Getting a replacement Colorado driver's license when yours is lost

You can replace a lost Colorado driver's license by visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bringing proof of identity and residency, and paying a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot do this entirely online or by mail — Colorado requires you to appear in person and have your photo taken.

The fastest way to avoid a long wait is to check the DMV's online appointment system before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance, especially in Denver and other urban areas.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of current Colorado residency to replace a lost license.
  • Bring your Social Security number or an ITIN, a completed process for a Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), and one document proving where you live.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license, and you'll get a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Book an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are accepted when appointments are full.
  • If your license was lost in another state, you may need to surrender it or provide a police report, depending on Colorado's current rules.

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, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a birth certificate paired with a Social Security card. If you don't have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask the DMV which ones work together before you go.

For proof of residency, bring something dated within the last 60 days with your current Colorado address on it. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency counts too. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet, you can bring an affidavit of residency, which the DMV office can provide.

You'll also need to fill out Form DL-43 (process for a Driver's License or Identification Card) before you arrive or at the office. You can read it from the Colorado DMV website and bring it completed, or fill it out there. Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready — you'll need it on the form.

How to book an appointment or walk in

The Colorado DMV runs an online appointment system at dmv.colorado.gov. Go to the site, select "Schedule an Appointment," choose the office closest to you, and pick a date and time. Appointments fill quickly in cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, so check several weeks ahead if you can. If no appointments are available, the system will tell you when the next batch opens.

If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, you can, but expect to wait. The DMV accepts walk-ins during all office hours, but they are served after people with appointments. Arrive early in the morning on a weekday if you walk in — afternoons and Fridays tend to be busier.

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website. The state has offices in most counties, and some larger cities have multiple locations. Check the office's hours before you go — some close for lunch or have limited weekend hours.

The cost and what happens at the office

A replacement driver's license costs $20.50. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. Some offices also accept money orders. If you're replacing a license that was lost (not expired or suspended), you pay only the replacement fee — you don't pay for a new license term.

When you arrive at the office, check in and wait to be called. A DMV employee will review your documents, take a new photo of you, and process your process. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license that is valid for driving when ready. This temporary license is good for 60 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed.

Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied. Keep your temporary paper license with you while you drive — it's your proof of a valid license.

If your old license was issued in another state

If you lost a driver's license from another state and are now a Colorado resident, you'll need to get a Colorado license instead of replacing the old one. Bring the same documents listed above, plus any documents from the other state if you have them. You don't need to surrender an out-of-state license if it's lost, but if you still have it, the DMV may ask you to turn it in.

If you were in the middle of a license suspension or had an outstanding ticket in another state, Colorado's system may flag it. The DMV will tell you at the office if there's a hold. You may need to resolve the issue in the other state before Colorado will issue you a license, or you may be able to proceed with restrictions. Ask the DMV employee what your options are.

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

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving as soon as you receive it at the DMV office. You don't need to wait for the plastic card. Carry the paper license with you along with one of the identity documents you brought to the office — police officers may ask to see both.

If you need to drive before your appointment and don't have a temporary license yet, you cannot legally drive. You can request an expedited replacement, but Colorado does not offer rush processing for lost licenses. Your only option is to schedule an appointment as soon as possible or walk in to the nearest DMV office.

Replacing your license if it was stolen or damaged

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same — bring your documents and pay the $20.50 replacement fee. You don't need a police report unless you're concerned about identity theft. If you want to file a report for your records, you can contact your local police department's non-emergency line, but it's not required to get a replacement license.

If your license is damaged but you still have it, you can also replace it for $20.50. Bring the damaged card along with your other documents. The DMV will take it and issue you a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

No. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for driving when ready, but the plastic card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. The paper license is your official proof of a valid Colorado license until the plastic card arrives.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You can bring an affidavit of residency, which the DMV office will provide. You fill it out and sign it in front of a DMV employee, and it counts as proof that you live in Colorado. Bring your identity document and be ready to explain why you don't have a utility bill or lease.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You need your Social Security number, but you don't have to bring the card itself. Write the number on your Form DL-43 before you go, or tell the DMV employee and they'll enter it. If you have an ITIN instead, bring that document or the number.

What if my appointment gets cancelled?

The DMV may cancel appointments if there's a system outage or office closure. You'll receive an email or phone call if this happens. Reschedule through the online system as soon as you can, or walk in to the nearest office.

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office so they can take a new photo and verify your identity. There is no online or mail-in option for replacement licenses.