What You Can and Cannot Renew Online in Colorado
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Revenue website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is still valid (not expired more than one year ago), you have no medical or legal holds on your record, and you are renewing for a standard five-year term. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year renewal. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your process is processed. If you do not meet the online requirements, you must visit a Driver License Office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid and not expired more than one year ago.
- The online renewal costs $28.75 and takes about 10 minutes to complete through the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
- You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
- If your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office.
Step-by-Step: Renewing Your License Online
Start by going to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dor.colorado.gov. Look for the "Driver License" section and select "Renew Your License Online." You will be taken to a login page where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity.
Once logged in, review your current information on file. If any details are incorrect — such as your address, phone number, or emergency contact — you cannot proceed online. Stop here and visit a Driver License Office in person to make changes. If everything is correct, proceed to the next screen.
On the renewal form, confirm that you are renewing for a standard five-year license and that you have no medical conditions or legal issues that would prevent renewal. Answer the vision and medical history questions honestly. Then enter your payment information. Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Your card will be charged $28.75 when ready.
After payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save this number. Your process is now in the system, and you can track its status on the same website using your confirmation number.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
The Colorado Department of Revenue processes online renewals in the order they are received. Most applications are approved within 3 to 5 business days. You can check the status of your renewal at any time by returning to the renewal portal and entering your confirmation number.
Once approved, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date it ships. You do not need to do anything else — your license will arrive without additional steps. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.
If there is a problem with your process — such as a mismatch in your identity information or a payment issue — the Department of Revenue will contact you by phone or email using the contact information on file. Check your email and voicemail regularly during the processing period.
When You Cannot Renew Online and Must Visit in Person
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must visit a Driver License Office and complete a full renewal process in person. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, the online system will reject your process. You must resolve the suspension or revocation at a Driver License Office before you can renew. Suspensions are often related to unpaid traffic fines, child support obligations, or medical holds. Contact the office by phone first to find out what you need to bring.
If you need to change your name, address, or other personal information, you cannot make those changes online during renewal. You must visit in person. Bring documents that support the change — such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a lease for an address change — along with your current license and proof of residency.
Finding a Driver License Office and Making an Appointment
Colorado has Driver License Offices in most counties. Find the office nearest you by visiting dor.colorado.gov and searching for "Driver License Office locations." The website lists each office's address, phone number, and hours of operation. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours.
You can walk in to most offices without an appointment, but wait times vary. During busy times — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays — you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online or by phone to reduce wait time. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.
Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you are making a change to your record, bring supporting documents as well. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter.
Payment Methods and Fees
Online renewal costs $28.75 for a five-year license. This is the standard renewal fee in Colorado. You can pay only by debit or credit card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Cash, check, and money order are not accepted online.
If you renew in person at a Driver License Office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The fee is the same: $28.75 for a five-year renewal. Some offices may charge a small additional fee if you pay by check.
Your payment is processed when ready when you submit your online process. If your card is declined, the system will prompt you to enter a different card number. Do not submit your process multiple times if your first attempt fails — each submission is a separate transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. The online system only works for licenses that expired within the past year and are still valid. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office. You will need to complete a full renewal process and bring proof of residency and your Social Security card.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The Department of Revenue typically processes online renewals within 3 to 5 business days. After approval, your license is mailed to you and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In total, expect 10 to 15 business days from the time you submit your process to the time your new license arrives.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal process?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue Driver License section by phone as soon as possible. They may be able to correct minor errors before your license is printed. If the error is discovered after your license is mailed, you may need to request a replacement or visit a Driver License Office to make corrections.
Can I change my address when I renew online?
No. The online renewal system does not allow address changes. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office. Bring your new proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease) along with your current license and Social Security card.
What should I do if my payment was declined?
The online system will notify you when ready if your card is declined. Try again with the same card or enter a different card number. If you continue to have payment issues, visit a Driver License Office in person where you can pay by cash, check, or card.