How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Colorado

Colorado will issue you a replacement license at any DMV office, but you need to bring proof of identity and residency, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you go in person

A lost Colorado driver's license is replaced through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through law enforcement or any other agency. You can replace it in person at any DMV office across the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The replacement license costs $20.50 and arrives within 7 to 10 business days if you mail your request, or you walk out with it the same day if you visit an office.

The fastest route is an in-person visit to your nearest DMV office. You'll need a valid form of identity (passport, military ID, or birth certificate plus a second document), proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. Bring your current vehicle registration if you have it, though it's not required. No appointment is necessary at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at a DMV office takes 15 minutes and costs $20.50; you receive your new license the same day.
You must bring proof of identity (passport or birth certificate plus a second ID), proof of Colorado residency (utility bill or lease from the last 60 days), and know your Social Security number.
Mail-in replacement is available only if your license was not suspended or revoked and you have no outstanding violations; it takes 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you must visit a DMV office in person and may need to resolve the underlying issue first.
Colorado DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours on certain days.

In-Person Replacement at a DMV Office

Walking into a Colorado DMV office with the right documents is the most straightforward path. Bring your proof of identity—a valid passport, military ID, or birth certificate paired with a second form of ID such as a Social Security card, insurance card, or school ID. Bring proof of current Colorado residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on your residency document should match the name on your identity document.

Tell the DMV staff member that you lost your license. They will take your information, verify it against their records, and issue a replacement on the spot. The process takes about 15 minutes. You'll pay $20.50 by cash, check, or card. Your new license will have the same number as your lost one and will be valid until your original expiration date.

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov). Most offices do not require appointments, but some locations accept them to reduce wait times. Call ahead if you want to confirm current hours or ask about wait times during specific times of day.

Mail-In Replacement If You Meet the Requirements

You can request a replacement license by mail only if your license was not suspended or revoked and you have no outstanding traffic violations or holds. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must visit a DMV office in person.

To request by mail, read the process for Duplicate Driver's License form (DL 43) from the Colorado DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $20.50 made payable to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash.

Mail your request to the Colorado DMV at the address on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provide on the form. If you need your license sooner, return to the in-person option.

What to Do If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

If your Colorado license was suspended or revoked—for unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, accumulation of points, or other violations—you cannot replace it by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person, and you may need to resolve the underlying issue before the DMV will issue a replacement.

Contact the Colorado DMV directly before you visit to find out what steps are required. Call the DMV customer service line or visit an office and ask about your specific suspension or revocation. You may need to pay outstanding fines, complete a defensive driving course, or wait out a suspension period. The DMV staff can tell you exactly what applies to your case and what documents to bring.

Replacing Your License If You've Moved Out of State

If you lost your Colorado license but no longer live in Colorado, you have two options. You can mail in your replacement request using the process described above, provided your license was not suspended or revoked. Your new license will be mailed to any address you provide, including an out-of-state address.

Alternatively, if you have moved to another state and plan to get a driver's license there, you do not need to replace your Colorado license. You can straightforward explore for a license in your new state. Most states will not require you to formally surrender your Colorado license; it will straightforward expire on its original date.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Original Identity Documents

If you lost your license and also do not have a passport, military ID, or birth certificate, you can still get a replacement, but the process takes longer. You will need to obtain a birth certificate first, which you can order from the Colorado Department of Vital Statistics or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Birth certificates typically arrive within 1 to 2 weeks if you order by mail, or same-day if you visit in person.

Once you have your birth certificate, bring it along with proof of Colorado residency to a DMV office. You can also use a combination of documents: a Social Security card, insurance card, school ID, or employee ID can serve as your second form of identification if paired with your birth certificate. The DMV staff can advise you on which combination of documents they will accept.

Replacing Your License If It Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same—you still visit a DMV office or mail in your request with the same documents. However, you may want to consider reporting the theft to local law enforcement, especially if you believe someone might use your license fraudulently. A police report is not required to replace your license, but it creates a record in case the stolen license is used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.

If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. This step is separate from replacing your license but may be worth taking if the theft involved other documents as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a replacement license take if I go in person?

You receive your new license the same day you visit a DMV office, usually within 15 minutes. The license is printed on-site and valid when ready. If you mail your request, processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your envelope.

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

If you visit a DMV office in person, you receive your new license the same day and can drive when ready. If you mail your request, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives, which takes 7 to 10 business days. For this reason, in-person replacement is recommended if you need to drive soon.

What if the DMV says I have an outstanding violation or suspension?

You must resolve the underlying issue before the DMV will issue a replacement. This may mean paying a fine, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period. Contact the DMV before you visit to learn what is required in your case.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, reporting to police is not required to replace your license. However, if you believe your license was stolen or might be used fraudulently, a police report creates a record and may help if the license is misused. You can file a report online or in person at your local police department.

Can I get a replacement license if I owe child support or have other court orders against me?

Court orders such as child support arrears can result in a license suspension, which prevents replacement until the order is resolved. Contact the Colorado DMV or the court handling your case to learn what steps are needed before you can replace your license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.