Get a replacement license at your local Colorado DMV office with your ID and a completed form

If you've lost your Colorado driver's license, you'll need to visit a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person to request a replacement. Colorado doesn't issue replacements by mail or online. You'll fill out an process form, show an accepted form of ID, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Your replacement license will have a new number and expiration date. If your original license hasn't expired yet, you're getting a new card with the same driving record attached — not a renewal. This matters because you'll pay the replacement fee, not a renewal fee, and your new expiration date will be eight years from the date you replace it (or when your original would have expired, whichever comes first).

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with a valid ID and a completed process for Driver's License or Identification Card form (Form DL-43).
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard driver's license, and you'll receive a new license number and expiration date.
  • Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the office.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper permit at the DMV office for an additional fee.

What you need to bring to the DMV

Bring one current, valid form of ID. Colorado accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, state ID card, tribal ID, or an expired Colorado driver's license (even though it's expired, it still counts as proof of identity). You do not need the original lost license to get a replacement.

You'll also need to complete Form DL-43, the process for Driver's License or Identification Card. You can fill it out ahead of time and bring it with you, or you can fill it out at the DMV office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other basic information. If your address has changed since your original license was issued, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

Finding your nearest DMV office and what to expect

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you and check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website. Some offices are busier than others; smaller county offices often have shorter waits than Denver-area locations. If you can visit on a weekday morning, you'll typically wait less time than during lunch hours or late afternoon.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. They'll check your ID, review your form, take a new photo (unless you request a waiver), and process your payment. You'll leave with a receipt showing your process was submitted. Your physical license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Getting a temporary permit if you need to drive right away

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, ask the DMV clerk for a temporary paper permit. This is a printed document that serves as proof you're a licensed driver while your card is in the mail. The temporary permit costs an additional $5 and is valid for 30 days. You must carry it with you when you drive, along with your ID.

The temporary permit is not a license itself — it's proof that you've applied for one. Police will accept it as valid documentation during a traffic stop, but some businesses or agencies may not recognize it. If you're renting a car or need official proof of licensure for another reason, ask whether a temporary permit will work before you leave the DMV.

Replacing your license if you've moved out of state

If you've moved to another state since your Colorado license was issued, you still have two options. You can request a replacement Colorado license by mail through the Colorado DMV, though the process takes longer and requires notarized documents. Most people in this situation find it easier to get a license in their new state instead, since you'll need one there anyway.

If you want to keep your Colorado license, contact the Colorado DMV directly by phone or through their website to request the mail-in process. You'll need to provide a notarized copy of your ID and proof of your new address. This route takes 3 to 4 weeks and costs the same $20 replacement fee.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked before you lost it, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DMV will tell you this when you try to explore. You'll need to resolve the underlying issue — paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or waiting out a suspension period — before you can replace your license.

Check your driving record on the Colorado DMV website before you go to the office. Your record will show any active suspensions or revocations. If there's a hold on your license, the DMV clerk will explain what you need to do to clear it.

Replacing your license if it was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same — you still go to the DMV with your ID and Form DL-43. You don't need a police report to get a replacement. However, if you're concerned about identity theft because your license was stolen along with other documents, you may want to file a police report for your records. A report can help if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.

If you believe your license information has been misused, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report. These steps are separate from replacing your license but are worth considering if theft was involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license without a photo if I don't want a new one taken?

Yes. Tell the DMV clerk you want to use your photo from your original license. They can usually do this, though some offices may require a new photo. Ask when you arrive, and they'll let you know what's possible at that location.

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

You'll need some form of accepted ID to get a replacement license. If you've lost all your ID, you can bring a birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport process along with a secondary document like a utility bill or bank statement. Call your local DMV office first to confirm what combination they'll accept in your situation.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was defective?

No. If your original license was damaged or defective due to a manufacturing error, the DMV will replace it for free. Bring the damaged license with you if you still have it, or explain the defect to the clerk. They can look up your record and issue a free replacement if the damage was the DMV's fault.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

Your replacement license is valid for eight years from the date you receive it, unless your original license would have expired sooner. When you renew later, you'll go through the standard renewal process, which can be done online or by mail if you meet certain requirements.

What if the DMV mails my replacement to the wrong address?

Contact the Colorado DMV when ready with your receipt number and explain the address error. They can sometimes intercept the card before it's delivered and remail it to the correct address. If the card has already been delivered to the wrong address, you may need to request another replacement, though the DMV may waive the fee if the error was theirs.