What you need to do to replace your Colorado driver license

To replace a lost or damaged Colorado driver license, you will visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a replacement fee. Colorado does not allow you to replace a license entirely by mail or online — you must appear at a local office. The process takes about 30 minutes once you are at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license that day while your plastic card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

The state charges a replacement fee that varies depending on whether your license is still valid or expired. If your current license is still valid, the fee is lower than if you are renewing an expired license at the same time. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to replace your license.
  • Bring either your original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers — a photocopy will not work for proof of identity.
  • The replacement fee depends on whether your license is still valid or expired, and you can pay at the office with cash, check, or card.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • DMV offices have different hours and some require appointments, so check the location nearest you before you go.

Documents you must bring to the DMV office

Colorado requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You cannot use photocopies or digital images — the DMV must see originals or certified copies.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: your original birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must be an official document issued by the vital records office of the state or country where you were born, not a hospital record.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of your current address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

DMV office locations and how to find your nearest one

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. The main DMV website lists all locations with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours.

Many Colorado DMV offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins. You can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website or by calling the specific office. If you walk in without an appointment, you may face a long wait or be turned away if the office is at capacity. Calling ahead to confirm whether appointments are required at your chosen location will save you a trip.

The replacement fee and payment options

The fee for replacing a valid Colorado driver license is $20.50. If your license has expired and you are replacing it at the same time, the fee is higher because you are renewing as well as replacing. The exact renewal fee depends on your age and the type of license you hold.

You can pay with cash, personal check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. The office will not accept payment by phone or mail for a replacement — you must pay in person. If you are replacing your license because it was stolen, you may want to bring extra money in case you also need to update your address or make other changes to your record.

What happens after you submit your replacement request

Once the DMV processes your request, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving and is accepted as proof of identity. You can use it when ready while you wait for your plastic replacement card.

Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you moved recently and updated your address at the DMV office, the card will go to your new address. If you did not update your address, it will go to the address that was on your old license. Check your mail carefully — the card comes in a plain envelope and can be straightforward to miss.

If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If your license was stolen rather than lost, tell the DMV staff when you arrive. They will note this in your record. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so if you are concerned about identity theft.

If you believe someone has used your license fraudulently, contact the Colorado DMV directly at the phone number listed on their website. They can place a fraud alert on your record. You should also consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to protect yourself from identity theft.

What to do if you cannot visit a DMV office in person

Colorado does not offer mail-in replacement for driver licenses under normal circumstances. However, if you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, you may be able to request an exception. Contact your local DMV office directly to ask about accommodations — some offices can send staff to hospitals or care facilities in limited situations.

If you are temporarily out of state, you can still replace your license by visiting any Colorado DMV office when you return, or you can contact the DMV to ask about options. Some states have reciprocal agreements that allow Colorado residents to handle certain DMV transactions at offices in other states, but replacement is not always included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is expired?

Yes. You can replace an expired license at any DMV office. The fee will be higher because you are both replacing and renewing at the same time. Bring the same documents you would bring for a replacement of a valid license.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license gives you time to receive it. If your plastic card does not arrive within that window, contact the DMV office where you applied.

What if I moved and my address is not current?

Tell the DMV staff when you arrive that you need to update your address. They can change it in the system at the same time you replace your license. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or recent mail dated within the last 60 days. There is no extra fee for an address change.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV office to explore for a replacement. However, once your plastic card arrives by mail, anyone can receive it at your address. If you are concerned about mail theft, you can ask the DMV to hold your card for pickup instead of mailing it, though not all offices offer this option.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it through Colorado. Contact the DMV office nearest you or visit their website to schedule an appointment. You will need to bring the same documents as if you were replacing it in Colorado. If you are far from Colorado and need to drive when ready, you may want to contact your current state's DMV about a temporary permit while you wait to replace your Colorado license.