Where to go and what you need
You can replace a Colorado driver's license at any Department of Revenue office in the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster — most offices process replacements the same day or within a few business days. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment.
The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license valid for five years. If your license was lost or stolen, you can report it to the Colorado Department of Revenue at the time of replacement, which flags it in their system. If your license was damaged but still readable, some offices may issue a replacement without requiring a new photo, though this varies by location.
Mail-in replacement is an option only if your license is not expired and you are not replacing it due to a name change, address change, or a violation conviction. You will need to submit a completed process for Duplicate Driver's License (Form DL-44), a check or money order for $20.50, and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at any Colorado Department of Revenue office takes one to three business days and costs $20.50.
- You must bring proof of Colorado residency dated within the last 90 days, your Social Security number, and payment.
- Mail-in replacement is only available if your license is not expired and you are not changing your name or address.
- If your license was stolen, report it to the Department of Revenue at the time of replacement to flag it in their system.
Finding your nearest Department of Revenue office
Colorado has 22 Department of Revenue driver's license offices across the state. The main office is in Denver at 1881 Pierce Street, but most counties have at least one satellite location. You can find the full list of offices, hours, and phone numbers on the Colorado Department of Revenue website under "Driver's License Services."
Walk-in service is available at all locations, but wait times vary by office and time of day. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit. Some offices are busier on certain days — Mondays and the first week of the month tend to see longer lines.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has expired, you cannot use the mail-in replacement route. You must go in person to a Department of Revenue office and complete a full renewal process instead of a straightforward replacement. This requires a new photo and takes longer than a standard replacement.
You will still need proof of residency and your Social Security number, but the fee may be different depending on how long your license has been expired. Contact your local office or the Department of Revenue directly to confirm the fee and any additional documents required for your situation.
Replacing a license after theft or loss
When you report your license as lost or stolen at the Department of Revenue, staff will enter it into the state system and flag it as invalid. This prevents someone else from using it for identification or to conduct fraud in your name. You do not need to file a separate police report to get a replacement, though you may want to if you suspect identity theft.
If your license was stolen along with other documents, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is a free step that makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can place an alert by calling any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the others.
Temporary license options while you wait
Colorado does not issue temporary paper licenses at the time of replacement. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you have limited options. If you replaced your license in person, ask the staff whether you can use your receipt as proof of identity while your new card is being processed — some officers will accept it, though it is not may provide.
If you are replacing by mail, your new license will not arrive for 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive during that time, consider going in person instead, which is much faster. You can also carry your Social Security card or passport as backup identification, though neither is a legal substitute for a driver's license when driving.
Replacing a license with a name or address change
If you are replacing your license because you changed your name or address, you cannot use the mail-in route. You must go in person to a Department of Revenue office. Bring your proof of the name or address change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or utility bill showing your new address.
The fee remains $20.50, and processing is the same as a standard replacement. You will need a new photo, so bring your Social Security number and proof of residency as well. If your name change is recent, bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves it, not just a photocopy.
Replacing a license with a violation or suspension on your record
If your license is suspended or revoked due to a traffic violation, DUI, or other offense, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Colorado Department of Revenue. This may involve paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Contact the Department of Revenue's Driver's License Section to find out the status of your record and what steps you need to take. Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then replace your license. The replacement process itself is the same, but you cannot drive legally until both the suspension is cleared and your new license is in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Colorado does not offer online replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You must either visit a Department of Revenue office in person or mail in your process. In-person replacement is faster and takes one to three business days.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it by mail if it meets the mail-in requirements (not expired, no name or address change, no violation conviction). If you are in Colorado and need it urgently, visit any Department of Revenue office in person. If you are out of state and cannot mail in an process, you may need to wait until you return to Colorado.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license?
No appointment is required. All Colorado Department of Revenue offices accept walk-in customers. However, you can call ahead to ask about wait times, which helps you choose the best time to visit.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for five years from the date of issue, the same as a standard license. Your new expiration date will be printed on the card when you receive it.
What if I need my license number before it arrives?
If you replaced your license in person, ask for your new license number at the time of replacement — staff can provide it. If you replaced by mail, you will have to wait until the card arrives to see your number. If you need it urgently, call the Department of Revenue and provide your name and date of birth; they may be able to look it up for you.