What you need to renew online in Colorado
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Revenue's website if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You will need your current or recently expired license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every situation works for online renewal. 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 a REAL ID designation, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record. If any of these explore, 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 year and you do not need to change your address or add REAL ID.
- You will need your license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to complete the renewal on the Department of Revenue website.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If your license expired more than one year ago or you need to update your address, you must visit a driver's license office instead.
Step-by-step: renewing online
Start by going to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page. You will see a button labeled "Renew Your Driver's License Online" — click it to begin. The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and your date of birth to pull up your record.
Once your record appears, review all the information on screen. Your name, address, and date of birth should match what is currently on file. If anything is wrong, stop here — you cannot fix address changes online, so you will need to visit an office instead. If everything is correct, proceed to the next screen.
You will then enter your Social Security number for identity verification. Colorado uses this to confirm you are who you say you are. After that, you choose your payment method and enter your card details. The renewal fee is $28.75 for a five-year license. Once you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot.
What happens after you pay
After your payment processes, Colorado mails your new license to the address on file. The mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods or if mail is delayed in your area. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just check your mailbox.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can still use it to drive or show as identification. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or keep it for your records — Colorado does not require you to return it.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, the online system will not let you proceed. Colorado treats licenses expired longer than one year as a new process rather than a renewal, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a new photo. You will need to visit a driver's license office and bring proof of residency, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number.
You also cannot renew online if you want to change your address. Even if your current address is correct, some people need to update it — if that is your situation, you must visit an office. The same applies if you want to add REAL ID to your license for federal purposes like flying domestically or entering a federal building.
Medical conditions or restrictions on your license also require an in-person visit. If you have a medical hold, a vision restriction, or a commercial driver's license, you cannot use the online system.
Finding a driver's license office if you need one
Colorado's Department of Revenue website has a location finder where you can search by city or county to find the nearest office. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended evening hours. You can also call ahead to ask about wait times — many offices let you schedule an appointment, which can save you time.
Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you are renewing after expiration of more than one year, bring the same documents you would need for a new license process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired for more than 12 months, you must visit a driver's license office and go through the new process process instead.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Colorado mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your payment. Mail delivery times vary by location, so it may take a few extra days to arrive. Your old license is still valid while you wait.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal?
If you caught the error before submitting payment, you can go back and correct it. If you already paid, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue with your confirmation number — they can tell you whether the error can be corrected or if you need to start over.
Do I need REAL ID to renew online?
No. You can renew online without REAL ID. However, if you want to add REAL ID to your license during renewal, you must visit a driver's license office in person and bring documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
Can I renew online if I moved to a different address?
No. The online system only works if your address is still correct. If you moved, you must visit a driver's license office to update your address and renew at the same time.