Get a replacement license through the Colorado Department of Revenue
To replace a lost driver's license in Colorado, you'll visit a Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online in Colorado — you must appear in person. The state requires this to prevent fraud and to capture a new photo for your license. If you live far from an office, some counties offer mobile services on specific dates, though these fill quickly.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado Department of Revenue office in person with proof of identity and proof of your current address to get a replacement license.
- The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to use when ready while your plastic license is mailed.
- Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days; if it doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the Department of Revenue to report a problem.
- Some counties offer mobile license services on specific dates if you cannot reach a permanent office location.
- Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital photos are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current Colorado address. For identity, the Department of Revenue accepts a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy or image on your phone will not work — the document must be original or certified.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Colorado address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to you works if it's from a government agency, financial institution, or utility company. A credit card bill or insurance statement also counts.
If you don't have proof of residency in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone else who lives at your address and has proof of their own residency. This takes extra time to arrange, so plan ahead if this is your situation.
Where to go and what to expect
Find your nearest Department of Revenue office on the state website at dor.colorado.gov. Search by county or city to see office locations, hours, and whether appointments are required. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours, as they vary by location.
Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour during lunch and late afternoon. If your office takes appointments, you can book one online through the same website — this usually cuts your wait time to 15 minutes or less. Appointments fill up weeks in advance during peak times like the end of the month or before holidays.
Bring your documents, your Social Security number, and the $20.50 fee in cash or card. The staff will verify your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other license information, take a new photo, and print your temporary paper license on the spot. Keep this temporary license with you — it's valid for 30 days and serves as proof you've reported your lost license.
The fee and payment options
The replacement fee for a standard Colorado driver's license is $20.50. This covers the cost of producing and mailing your new plastic license. If you also need to renew your license because it's expired or expiring soon, you'll pay the renewal fee instead, which is higher. Ask the staff whether you should renew at the same time — it may be cheaper than replacing now and renewing later.
Colorado Department of Revenue offices accept cash and card payments. Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but don't count on it — bring cash or a card to be safe. No personal checks are accepted.
What happens after you leave the office
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and can be used anywhere your plastic license would be used — at banks, airports, bars, and for traffic stops. Treat it carefully because it's fragile and straightforward to lose. If you lose the temporary license before your permanent one arrives, return to the office and request another temporary license for $5.
Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at the office. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though mail delays can extend this to two weeks. If your license doesn't arrive within 14 days, call the Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 to report it. Have your temporary license number ready when you call.
Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. You don't need to return it to the state. Your new license has the same number as your lost license, so your driving record and insurance information remain unchanged.
If you can't reach an office location
Some Colorado counties operate mobile license services that travel to smaller towns on set dates. These are run by individual county sheriffs' offices, not the state, so availability and schedules vary widely. Call your county sheriff's office to ask whether mobile services are available in your area and when the next visit is scheduled.
If no mobile service reaches your area and you live far from the nearest Department of Revenue office, you have two options: make the trip to the office, or contact your county clerk's office to ask whether they can process the replacement on your behalf. A few counties have agreements to handle licenses for residents who live in remote areas, but this is not standard statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I'm not a Colorado resident but have a Colorado license?
No. To replace a Colorado license, you must be a Colorado resident and provide proof of your current address in the state. If you've moved out of Colorado, you need to get a license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Colorado license by mail if you want to, but it's not required.
What if my license was stolen instead of lost?
The replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. You don't need to file a police report first. However, if you're concerned about identity theft, you can contact the Colorado Attorney General's office or place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus separately — those steps are not part of the license replacement.
Do I need to report my lost license to the DMV before I go to the office?
No. The Department of Revenue doesn't require you to call ahead or file a report. straightforward bring your documents to the office and request a replacement. The staff will mark your old license as replaced in the system when you complete the replacement in person.
How long is a replacement license valid?
Your new license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was valid until 2029, your replacement is also valid until 2029. You don't get extra time because you replaced it — the expiration date stays the same.
What if I need my license before the permanent one arrives?
Use your temporary paper license. It's valid for 30 days and works for all the same purposes as your plastic license. If you need to fly, bring both your temporary license and a passport or other federal ID to the airport.