How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Driver's License in Colorado

Colorado replaces lost licenses through the Department of Revenue, either in person at a local office or by mail

To replace a lost or damaged Colorado driver's license, you have two routes: visit a Department of Revenue office in person, or submit documents by mail. The in-person route typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent card is mailed. The mail route takes longer — usually two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time — but works if you cannot reach an office.

Colorado does not charge a replacement fee for a lost license, but you do pay the standard renewal fee, which is $28.75 for a five-year license or $57.50 for a ten-year license. If your license is damaged but still readable, you may be able to renew it early without paying the full renewal fee; call your local office to confirm whether damage qualifies for a reduced-cost replacement.

Key Takeaways

You need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) plus proof of Colorado residency to replace your license in person.
In-person replacement at a Department of Revenue office takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs $28.75 to $57.50 depending on the license term you choose.
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days on the spot; your permanent card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
Mail-in replacement requires the same documents but takes two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time, and you do not receive a temporary license.
Colorado has no separate replacement fee — you pay only the standard renewal fee based on how long you want the license to be valid.

What documents you need to bring in person

The Colorado Department of Revenue requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of Colorado residency. For identity, bring one Real ID-compliant document such as a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. A photocopy is not acceptable — you must show the original.

For residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Colorado address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement. A government-issued ID with your current address also works. If you have moved recently and your utility bill or lease has not yet arrived, call ahead to ask whether the office will accept a dated lease with a move-in date or a utility company letter confirming your service start date.

Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status and work authorization. You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost, but if it is damaged, bring it along so the staff can see the damage.

In-person replacement at a Department of Revenue office

Colorado operates driver's license offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo, plus smaller satellite offices in some counties. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary — offices are typically busier mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Check the Department of Revenue website for your nearest office and its current hours before you go.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the staff member you need to replace a lost or damaged license. They will verify your identity and residency documents, take a new photo (unless you have a valid photo on file from a recent renewal), and process your replacement. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee by card or cash at that time.

Before you leave, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and has the same legal standing as a permanent card — you can use it to drive, board a plane, or prove your identity. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within one to two weeks. If you move before it arrives, contact the Department of Revenue to update your address so the card reaches you.

Mail-in replacement if you cannot visit an office

To replace your license by mail, read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL 44) from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Complete the form, including your current address and the reason for replacement (lost or damaged). Make copies of your Real ID-compliant identity document and your proof of residency — photocopies are acceptable for mail-in requests, unlike in-person visits.

Mail the completed form, your document copies, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number so the office can contact you if there are questions. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope, plus mailing time in both directions — plan for four to five weeks total.

Unlike in-person replacement, you do not receive a temporary license when you submit by mail. Your permanent card is mailed to you once processing is complete. If you need to drive before the card arrives and cannot visit an office, you have no legal temporary option through the mail route — this is a significant drawback if you need your license quickly.

What to do if your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If your license was stolen or you suspect it has been used fraudulently, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue before replacing it. They can flag your old license number in the system to prevent someone else from using it. You can call the main office or visit in person to report the theft; staff will note it in your file before processing your replacement.

If you believe your identity has been compromised beyond just the lost license, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is separate from the license replacement process but protects you if someone tries to open accounts in your name. The Colorado Attorney General's office has a guide on identity theft on its website if you need more detailed steps.

Renewing early if your license is damaged but not lost

If your license is damaged — cracked, faded, or unreadable — but you still have it, you may be able to replace it at a reduced cost rather than paying the full renewal fee. Some damage qualifies as a replacement rather than a renewal, which means you pay only a small processing fee instead of the full $28.75 to $57.50. Call your local Department of Revenue office and describe the damage; they can tell you whether your situation qualifies for the reduced-cost replacement before you visit.

Bring the damaged license with you when you go in person. If the damage is minor and the office decides it does not warrant a replacement, you can still renew your license at that visit and pay the standard renewal fee. There is no penalty for asking, and the staff can make the information quickly once they see the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license if I replace my license by mail?

No. Mail-in replacement does not include a temporary license. You receive only your permanent card once processing is complete. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit a Department of Revenue office in person to get a temporary paper license.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent card should arrive within one to two weeks, but if it does not, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status. You can request a new temporary license if your permanent card has not arrived by the 60-day mark.

What if I moved after I lost my license?

Tell the staff member your new address when you replace your license in person, or write it clearly on your mail-in form. Your temporary license (if you visit in person) will show your new address. Your permanent card will be mailed to the address you provide, so make sure it is correct before you leave the office or mail your form.

Do I need my old license to replace it?

No. If your license is lost, you do not need to bring it. If it is damaged, bringing it helps the staff see the damage, but it is not required. You can replace a lost license with just your identity and residency documents.

Can I replace my license if it expired?

Yes. Replacing a lost or damaged license and renewing an expired license are the same process in Colorado. You pay the renewal fee and receive a new license valid for five or ten years from the date of replacement, regardless of when your old license expired.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.