Where to Replace Your Colorado Driver's License
You can replace your Colorado driver's license at any Department of Revenue office in the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The fastest option is usually an in-person visit to your nearest office, which takes about 30 minutes. If you cannot visit in person, you can request a replacement by mail, though the process takes longer and has restrictions on what types of replacements may have access to.
Colorado has about 20 Department of Revenue locations statewide. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may also schedule an appointment online, which is often faster.
If you live outside Colorado or cannot reach an office easily, the mail-in option exists, but only for standard replacements of lost or damaged licenses. You cannot renew early by mail, and you cannot change your address or name by mail — those require an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- You need your Social Security number and proof of Colorado residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to replace your license in person.
- A standard replacement costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes at a Department of Revenue office.
- If you lost your license, you should report it to local police and request a case number, which some offices ask for during replacement.
- Mail-in replacement is slower and works only for lost or damaged licenses, not for renewals or address changes.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you explore in person, or 2 to 3 weeks if you mail in your request.
What You Need to Bring to Replace Your License in Person
Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized) and one form of proof of Colorado residency. Acceptable residency documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement — it must show your current Colorado address and be dated within the last 60 days. A pay stub with your address also works if it is recent enough.
You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost. If your license is damaged but you still have it, bring it with you — the staff will take it and destroy it. If you were in an accident or had your wallet stolen, bring a police report or case number if you have one; some offices request this to document why the license is missing.
Bring a valid form of identification if you have one — a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any ID, you can still replace your driver's license, but the process takes longer and you may need to provide additional documents like a birth certificate. Call your local office ahead of time if you are in this situation so staff can tell you exactly what to bring.
The In-Person Replacement Process
Walk into or check in at your nearest Department of Revenue office. You will take a number and wait to be called. When you reach the counter, tell the staff member you need to replace a lost or damaged license. They will ask for your Social Security number and residency proof, then verify your information in the system.
The staff will ask you to confirm your current address and whether anything else on your license needs to change — your name, for example, or your address if you have moved since your last license. If you need to change your address or name, you must do this now; you cannot change it later by mail. If your address or name has changed, bring the document that proves it (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill showing your new address).
Next, you will have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for the next five years. You will pay the $20 replacement fee by card or cash, sign a form, and receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Replacing Your License by Mail
Mail-in replacement is only for licenses that are lost or damaged. You cannot use this method to renew early, change your address, or change your name. To start, read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card form from the Colorado Department of Revenue website, or call your local office and ask them to mail it to you.
Fill out the form completely. Include a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Write a check or money order for $20 payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the form carefully.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. If you need your license faster, you must visit an office in person instead. If your mail-in request is incomplete or missing documents, the office will mail it back to you, which adds another week or more to the process.
What to Do If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, contact your local police department and file a report. Ask for a case number or report number — write this down. Bring this number with you when you replace your license, or include it in your mail-in packet. Some offices use this information to flag your old license in the system so it cannot be misused.
You do not need a police report to replace your license, but having one protects you if someone tries to use your old license fraudulently. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is separate from replacing your license but adds an extra layer of protection.
When Your New License Arrives
Your replacement license will arrive in a plain envelope by regular mail. Check the envelope carefully when it arrives — make sure your name, address, and license number are correct. If anything is wrong, return to a Department of Revenue office with your new license and ask them to issue a corrected one. Corrections are usually free if the error was made by the office.
Your old license is no longer valid once you receive your new one. You do not need to do anything with the old license — just keep it or destroy it. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can use your receipt from the replacement appointment as a temporary proof of license for up to 30 days. Some police officers will accept this; others may not, so avoid driving if possible while you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
No, Colorado does not issue temporary paper licenses. Your receipt from the in-person replacement appointment can serve as proof that you applied, and some officers will accept it, but it is not an official temporary license. If you must drive before your new license arrives, contact your local office to ask whether they can expedite the mailing.
What if I moved and my address changed since I lost my license?
You must visit an office in person to change your address. Bring your new proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) along with your Social Security number. You cannot change your address by mail, even if you are replacing a lost license.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard replacement costs $20, whether you explore in person or by mail. This is the same fee whether your license was lost, damaged, or stolen. There are no additional fees unless you need to change your address or name at the same time, which does not add to the cost.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address on file. You cannot have it sent to someone else's address or pick it up at an office. If you need it sent to a different address, you must visit an office in person and request an address change before your replacement is mailed.
What if I never receive my replacement license in the mail?
Contact the Department of Revenue office where you applied and provide your receipt number. They can check the status of your replacement and remail it if it was lost in transit. If it has been more than three weeks since you applied in person, or more than four weeks since you mailed in your request, call to report it missing.