Get a replacement license from the Colorado Department of Revenue

If you have lost your Colorado driver's license, you can get a replacement through the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You do not need to retake the written or driving test — the DMV will issue a duplicate of your current license with the same class and restrictions.

You have two main routes: explore in person at a DMV office, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route is faster and lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot reach an office.

Your replacement license will have a new number and will cost a fee. The cost varies depending on how long your current license is valid — typically between $20 and $30 for a duplicate. If your license has already expired, you will pay a renewal fee instead, which is higher.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Colorado license in person at any DMV office or by mail, and you do not need to retake any tests.
  • Bring a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of your current address to an in-person appointment.
  • The in-person route gives you a temporary license on the spot; the mail route takes two to three weeks.
  • A duplicate license costs between $20 and $30 if your license is still valid; renewal fees are higher if it has expired.
  • You can report your lost license to the DMV at the same time you request a replacement to prevent misuse.

explore in person at a Colorado DMV office

Walk into any Colorado DMV office with your documents and request a duplicate license. You will need to bring a valid form of identification (a U.S. passport, military ID, or Colorado state ID card) and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Tell the DMV staff that your license is lost, not stolen. If you report it as stolen, the DMV will flag it and you may have to go through additional steps to prove you did not commit fraud. A lost license is straightforward — they will issue a duplicate with the same number of points and restrictions you currently have.

The DMV will give you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent replacement will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring the temporary license with you when you drive until the permanent one arrives.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website.

Request a replacement by mail

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail a request to the Colorado DMV. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your valid ID and proof of address to the address listed on the form.

Include a check or money order for the duplicate fee. Do not send cash. Write your driver's license number on the check if you know it.

The mail route takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your request. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive during this period. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to visit an office in person instead.

Report your lost license to prevent misuse

When you request your replacement, tell the DMV staff (or note it on your mail form) that your license is lost. The DMV can flag your old license number in their system so that if someone tries to use it, staff will know it was reported missing.

You do not need to file a separate police report for a lost license unless you believe it was stolen or used fraudulently. If you notice charges on your accounts or suspect identity theft, contact your bank and the Colorado Attorney General's office.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired while it was lost, you cannot straightforward get a duplicate — you will need to renew it instead. Renewal requires a new written test in Colorado (unlike some states that allow mail-in renewals without testing).

You have two options: take the written test at a DMV office and pay the renewal fee, or request a duplicate now while your license is still technically valid, then renew later when you have time. Check your license expiration date before you go to the DMV so you know which process applies to you.

Temporary license alternatives if you need to drive when ready

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and cannot visit a DMV office, you have limited options. Colorado does not issue a phone-based temporary license or digital license that you can show on your phone instead of a physical card.

Your only legal option is to visit a DMV office in person to get the 30-day temporary paper license. If no office is open or accessible to you, you should not drive — operating a vehicle without a valid license, even if you have lost it, is illegal and can result in a ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I am not a Colorado resident?

No. You must have a valid Colorado address to hold a Colorado driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you will need to get a license from your new state instead. If you have moved within Colorado, update your address at the DMV before requesting a replacement.

What if I lost my license and my vehicle registration at the same time?

Handle them separately. Request your duplicate license through the DMV using the process above. For your vehicle registration, contact the Colorado DMV's Vehicle Registration section or visit an office — they can issue a duplicate registration card while you wait.

Do I have to pay a fee if my license was stolen instead of lost?

The fee is the same whether your license is lost or stolen. However, if you report it as stolen, the DMV may require additional documentation or a police report number. Reporting it as lost is simpler unless you have reason to believe someone is using it fraudulently.

Can I renew my license at the same time I request a duplicate?

If your license is still valid, you will receive a duplicate, not a renewal. If your license has expired, you must renew instead of getting a duplicate, and renewal includes a written test. You cannot do both at once — the DMV will process whichever one applies to your current license status.

What if the DMV says my license number does not match their records?

Bring your temporary license, vehicle registration, or insurance card — any document that shows your license number. If there is a genuine mismatch in the DMV system, ask to speak with a supervisor. Errors are rare but do happen, and the DMV can research your file and correct it on the spot.