Getting a replacement license in Colorado

You can replace a lost Colorado driver's license through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You'll need to visit a DMV office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you'll receive a temporary paper license that day while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Colorado does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online, so an in-person visit is required. You cannot use a lost license as proof of identity to get a replacement, so you'll need to bring a different document from the accepted list.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is the same as a standard license renewal fee, which varies by license type and length.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a passport, birth certificate, or military ID — not another lost or expired Colorado license.
  • DMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some locations offering extended hours on certain days.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Colorado. For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or passport card. A Social Security card alone is not enough — it must be paired with another form of ID.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Colorado address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, bring your old proof of residency plus a signed statement explaining the move.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. You'll also need to know your current address and any previous addresses you've had in the last five years.

The replacement fee and what it covers

The fee for a replacement license is the same as the fee for a standard renewal. For a four-year license (the most common type), the fee is $28.25. For an eight-year license, it's $56.50. These fees cover the replacement card itself and are not reduced because your original was lost.

The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but calling ahead to confirm is wise. The fee covers only the replacement card — if you also need to update your address, change your name, or add a Real ID designation, those may involve additional fees or separate transactions.

Finding a DMV office and what to expect

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one and its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website by entering your county or city. Many offices operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have reduced hours on certain days or offer evening appointments. A few locations are open on Saturday mornings.

Bring your documents and arrive early if possible — DMV offices can have wait times, especially mid-morning and mid-afternoon. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area.

When you reach the counter, tell the staff member your license was lost. They will verify your identity and residency documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement. You'll sign a form confirming the loss and pay the fee. The whole transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Your temporary license and when the permanent one arrives

Before you leave the DMV office, you'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 30 days. Use it as your proof of license until your plastic card arrives.

Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with the DMV, and they will forward it to your new location — though this adds a few extra days.

If your card doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied. They can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if needed.

What to do if you need to drive before getting your replacement

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving as soon as you leave the DMV office. You can use it for all driving purposes — commuting to work, renting a car, or traveling — for the full 30 days it remains valid. Keep it in a safe place, as losing it too would require another trip to the DMV.

If you're pulled over by police, show them your temporary license. It is a legal document and officers are trained to recognize it. If you lose the temporary license before your permanent card arrives, return to the DMV and request another temporary. There is no additional fee for a replacement temporary license.

Replacing your license if you also need a Real ID

If your lost license was not a Real ID and you need one for federal purposes — such as flying domestically or entering a federal building — you can request a Real ID replacement at the same time. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and require additional identity verification beyond a standard replacement.

To get a Real ID, bring the same documents as a standard replacement, plus one additional document proving your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return) and one document proving your current legal name if it differs from your birth certificate (such as a marriage certificate or court order). The Real ID fee is $28.25 for a four-year license or $56.50 for an eight-year license — the same as a standard replacement, with no extra charge for the Real ID designation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office with original identity and residency documents. You cannot complete a replacement through the mail or online.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a military ID, passport card, or tribal ID as your primary identity document. If you have none of these, contact your local DMV office to ask about alternative documents they may accept in your situation.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license?

Most Colorado DMV offices do not require appointments for replacements, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available and recommended in your area.

What if my permanent license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the DMV office where you applied. They can issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was made during processing. If the card arrived damaged by mail, the DMV will reissue it.

Can I replace my license if I'm not a Colorado resident anymore?

No. You must be a Colorado resident to hold a Colorado license. If you've moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state instead. If you're temporarily out of state, you can still replace your Colorado license by visiting a DMV office when you return.