Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your address in the last four years.
For either method, you will need your current Colorado driver's license and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but the DMV will ask you to confirm your Social Security number. Bring your number or be prepared to provide it verbally during your visit.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you have not moved in four years, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on wait times and requires your current license, proof of address, and payment.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
- A renewed license is valid for eight years from the date you renew it, not from your original expiration date.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person — the online option is not available.
Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest path if you are may be able to access. Go to the Colorado DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You will confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history. The system will ask you to review your current information and confirm or update your address, name, and emergency contact.
Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $31.50 as of 2024, though fees can change. After you submit, the DMV will mail your new license to the address you provided. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have medical restrictions or endorsements that require a new photo, or if you have moved within the last four years. If any of these explore, you must go to a DMV office in person.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Walk into any Colorado DMV office during business hours with your current license, proof of address, and payment. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, though some offices offer appointment slots that may have shorter wait times. Check the Colorado DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.
Bring your documents to the counter. A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $31.50. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions, if you have changed your address in the last four years, or if you straightforward prefer to handle it face-to-face. This route also lets you change your address, update your emergency contact, or add or remove endorsements at the same time.
When your license is already expired
If your Colorado license has already passed its expiration date, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents — your expired license, proof of current address, and payment — and the process is the same as a standard in-person renewal.
An expired license does not affect your ability to renew; the DMV will still issue you a new eight-year license from the date you renew. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as you can. If you were pulled over while driving with an expired license, you could receive a citation.
Timing and how long the new license lasts
You can renew your Colorado driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means you do not have to wait until the last moment, and you can spread out the task whenever it is convenient. Many people renew a few months early to avoid the rush near the expiration date.
Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew it, not from your original expiration date. So if your current license expires on March 15, 2025, and you renew on January 1, 2025, your new license will expire on January 1, 2033. This is one reason to renew early if you want your next expiration date to fall at a more convenient time.
What to do if you have changed your name or address
If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must renew in person; the online system will not let you proceed if your name has changed. The DMV will take a new photo and issue a license with your updated name at no extra charge.
If you have moved within Colorado, you can update your address during renewal. If you moved out of state and are now back in Colorado, you must renew in person. If you have moved within the last four years and want to renew online, you are not may be able to access — you must go to a DMV office instead.
Fees and payment methods
The fee for an eight-year driver's license renewal in Colorado is $31.50 as of 2024. This fee applies whether you renew online or in person. Payment methods vary by location: online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. In-person renewal at a DMV office accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Some offices may have additional payment options, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
If you are renewing in person and need to add an endorsement — such as a motorcycle endorsement — there may be an additional fee. The DMV staff can tell you the cost when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes. Colorado does not have a time limit on how long after expiration you can renew. You must renew in person at a DMV office, and you will need your expired license, proof of address, and payment. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew.
Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to renew?
No. A standard renewal does not require any test. You only need to provide your current license, proof of address, and payment. A new photo will be taken, but that is all.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew a license you do not have. You will need to replace it first by going to a DMV office in person with proof of identity and proof of address. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it through the normal process.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online or in person, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Colorado does not suspend your license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets. You can renew your license regardless of outstanding fines. However, you may still owe the fine, and the court may pursue collection. Contact the court that issued the ticket if you have questions about what you owe.