Where to go and what to bring

To replace your Colorado driver's license, you visit a Department of Revenue office in person. Colorado does not mail replacement licenses or process them by phone or online. You will need to bring your current license (if you still have it), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Colorado address.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to produce it — you can explain that to the clerk when you arrive. If your license was damaged but still readable, bring it anyway; the staff will note the reason for replacement in their system.

The Department of Revenue operates driver's license offices across Colorado. The main office is in Denver, but you can visit any branch office in your county or a neighboring county. You do not have to go to the office that issued your original license. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for office locations, hours, and current wait times before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Revenue office in person; Colorado does not replace licenses by mail, phone, or online.
  • Bring your current license (if available), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Any Department of Revenue office in Colorado can issue your replacement license, not just the one that issued your original.
  • Replacement licenses cost $28.75 and are typically ready the same day or within a few business days.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, you may want to file a report with local police, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Cost and how long it takes

A replacement Colorado driver's license costs $28.75. You pay this fee at the time you visit the office. The Department of Revenue accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are replacing a license that was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is the same as a standard renewal.

Most replacement licenses are issued the same day you explore, though some offices may take one to three business days depending on how busy they are. The clerk will tell you when your license will be ready. If it is not ready the same day, you will receive a temporary paper license that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to get a replacement from the Department of Revenue. However, if your license was stolen along with other documents or if you are concerned about identity theft, filing a report with your local police department creates an official record. This can be useful if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently.

When you go to the Department of Revenue office, tell the clerk that your license was lost or stolen. They will note this in the system and issue you a new license with a different number. Your old license number will be deactivated. If you are worried about fraud, you can also contact the Colorado Attorney General's office or place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, though these steps are separate from replacing your license.

Replacing a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is still physically present but damaged, faded, or unreadable, bring it to the Department of Revenue office. The staff will examine it and determine whether it qualifies for a free replacement or whether you pay the standard $28.75 fee. Licenses that are water-damaged, cracked, or have faded information usually may have access to for replacement at no extra cost beyond the standard fee.

If your license is only slightly worn but still readable, the Department of Revenue may decline to replace it and ask you to wait until your renewal date. Ask the clerk to review your specific license before you assume you will have to pay. Bring it with you and let them make the call.

What happens if you need to change your name or address

If you are replacing your license because you moved, you can update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. There is no extra fee for an address change when you are already replacing your license.

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to bring legal documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Department of Revenue will not replace your license with a new name without this document. If you are replacing your license and changing your name at the same time, bring both the proof of name change and proof of address.

Temporary licenses and what you can do while you wait

If your replacement license is not ready the same day, the Department of Revenue will issue you a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This temporary license is valid for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your plastic license to arrive. You can use it at traffic stops, at banks, and for age verification.

The temporary license is usually valid for 30 days. Your plastic license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. If your plastic license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status. Do not throw away your temporary license until you receive the plastic one.

If you have an out-of-state license or are new to Colorado

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you have moved to Colorado, you cannot straightforward replace it with a Colorado license. You must surrender your out-of-state license and obtain a new Colorado license through the standard process process, which includes a vision test and written exam. Replacing an existing Colorado license is different from obtaining your first Colorado license.

If you are new to Colorado and need a license, visit a Department of Revenue office with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Colorado residency, and proof that you passed a vision test (or be prepared to take one at the office). The process takes longer than a replacement and costs more. Check the Department of Revenue website for the full list of documents required for a new license process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my Colorado license online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a Department of Revenue office to replace your license. You cannot do it online, by phone, or by mail. However, you can check office hours and wait times on the Department of Revenue website before you visit.

What if I lost my license and do not have proof of my address?

You will need to bring proof of your current Colorado address dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask the Department of Revenue clerk what other documents they will accept. Some offices may accept a letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead with your address. Call ahead to ask what options are available.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No. The Department of Revenue will replace your license without a police report. However, filing a report with local police creates an official record if you are concerned about fraud. This is optional and separate from the replacement process.

How much does it cost to replace a damaged license?

A replacement license costs $28.75, whether it is lost, stolen, or damaged. Some severely damaged licenses may may have access to for a free replacement, but the clerk will make that information when you visit. Bring your damaged license and ask.

Will my new license have a different number?

If your license was lost or stolen, your new license will have a different number and your old number will be deactivated. If you are replacing a license due to damage or address change, you may keep the same number, though this varies. Ask the clerk when you visit.