Colorado replacement license fees

A replacement driver's license in Colorado costs $20 if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. This is the standard fee the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles charges for a duplicate license with the same class and restrictions as your original.

The fee covers the card itself and processing. You pay it when you submit your request, either in person at a DMV office or by mail. If you need the license faster than standard processing, Colorado offers expedited service for an additional fee — typically $15 to $20 more, depending on how quickly you need it.

If your license has expired and you are replacing it at the same time, you may pay a renewal fee instead of or in addition to the replacement fee. Renewal fees in Colorado vary by license class and age, so confirm with the DMV which fee applies to your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard replacement license costs $20 and takes about 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
  • Expedited processing adds $15 to $20 and can get your license to you in 3 to 5 business days.
  • You can replace your license by mail, in person at any DMV office, or through an approved third-party vendor in some counties.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number when you replace your license in person.
  • If your license has also expired, you may owe a renewal fee on top of the $20 replacement fee.

How to pay the replacement fee

When you replace your license in person at a Colorado DMV office, you pay the $20 fee at the counter using cash, debit card, or credit card. The office processes your payment when ready and gives you a receipt. You typically leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

If you replace your license by mail, you include a check or money order for $20 with your process packet. Do not send cash through the mail. Mail your payment and documents to the address listed on the Colorado DMV website for your county. Processing takes longer by mail — usually 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your packet.

Some Colorado counties allow you to replace your license through an approved third-party vendor, such as a local tag agency. These vendors charge the same $20 state fee plus a small service fee of their own, usually $5 to $10. Ask the vendor what their total charge is before you submit your request.

Expedited replacement and rush fees

If you need your license quickly, Colorado offers expedited processing. The cost is typically $15 to $20 on top of the $20 replacement fee, bringing your total to $35 to $40. Expedited service reduces processing time from 7 to 10 business days down to 3 to 5 business days.

You can request expedited service when you explore in person at a DMV office. Tell the staff member you want rush processing and pay the additional fee. You will still receive a temporary paper license while you wait for the permanent card.

Expedited service is not always available by mail. If you are mailing your process, contact your local DMV office first to ask whether they offer expedited mail processing and what the exact fee is. Some offices do; others require you to come in person for rush service.

What documents you need to bring

When you replace your license in person, bring three things: proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of identity can be your expired license, a passport, a military ID, or a birth certificate. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

If you are mailing your process, you will need to send copies of these documents along with your check or money order. The Colorado DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept and in what format. Do not send originals by mail — send copies only, as the DMV does not return them.

Bring your Social Security number in writing or memorized. You will need to provide it on the process form whether you are explore in person or by mail.

Where to replace your license in Colorado

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles website. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times vary. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means a shorter wait.

If you prefer not to go to a DMV office, you can mail your process to the address for your county listed on the state website. Processing takes longer by mail, but you avoid the trip and the wait.

Some counties also have approved tag agencies or other third-party vendors that can process replacement licenses. These vendors operate independently and may have different hours than the DMV. Call ahead to confirm they offer replacement service and what documents they need.

Timeline and what to expect

If you explore in person, you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you request expedited service, the card arrives in 3 to 5 business days instead.

If you mail your process, the DMV receives it, processes it, and mails your new card back to you. This entire cycle typically takes 10 to 14 business days. Expedited mail service, where available, can shorten this to 7 to 10 business days.

The temporary paper license is valid for driving while you wait. You do not need to do anything else once you have submitted your process. Your new license will arrive at the address you provided on your process form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $20 fee if my license was stolen?

Yes. The $20 replacement fee applies whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license, though having one can be helpful if you later discover fraud related to the theft.

What if I need my license before the temporary one expires?

Request expedited processing when you explore. Expedited service costs $15 to $20 extra and delivers your permanent card in 3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 10. If you cannot wait even that long, contact your local DMV office to ask whether they can issue a license on the spot in an emergency.

Does the replacement fee change if I also need to renew my license?

It depends. If your license is expired, you may owe a renewal fee in addition to the $20 replacement fee. Renewal fees vary by license class and age. Contact the Colorado DMV or ask the staff member at your local office which fees explore to your situation.

Can I replace my license online?

Colorado does not offer full online replacement. You must explore in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an approved third-party vendor. Some counties may offer online scheduling or preliminary steps, but you will still need to submit documents and pay the fee through one of these methods.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact the Colorado DMV as soon as possible with your new address. They can redirect your license to your new location or reissue it with the updated address. You may owe an additional fee for the address change, depending on how the DMV handles it. Call your local office to ask what to do.