What you need before you start
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Revenue's website if your license is still valid or expired for less than five years. You'll 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 online renewal works only if you haven't changed your address, your name, or your vision status since your last license was issued. If any of those things have changed, you'll need to renew in person at a driver's license office instead.
You also cannot renew online if you have any unpaid traffic tickets, child support obligations, or other holds on your driving record. The system will tell you when ready if a hold exists, and you'll need to resolve it before you can proceed.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than five years ago and nothing about your address, name, or vision has changed.
- The Colorado Department of Revenue's online system takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
- If you have any holds on your record — unpaid tickets, child support, or other issues — you cannot renew online and must visit a driver's license office.
Steps to renew online through Colorado's system
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page at dor.colorado.gov. Look for the "Renew Your Driver's License" option and select the online renewal path. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct. Review your name, date of birth, address, and vision status carefully. If anything looks wrong, stop here — you cannot fix it online and will need to visit an office in person.
Once you confirm your information is correct, you'll pay the renewal fee using your credit or debit card. Colorado's renewal fee is $28 for a five-year license or $56 for a ten-year license. The system will show you the total before you submit payment, and you'll receive a confirmation number when ready after.
How long it takes and what happens next
After you complete the online renewal, you'll see a confirmation screen with a reference number. Save or print this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. The entire process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
Your new physical license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you cannot speed up the mail delivery through the online system, but you can visit a driver's license office to request expedited processing for an additional fee.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving during the wait. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a driver's license office.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not let you renew. You'll need to visit a Colorado driver's license office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. Check the Department of Revenue website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.
If you've moved to a new address, changed your name, or had a change in your vision status, you must renew in person. The same applies if you wear corrective lenses and need to update that information on your license. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) and any legal documents showing a name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Holds on your driving record — such as unpaid traffic fines, child support obligations, or suspension notices — will block online renewal. The Colorado Department of Revenue's system checks for these automatically. If a hold exists, you'll see a message telling you to contact the relevant agency. Once the hold is cleared, you can return and complete your online renewal.
Payment and fees
Colorado charges $28 to renew a driver's license for five years or $56 for ten years. The online system charges the same fee as renewing in person, so there is no extra cost for using the website. You must pay by credit or debit card — cash and checks are not accepted online.
The fee is non-refundable once you submit payment, even if you change your mind or encounter a problem during the process. If your payment fails, the system will tell you when ready and you can try again with a different card or contact the Department of Revenue for help.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you get an error message during the online process, write down the exact error and the reference number shown on your screen. Close your browser and try again in a few minutes — temporary technical issues sometimes resolve on their own. If the error persists, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license section by phone or visit a local office.
If you completed the renewal and received a confirmation number but your new license does not arrive after 14 business days, contact the Department of Revenue with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and remail it if needed. Do not assume the license was lost — mail delays happen, especially during busy seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. Any suspension or revocation will show up as a hold on your record, and the online system will block your renewal. You must resolve the suspension or revocation through the appropriate court or agency before you can renew your license.
What if I need a REAL ID compliant license?
Colorado's online renewal does not let you request a REAL ID license. If you need REAL ID compliance, you must renew in person at a driver's license office and bring proof of citizenship and proof of your current address. REAL ID licenses cost more and take longer to process.
Can I renew online if I'm out of state?
Yes. The online system works from anywhere as long as you have internet access and meet all the other requirements. Your new license will still be mailed to your Colorado address on file, so make sure that address is current before you renew.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
What if my payment goes through but I don't get a confirmation number?
Check your credit card or bank account to see if the charge posted. If it did, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue with your payment information and they can look up your renewal and provide a confirmation number. If the charge did not post, try the renewal again with a different payment method.