Get a replacement license at your local Colorado DMV office

If you've lost your driver's license in Colorado, you'll need to visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person to request a replacement. Colorado does not issue replacements by mail or online. You can find your nearest DMV office and check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website.

Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address with you — the DMV will look up your existing record. You'll also need to bring one form of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your current address, like a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.

The replacement fee in Colorado is $20.50 for a standard driver's license. Payment is cash, check, or card, depending on the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person — there is no mail-in or online replacement option.
  • Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, one form of ID, and proof of current address if it has changed.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper permit at the DMV office.
  • Check the Colorado DMV website for office locations, hours, and current wait times before you go.

What to bring to the DMV office

Colorado DMV offices require specific documents to process your replacement. Have your Social Security number ready — the DMV will use it to pull up your existing license record. You'll also need to provide your date of birth and current address.

Bring one valid form of identification. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID all work. If you don't have any of these, call your local DMV office before you go — they can tell you what other documents they'll accept.

If you've moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed statement from the homeowner or landlord confirming you live there.

Temporary driving permit while you wait

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, ask the DMV staff for a temporary paper permit before you leave the office. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your new license is in the mail.

The temporary permit is printed on the spot at no extra charge. Keep it with you whenever you drive — it serves as proof that you've requested a replacement and are waiting for it to arrive. If you're stopped by police, show them both the temporary permit and your form of identification.

How long the replacement takes

After you complete your visit at the DMV office, your new license is mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. This timeline assumes the address on file is correct and mail is being delivered normally to your location.

If you haven't received your license after 10 business days, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status. They can tell you whether the license was mailed and provide tracking information if available. If there's a delay, you can request a replacement of the replacement, though this will incur another $20.50 fee.

Finding your nearest DMV office

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. The Colorado DMV website has a full list of office locations, hours of operation, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — checking wait times before you go can save you time on the day of your visit.

Many offices allow you to make an appointment online. If appointments are available at your preferred location, booking one ahead of time will reduce your wait. Walk-ins are also accepted, but you may wait longer during peak hours, typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays.

If your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If your license was lost in a way that suggests theft or if you suspect someone may be using it, report it to the Colorado DMV and your local police department. Provide the police with a report number — the DMV may ask for it when you request your replacement.

When you visit the DMV, mention that the license was stolen or potentially misused. The DMV can flag your record and monitor for fraudulent activity. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to protect yourself against identity theft.

Replacing a license that's expired or about to expire

If your lost license was expired or close to expiration, you have two options: request a replacement of the same license, or renew it at the same time. If you choose to renew while replacing, the fee is higher — a standard renewal is $35.50 instead of $20.50 for a replacement.

Renewal extends your license for another five years (or eight years if you're over 61). If your current license still has time left on it, you can choose to replace it as-is and renew later when it actually expires. The DMV staff can explain both options when you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I visit the DMV?

No. Colorado mails all replacement licenses. You'll receive a temporary paper permit at the office that's valid for 30 days, but your actual license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive when ready, the temporary permit allows you to do so legally.

What if I've moved and my address on file is old?

Bring proof of your current address to the DMV office — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address and mail your new license to the correct location. If you don't have proof of address, call ahead to ask what documents they'll accept.

Do I need to take a new photo or written test for a replacement?

No. A replacement uses your existing photo and record. You won't take a test or have your photo retaken unless you're also renewing your license at the same time, which is optional.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to visit a Colorado DMV office to request a replacement. If you're currently out of state, you can contact your local Colorado DMV office by phone to ask about mailing options, though most offices will direct you to visit in person when you return to Colorado.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the DMV office. If you need someone to collect mail on your behalf, you'll need to set up mail forwarding or have them listed as an authorized recipient with your postal service.