How to renew your Colorado driver's license

You can renew your Colorado driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a five-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have a commercial license.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You don't have to wait for it to renew, but it contains your driver's license number and other details that make the process faster. If you've lost the notice, you can still renew — you'll just need to look up your information on the Colorado DMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is available if your license expired less than five years ago and you don't need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a completed form.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want to update your photo, or if you hold a commercial license.
  • The cost is $28.25 for a five-year license or $57.50 for a ten-year license, and you can pay by credit card online or by check or money order by mail.

Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website

Go to the Colorado DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will confirm your identity and show you the renewal fee.

Online renewal is only available if your current license expired less than five years ago. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person. You also cannot renew online if you want to change your photo, update your address, or add a Real ID designation to your license.

Once you complete the online form and pay the fee with a credit or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice that arrived in your mailbox and send it to the address printed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($28.25 for five years or $57.50 for ten years) made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Do not send cash.

Mail your renewal notice, payment, and any required documents to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. You can drive on your expired license while your renewal is being processed.

If you've lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the DMV at 303-205-5600 or by visiting a local DMV office. You can also renew online instead if you prefer not to wait for a replacement notice.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You'll need to take a new photo, so wear something you're comfortable being photographed in.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want to update your address, if you need a new photo, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. It's also the only option if you want to add or renew a Real ID designation, which allows you to use your license as identification for federal buildings and domestic flights.

Bring your payment in cash, check, or debit card. Most DMV offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary. You can check the wait time at your local office on the Colorado DMV website before you go. Your new license will be printed on site and you'll receive it before you leave.

What documents you need for renewal

For online renewal, you need only your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. For mail renewal, send your renewal notice and payment. For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Proof of Colorado residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet, bring two documents that show your old address and one that shows your new address.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license or adding a Real ID designation, the DMV may ask for additional documents. Check the Colorado DMV website or call 303-205-5600 before your visit to confirm what you need to bring.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A five-year Colorado driver's license costs $28.25 to renew. A ten-year license costs $57.50. These are the standard fees; there are no additional charges for online or mail renewal. If you renew in person and want to add a Real ID designation, there is an additional $25 fee.

Online, you can pay with a credit card or debit card. By mail, send a check or money order made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue. In person, you can pay with cash, check, or debit card. Some DMV offices also accept credit cards, but call ahead to confirm.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person to report it and receive a replacement. Bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and payment for the replacement fee, which is the same as the renewal fee.

When you arrive at the DMV office, tell the staff member that your license is lost or stolen. They will cancel your old license in the system and issue you a new one with a new license number. You'll receive your new license before you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of Colorado?

No. To renew your Colorado license, you must still be a Colorado resident. If you've moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. Contact your new state's DMV for information about how to transfer your license.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and a fine. If your license expired less than one year ago, you may be able to show proof of renewal to a police officer. If it expired more than a year ago, you should renew when ready before driving.

How long does my renewed license take to arrive by mail?

Online renewals arrive in seven to ten business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope, plus the time it takes for your envelope to arrive. In-person renewals are printed on site and you receive them before you leave the office.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew your Colorado driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early doesn't change the expiration date of your new license — it will still expire five or ten years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if I want to change my address when I renew?

You can change your address online or by mail during renewal. If you're renewing online, the system will ask if you want to update your address. If you're renewing by mail, write your new address on the renewal form. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address and the DMV will update it for you.