Colorado driver license renewal costs $31.50 for a standard five-year license
The renewal fee in Colorado is $31.50 for a five-year license, which is the most common option. If you choose an eight-year license instead, the fee is $50.50. You pay this fee when you renew in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, by mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website.
The fee covers the cost of producing and issuing your new license. Colorado does not charge separate processing or process fees on top of the renewal cost. What you see is what you pay, unless you request additional services like a replacement card or address change, which may have their own small fees.
Key Takeaways
- A standard five-year Colorado driver license renewal costs $31.50, and an eight-year renewal costs $50.50.
- You can renew online through the Colorado DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and the fee is the same regardless of method.
- Your license expires on your birthday, and you can renew it up to one year before expiration without penalty.
- If you renew after your license has already expired, you may face additional requirements or fees depending on how long it has been expired.
How to pay the renewal fee
If you renew online, you'll enter your payment information directly on the Colorado DMV website and pay by debit card or credit card. The system processes your payment when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you renew by mail, you'll send a check or money order payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue along with your renewal form and supporting documents. Mail your packet to the address listed on the renewal notice you received. Processing takes longer by mail — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
If you renew in person at a DMV office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You'll receive your temporary license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
When you can renew and what happens if you're late
Colorado allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Your expiration date is your birthday. Renewing early doesn't cost extra — you still pay $31.50 or $50.50 depending on which term you choose.
If your license expires and you don't renew it, you cannot legally drive. If you're pulled over while expired, you may face a traffic citation. The longer your license stays expired, the more complicated renewal becomes. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may have to retake the written test and vision test, not just pay the renewal fee.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can usually renew by mail or online without retesting. Contact your local DMV office or check the Colorado DMV website to confirm what you'll need to bring or submit.
Differences between five-year and eight-year licenses
Colorado offers two renewal terms: five years for $31.50 and eight years for $50.50. The eight-year license costs more upfront but spreads the per-year cost lower. If you plan to keep your license for a long time and don't mind paying more at once, the eight-year option may save you money over time.
Both licenses are identical in appearance and function. The only difference is how long they remain valid. Your choice doesn't affect your driving privileges or insurance rates — it's purely a matter of how often you want to renew and how much you want to pay per renewal cycle.
What documents you need to renew
To renew your Colorado driver license, you'll need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Acceptable forms of identity include your current Colorado license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you're renewing online, you'll upload images of these documents. If you're renewing by mail, you'll include copies. If you're renewing in person, you'll bring the originals or certified copies. The DMV website lists all acceptable documents, so check there before you gather your paperwork to avoid making a second trip.
Renewing online versus in person
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you're may be able to access. You can renew from home, 24 hours a day, and your new license arrives by mail within a week or so. You'll need a valid email address and a debit or credit card. The Colorado DMV website will tell you when ready whether you can renew online or whether you must come in person.
You must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, if you're renewing after a long expiration, or if you're a first-time driver. In-person renewal takes longer on the day you visit — typically 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is — but you walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
Additional fees for name changes or corrections
If you need to change your name on your license during renewal — because of marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you'll need to bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). There is no extra fee for a name change during renewal; you pay only the standard $31.50 or $50.50.
If you need to correct an error on your current license — a misspelled name, wrong address, or wrong eye color — you can request a correction during renewal at no additional cost. If you need a correction before your renewal date, you can request a replacement license for a small fee, typically around $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license online if it's already expired?
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can usually renew online. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Check the Colorado DMV website or call your local office to confirm your situation before you attempt to renew online.
What if I lose my license before it expires — do I have to pay the renewal fee?
If you lose your license, you'll pay a replacement fee (usually around $20) to get a duplicate card before your expiration date. When your license actually expires, you'll pay the standard renewal fee ($31.50 or $50.50) at that time. The two fees are separate.
Do I have to renew in person if I'm renewing for the first time?
Yes. First-time renewals require an in-person visit to a DMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail for your first renewal. After that, you may be able to renew online or by mail if you remain may be able to access.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I pay the renewal fee?
By mail or online, your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. By in-person renewal, you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Processing times may be longer during peak periods.
Is the $31.50 renewal fee the same at every DMV office in Colorado?
Yes. The renewal fee is set by the state and is the same whether you renew in Denver, Boulder, or any other Colorado city. The fee does not vary by location or DMV office.