Documents Required for a Colorado License Renewal
To renew your Colorado driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your current license or ID card. The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts specific documents for each category — you cannot substitute one type for another, and bringing the wrong papers will delay your renewal.
You can renew in person at any DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Colorado DMV website if you're renewing a standard license (not a REAL ID). The documents you bring depend on which method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal requires your current license, one proof of identity document, and one proof of Colorado residency — all originals or certified copies.
- Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you have no address changes, medical restrictions, or name changes since your last renewal.
- Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website works only for standard licenses and requires your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- REAL ID renewals must be done in person and require additional documents: a birth certificate or passport plus two proofs of residency.
- All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
Proof of Identity Documents Colorado Accepts
Colorado DMV accepts one of the following as proof of identity: a valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a consular report of birth abroad. Your current Colorado license or ID card also counts as proof of identity if it is not expired.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an original or certified copy; a photocopy will not be accepted.
Proof of Colorado Residency Documents
Colorado DMV requires one document showing your current Colorado address. Accepted documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check or tax return. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days (or within the last year for property tax bills).
If you recently moved and have not yet received a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from your landlord or a property manager stating your residency, along with a lease or rental agreement. Some DMV offices also accept an affidavit of residency, which you can obtain from the DMV office itself.
In-Person Renewal: What to Bring
Bring your current Colorado driver's license or ID card, one proof of identity document, and one proof of residency document. All documents must be originals or certified copies. You will also need to pass a vision test and pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on whether you are renewing a standard license or a REAL ID.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (such as a Social Security card or tax return). If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a document from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. You will also need to provide your signature, so bring a pen or be prepared to sign at the office.
Mail Renewal: When It Is Available and What to Send
You can renew by mail only if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, your address has not changed, you have no new medical restrictions or vision corrections, your name has not changed, and you are not renewing a REAL ID. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew in person.
To renew by mail, send your current license, the renewal form (which you can read from the Colorado DMV website or request by phone), and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency document. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your materials.
Online Renewal: Requirements and Limitations
The Colorado DMV allows online renewal for standard driver's licenses only — not for REAL ID, commercial licenses, or ID cards. You must have a current, non-expired license and no address changes, name changes, or new medical restrictions. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and your new license is mailed to you within two weeks. However, if you need a REAL ID, a new photo, or have any changes to your record, you must go to a DMV office in person.
REAL ID Renewal: Additional Documents Required
REAL ID renewals must be done in person at a Colorado DMV office. In addition to the standard proof of identity and residency documents, you must bring a birth certificate (original or certified copy) or a valid U.S. passport. You will also need two proofs of Colorado residency instead of one.
REAL ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and take longer to process. The DMV will take a new photo and verify your documents before issuing your card. If you are unsure whether your current license is a REAL ID, check the upper right corner of your license — a REAL ID has a gold or black star in that location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, but you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You will pay the standard renewal fee — there is no additional penalty for renewing after expiration.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number, or bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you have one. The DMV will note this in your record and you can still renew your license.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not if you renew by mail or online — your current photo will be used. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo unless you request to keep your current one. REAL ID renewals always include a new photo.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I submit my documents?
In-person renewals are processed on the spot and you receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. Online renewal takes about two weeks.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring the original or certified copy of the document showing the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must renew in person. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.