You can replace a lost Colorado driver's license in person at a DMV office or by mail, but the process and timeline differ depending on which route you choose

If your Colorado driver's license is lost, you have two main paths: visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but requires a trip to your local office. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot get to an office soon. Either way, you will need to prove your identity and Colorado residency, and you will pay a replacement fee.

Colorado does not issue a new license number when you report a lost card. The replacement carries your existing number, which means your driving record stays intact and your insurance company does not need to be notified of a new license number.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a DMV office takes about 15 to 30 minutes and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot; the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail-in replacement takes 2 to 3 weeks total and requires you to submit a completed form, proof of identity, and proof of Colorado residency by mail.
  • You must bring or submit one government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license) plus one proof of current Colorado address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license; expedited mail service costs an additional $15 if you need the card faster.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary paper license issued in person is valid for 60 days and works for all driving purposes.

In-Person Replacement at a Colorado DMV Office

Walk into any Colorado DMV office with your proof of identity and proof of residency, and you can leave with a temporary license valid for 60 days. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (W-2, tax return, or Social Security card). The office will photograph you, process your replacement, and hand you a temporary paper license before you leave. Your permanent plastic license will arrive at your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days.

Bring one government-issued photo ID: a U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID, or valid driver's license from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two non-photo government documents instead (birth certificate plus Social Security card, for example). You also need one document proving your current Colorado address dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

Wait times vary by office and time of day. Early morning visits (first hour after opening) and mid-week trips (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter lines. Check the Colorado DMV website for your local office address, phone number, and current wait times before you go.

Mail-In Replacement Without Visiting an Office

You can request a replacement by mail if you cannot visit an office. read and print the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL 44) from the Colorado DMV website. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, and the reason for replacement (lost). Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form along with one government-issued photo ID (copy or original) and one proof of Colorado residency (copy is fine) to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $20 payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. If you want expedited processing, add $15 more and write "expedited" on the envelope. Standard mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet; expedited service takes 5 to 7 business days.

The mail-in route means you will not have a valid license to drive during the processing period. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you must visit a DMV office in person to get the temporary paper license instead.

What Happens If Your License Expires Soon

If your lost license was set to expire within the next 90 days, the replacement will carry the same expiration date as the original. You will need to renew it shortly after receiving the replacement card. If your license expires more than 90 days away, the replacement keeps that same expiration date.

If your license has already expired, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewal is a separate process that requires an in-person visit to a DMV office (or a mail-in renewal if you meet specific criteria). Contact your local DMV office or check the Colorado DMV website to understand whether you need a replacement, a renewal, or both.

Replacing a Lost License When You Are Out of State

If you are currently living or traveling outside Colorado, you can still request a replacement by mail using the process described above. Mail your form, ID copy, and residency proof to the Colorado DMV address on the form, along with payment. This works even if you are out of state, as long as your Colorado address on file is current.

If you need to drive in another state before your Colorado replacement arrives, you may be able to request a temporary license from that state's DMV. Some states issue temporary licenses to people whose licenses are lost or in transit. Contact the DMV in the state where you are located to ask about temporary driving privileges.

Replacing a License Lost in a Theft or Accident

If your license was lost in a theft, accident, or other incident, you do not need a police report to replace it. straightforward report it lost to the DMV using the standard replacement process. However, if your wallet or purse was stolen and contained other documents, you may want to file a police report for your own records and for fraud monitoring purposes.

If your license was damaged in an accident or fire, bring the damaged card with you to the DMV office, or include it in your mail-in packet if sending by mail. The DMV will note the reason for replacement in their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license while I wait for the plastic card?

Yes. The temporary paper license issued in person at a DMV office is valid for 60 days and works for all driving purposes — traffic stops, insurance verification, and rental cars. Keep it in your wallet until the plastic card arrives. If you used mail-in replacement, you do not have a temporary license and cannot drive until the plastic card arrives.

What if I move before the replacement license arrives?

Contact the Colorado DMV and provide your new address before the card ships. You can call your local DMV office or update your address online through the Colorado DMV website. If the card is mailed to your old address, contact the DMV to request a reissue to your new address.

Do I need to notify my insurance company about the lost license?

No. Your insurance policy is tied to your driver's license number, which does not change when you replace a lost card. You do not need to contact your insurance company or provide them with a new license number.

How much does it cost to replace a lost Colorado driver's license?

The replacement fee is $20. If you choose expedited mail service, add $15 for a total of $35. In-person replacement at a DMV office costs only $20 and includes the temporary license issued on the spot.

What if I lost my license and do not have any other government-issued photo ID?

You can bring two non-photo government documents instead of one photo ID. Acceptable combinations include a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a passport card plus a W-2. Ask your local DMV office which documents they accept before you visit.