect information, contact the DMV right away. You can request a replacement by phone or by visiting an office. A replacement license costs $20 and will be mailed to you. If the information on the new license is wrong — for example, if your name is misspelled — you can request a corrected license at no extra charge, but you will need to visit an office in person to verify the correction.
Finding a Colorado DMV office if you need one
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office. Colorado has offices in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online first. Check your local office's hours and appointment policy before you go.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and any other documents the office tells you to bring based on your situation. If you are renewing after your license expired more than five years ago, bring proof of your Social Security number as well. Processing times at offices vary, but most renewals are completed the same day or within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit an office in person. Check the expiration date on your license before you start the online process — the system will tell you if you are not may be able to access.
Will my new license have a different number?
No. Your driver's license number stays the same when you renew. The new card will have the same number, a new expiration date, and an updated photo if you chose to provide one during online renewal (though most online renewals use your existing photo).
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 with your confirmation number and new address. They can update your mailing address so your license goes to the right place. If your license is already in the mail, you may be able to pick it up at a local office instead.
Do I need a Real ID to renew online?
No. You can renew a standard driver's license online. However, if you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license for the first time, you must visit an office in person with citizenship and residency documents. After that, you can renew online.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
Not if you need to renew your CDL endorsement. Standard driver's license renewals can happen online, but CDL renewals and any changes to CDL status require an in-person visit to a DMV office.