Colorado replaces lost or damaged licenses through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles, either in person at a local office or by mail

Colorado offers two main paths to replace a driver's license: an in-person visit to a DMV office, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $20.25, or a mail-in request if your license was lost or damaged and you meet specific conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles most situations. The mail option works only if you have not had any address changes, violations, or suspensions since your last license was issued, and you must include a signed affidavit stating the license was lost or damaged.

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number. If you are replacing a license because it was damaged (rather than lost), bring the damaged card itself. Processing times vary: in-person replacements are usually ready the same day or within a few business days, while mail requests take two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at any Colorado DMV office costs $20.25 and typically takes 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Mail-in replacement is free but only works if you have had no address changes, violations, or suspensions since your last license was issued.
  • You must bring a government-issued ID, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to any DMV office.
  • If you lost your license, you do not need to bring the original card; if it was damaged, bring what remains of it.
  • Colorado DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering extended hours; check the DMV website for your nearest office and current wait times.

In-Person Replacement at a Colorado DMV Office

Walking into a DMV office is the most straightforward route for most people. You will fill out form DL 44 (process for Colorado Driver's License) or DL 43 (process for Colorado Instruction Permit or Driver's License), depending on whether you are renewing or replacing. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is $20.25 for a standard replacement license.

Colorado DMV offices are located in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and several other cities. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Some locations accept walk-ins; others operate by appointment. Calling ahead or checking online before you go saves time, especially during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

Your new license will be mailed to you within five to seven business days in most cases, though some offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot if you need to drive when ready. Ask the staff member whether this is available at your location.

Mail-In Replacement: When It Works and What You Need

Colorado allows mail-in replacement only under specific conditions. Your license must have been lost or damaged, you must have had no address changes since your last license was issued, and you must have no active violations or suspensions on your driving record. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must go in person.

To request a replacement by mail, send a signed affidavit (a sworn statement) to the Colorado DMV stating that your license was lost or damaged. You do not need to use an official form; a letter signed and dated by you stating the facts is sufficient. Include your driver's license number if you know it, your date of birth, and your current mailing address. Mail your request to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214.

Mail-in replacement is free, but processing takes two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to drive before it arrives, you will need to visit a DMV office in person to request a temporary paper license.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Colorado requires three categories of documents for in-person replacement. First, proof of identity: a valid passport, military ID, tribal ID, or another government-issued photo ID. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

Second, proof of Colorado residency: a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the most common choice.

Third, your Social Security number. You do not need to bring a card; you can provide it verbally or on the process form. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status and work authorization.

Fees and Timeline for Your New License

A standard replacement driver's license costs $20.25 in Colorado. This fee covers the card itself and processing. If you request a temporary paper license to drive while waiting for your permanent card, there is no additional charge.

In-person replacements are typically mailed within five to seven business days. Some DMV offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot, which is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent card is being made. Not all offices offer this; ask when you arrive or call ahead.

Mail-in replacements take two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your request. Add a few extra days for mail delivery time in both directions. If you need your license sooner, in-person replacement is your only option.

Replacing a License That Was Damaged Rather Than Lost

If your license was damaged—cracked, faded, water-damaged, or otherwise unreadable—bring the damaged card itself to the DMV office. The staff will take it and issue a replacement. You still pay the $20.25 fee and follow the same process as a lost license replacement.

If you are replacing a damaged license by mail, mention in your affidavit that the card is damaged and describe the damage. You do not need to mail the damaged card itself unless the DMV specifically requests it; most do not.

What to Do If Your Address Has Changed

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot use the mail-in replacement option. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your new proof of residency along with your other documents. The replacement process is the same, but the DMV will update your address on file at the same time.

If you have moved but do not need a replacement license, you can update your address separately by mail or online through the Colorado DMV website. However, if you are already replacing your license, the address update happens automatically as part of the replacement.

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 DMV office in person or mail in a signed affidavit. You can renew a valid license online if it has not expired, but replacement requires one of these two methods.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail if you meet the conditions (no address changes, violations, or suspensions). Mail your affidavit to the Colorado DMV address listed above. If you need to drive in Colorado before your replacement arrives, you will need to visit a Colorado DMV office in person or obtain a temporary paper license from another state.

Do I need an appointment at the DMV office?

It depends on the location. Some Colorado DMV offices accept walk-ins; others require appointments. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call your local office before you go. Making an appointment usually reduces wait time significantly.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same duration as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement will also expire in 2028. You do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced the card.

What if I have an active suspension or violation on my record?

You cannot use mail-in replacement. You must visit a DMV office in person. The office will inform you of any suspensions or violations and explain what you need to do to resolve them before you can receive a new license.