Getting a replacement Colorado driver's license takes about two weeks by mail or same-day in person

You can replace a lost Colorado driver's license through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The fastest route is walking into a local DMV office with the right documents — you'll leave with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks. If you can't visit an office, you can mail in your request, though this takes longer and requires a notarized affidavit.

Colorado doesn't charge a replacement fee if your license was lost or stolen, only if it was damaged. You'll need to prove your identity and Colorado residency, and you must be a Colorado resident to hold a Colorado license.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Colorado DMV office in person with your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Colorado residency to get a temporary license on the spot.
  • If you mail your request, you must include a notarized affidavit stating your license was lost, along with copies of your identity and residency documents.
  • Colorado charges no fee for lost or stolen licenses, but you will pay $20.50 for a replacement if your license was damaged.
  • Your temporary paper license is valid when ready; your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks under normal circumstances.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to the DMV at the same time you request a replacement, which flags it in the system.

What documents you need to bring or mail

For an in-person replacement, bring three things: proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), one form of government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), and proof of Colorado residency from the last 60 days. Residency proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance document with your name and Colorado address.

If you're mailing your request instead, you'll need copies of those same documents plus a notarized affidavit. The affidavit is a sworn statement saying your license was lost — you can get it notarized at most banks, credit unions, or notary services for $5 to $15. read the affidavit form from the Colorado DMV website or ask for one when you visit a notary.

Do not send original documents by mail. Make copies of everything and mail the copies along with your notarized affidavit to the address listed on the DMV website for your region.

In-person replacement at a Colorado DMV office

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead to check wait times is worth your time if you're traveling far.

Walk in with your documents, tell the clerk you need a replacement license for a lost license, and they'll take a new photo and process your request on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. The plastic card typically arrives within two weeks but can take up to four weeks during high-volume periods.

Bring cash or a debit card — not all DMV offices accept credit cards. The replacement is free for lost or stolen licenses.

Mailing your replacement request

If you cannot visit a DMV office, print the Colorado DMV replacement form from their website. Complete it, then take it to a notary along with a copy of your identity document. The notary will witness your signature and stamp the form — this is the affidavit that proves you're requesting a replacement for a lost license.

Mail the notarized form, copies of your identity and residency documents, and a check or money order for $0 (since lost licenses are free) to the DMV regional office that serves your county. The address is on the DMV website. Mail takes longer than in-person — expect four to six weeks total from the time the DMV receives your envelope.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The DMV processes mail requests in the order they arrive, and there's no way to check the status of a mailed request until your card arrives.

If your license was stolen, not just lost

Report the theft to the Colorado DMV when you request your replacement. Tell the clerk or note it on your mailed request that your license was stolen rather than lost. The DMV will flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used fraudulently.

You do not need to file a police report to get a replacement, though you may want to if you suspect identity theft or fraud. If someone uses your stolen license to get a ticket or commit a crime, having a police report on file helps prove it wasn't you.

Using your temporary license while you wait

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving, voting, and most other purposes that require ID. It's good for 30 days, which gives you time to receive your plastic card by mail. If your plastic card doesn't arrive within 30 days, return to a DMV office and they can issue you another temporary license.

The temporary license has your name, date of birth, and license number printed on it. Some businesses may be hesitant to accept it because it's paper, but it's a legal Colorado driver's license. If a police officer stops you, the temporary license is valid proof.

What to do if your plastic card never arrives

If more than four weeks have passed and your card hasn't arrived, visit a DMV office and bring your temporary license. The staff can check the status of your order and reissue your card if it was lost in the mail. There's no additional charge for a reissue.

If you received your plastic card but it's damaged or unreadable, you can exchange it at any DMV office. Damaged cards are replaced for $20.50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just the temporary paper license?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is a valid Colorado driver's license and is legal to drive with. It's good for 30 days, which is normally enough time for your plastic card to arrive by mail. If you're stopped by police, the temporary license satisfies the requirement to show a valid license.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No. You only need to report it to the Colorado DMV. A police report is optional and only necessary if you suspect someone has used your license fraudulently or if you want documentation for your records.

What if I lost my license outside of Colorado?

You can still replace it through the Colorado DMV by mail or by visiting a Colorado DMV office when you return. If you need to drive before you get back to Colorado, contact the DMV by phone to ask about emergency options, though these are limited.

How much does a replacement cost?

Replacement of a lost or stolen license is free in Colorado. If your license was damaged, the replacement fee is $20.50. There is no charge for the temporary paper license.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your plastic license must be picked up in person at a DMV office or will be mailed to the address on your process. You cannot authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf.