What you'll pay to renew your Colorado driver's license

A standard Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.75 if you renew by mail or online. If you renew in person at a Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, the fee is the same: $28.75. This fee covers a four-year license for most adults.

The cost does not change based on how long you've held your current license or how many times you've renewed before. You pay the same amount whether it's your first renewal or your tenth.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license — one that meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings — the cost is higher. A Real ID renewal costs $33.75 in person or by mail. Online renewal does not offer Real ID at this time, so you would need to renew by mail or visit a DMV office if you want Real ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.75 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost $33.75 and require renewal by mail or in person, not online.
  • Colorado charges the same renewal fee regardless of your age or how many times you've renewed before.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal route: online accepts credit or debit card, mail accepts check or money order, and in-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

How to pay when you renew online

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website accepts credit cards and debit cards only. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash through the online system. The $28.75 fee is charged to your card when ready when you submit your renewal request.

Online renewal is available only for standard licenses, not Real ID. If you choose to renew online, you must have a valid email address on file with the DMV, and your current license must not be expired by more than five years.

Paying by mail for your renewal

If you renew by mail, you can pay with a check or money order made payable to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order so the payment can be matched to your process.

Mail your payment along with your renewal form and any required documents to the address listed on the renewal notice you receive. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your packet. Do not send cash through the mail.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

When you renew in person at a Colorado DMV office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. This gives you the most payment flexibility. You'll pay the fee at the counter when you submit your process, and you'll receive your new license or a temporary paper license on the spot.

In-person renewal is the fastest option if you need your license quickly. You can also choose Real ID at an in-person visit. Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking the DMV website for your local office can help you plan.

Additional costs you might encounter

The $28.75 or $33.75 renewal fee is the only cost charged by the Colorado DMV for a standard renewal. However, if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, there may be additional requirements or documents you need to provide — though the DMV does not charge extra for these changes during renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person, and the DMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test. The fee remains $28.75 for a standard license, but the process takes longer.

When your renewal fee might be different

Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost more than standard license renewals. A CDL renewal costs $60.75 for a four-year license. If you hold both a standard license and a CDL, you renew them separately and pay both fees.

Motorcycle endorsement renewals are included in your standard driver's license renewal fee — you do not pay extra to keep a motorcycle endorsement active. The same $28.75 or $33.75 covers your entire license with all endorsements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the renewal fee in installments?

No. The Colorado DMV requires full payment of the renewal fee at the time you submit your process, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There is no option to pay in installments or defer payment.

Do I have to pay the fee if my license expired while I was out of state?

Yes. The renewal fee applies regardless of where you were when your license expired. The fee is the same whether you renew when ready or years after expiration, as long as your license has been expired for five years or less.

What if I'm renewing and getting a Real ID at the same time?

You pay $33.75 total for a Real ID renewal. This is a single fee that covers both the renewal and the Real ID upgrade. You cannot renew online if you want Real ID; you must renew by mail or in person.

Is there a discount for seniors or military members?

Colorado does not offer a reduced renewal fee for seniors, military members, or any other group. All drivers pay the same $28.75 for a standard renewal or $33.75 for Real ID, regardless of age or military status.

What happens if I send the wrong amount of money by mail?

If you send less than the required fee, the DMV will return your process without processing it. If you send more, contact the DMV to request a refund of the overpayment. It's best to send the exact amount to avoid delays.