Where to go and what you need to bring

You replace your Colorado driver's license at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, not online or by mail. Colorado has DMV locations in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the Colorado DMV website by entering your county or city. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but you can also schedule an appointment online, which often means a shorter wait.

Bring your current driver's license (or state ID), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address on your license is already current, you still need to show proof — the DMV verifies it against their records.

If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required. If your license is damaged or unreadable, bring it anyway; the DMV will take it and issue a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a Colorado DMV office in person with your current license, proof of address, and Social Security number.
  • You can walk in or schedule an appointment online; appointments usually mean shorter wait times.
  • A replacement license costs $20.25 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it.
  • You will receive your new license on the spot if you pass the vision test; you can drive home with a temporary paper license.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

The vision test and photo

When you arrive at the DMV, you will take a vision screening. This is a brief test using a machine; you look through it and read lines of letters or numbers. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them to the appointment. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue a replacement license until you pass.

You will also have a new photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable in; the photo will be used on your license for the next five years. The DMV has specific rules about what you can wear in the photo — no hats, sunglasses, or head coverings unless for religious reasons — but staff will tell you if something needs to change before the photo is taken.

Cost and how long it takes

A replacement Colorado driver's license costs $20.25. You pay at the DMV when you complete your process. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations.

You receive your new license on the spot after you pass the vision test and have your photo taken. The DMV gives you a temporary paper license to drive home with while your plastic card is mailed to your address. The plastic license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license until the plastic one arrives.

If your license is suspended or revoked

If your Colorado driver's license is suspended or revoked — usually because of unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points — you cannot replace it. The DMV system will flag your record, and staff will tell you at the counter that you need to resolve the suspension or revocation first.

To learn about your license is suspended or revoked, call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 or check your record online through the DMV website. If it is suspended, you will need to pay outstanding fines, complete required courses, or meet other conditions set by the court or DMV. Once those conditions are met, you can return to replace your license.

Replacing a license that expired more than two years ago

If your license expired more than two years ago, the replacement process is the same — you still go to a DMV office with proof of address and your Social Security number. However, if you cannot find your expired license, bring a second form of ID instead, such as a passport, state ID, or military ID.

If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, bring documentation of where you were during that time if you have it. The DMV may ask questions about the gap, but this does not usually prevent you from replacing the license.

Replacing a license with a different name

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring proof of the name change along with your other documents. For marriage or divorce, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order from the district court.

The DMV will update your name in their system and issue a new license with the correct name. This takes the same amount of time as a regular replacement and costs the same $20.25.

What to do if you move out of state

If you are moving to another state, you do not need to replace your Colorado license before you leave. Your Colorado license remains valid in other states for identification purposes. However, once you move, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from your new state. Each state has its own timeline for when you must switch — some require it within 30 days, others within 60 days. Check your new state's DMV website for their specific rules.

You can keep your Colorado license as a form of ID even after you move, but you cannot use it to drive legally in your new state once you become a resident there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office for a replacement license. You must pass a vision test and have a new photo taken, both of which must happen at the office.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. If you do not have one, ask the DMV what other documents they accept — options sometimes include a lease, utility bill, or bank statement. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what they will take.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Both are options. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment wait times are usually shorter. You can schedule an appointment on the Colorado DMV website. If you walk in, arrive early in the day; wait times tend to be longer in the afternoon.

What if I fail the vision test?

The DMV will not issue a replacement license. You will need to see an eye doctor, get glasses or contacts if needed, and return to the DMV to retake the vision test. There is no additional fee to retake it.

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

Yes. You receive the temporary paper license to drive with when ready after your process is processed. The plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.