How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Colorado driver's license renewal basics

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Which method you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.

Your Colorado driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 61, or five years if you are 61 or older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to one year before that date, which gives you flexibility in timing.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address since your last renewal.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license is already expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address.
The renewal fee in Colorado is $28 for an eight-year license (under 61) or $17.50 for a five-year license (61 and older), as of 2024.
You will need your Social Security number and current Colorado address to renew, regardless of which method you choose.

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website

The Colorado DMV website at dor.colorado.gov/dmv has an online renewal portal. You can use it if your license is still valid (not expired), you have not moved since your last renewal, and you do not need a new photo. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can complete it from home.

To start, go to the DMV website and look for the "Renew Your License" option. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records. If everything matches, you will pay the renewal fee online and your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two to three weeks.

Online renewal does not give you a new photo — your current photo stays on file. If you want a new photo or if your address has changed, you cannot use the online method and must renew by mail or in person instead.

Mail renewal with a paper form

You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Request the renewal form (Form DL-44) from the Colorado DMV by calling 303-205-5613, or read it from the DMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form.

Payment must be by check or money order made out to "Colorado Department of Revenue." Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current address proof if you have moved since your last renewal — a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works. Mail everything to the DMV address on the form.

Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Keep track of when you mailed it; if you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.

In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office

You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address, or if you are turning 21 and need a new license type. You will also need to appear in person if the online or mail systems flag your record as needing verification.

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website and check their hours before you go. Bring your current license (even if expired), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address if you have moved. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, collect payment, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it within a few days.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are typically less busy than afternoons or weekends. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save time.

Address changes and other updates

If you have moved since your last license renewal, you cannot use online renewal. You must either renew by mail (and include proof of your new address) or renew in person at a DMV office. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.

If you need to change your name on your license, you cannot do it during renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person with a certified copy of your name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a Colorado driver's license is $28 for an eight-year license (if you are under 61) or $17.50 for a five-year license (if you are 61 or older). These fees were current as of 2024 but may change; check the DMV website to confirm the current amount before you renew.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at a DMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card — but call ahead to confirm what payment methods your specific office takes.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The process is more involved than renewal and takes longer.

If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person), and the process is the same as a standard renewal. You do not need to reapply from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I live out of state now?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address on file. If you have moved out of state, you cannot use online renewal; use mail renewal instead and include proof of your new out-of-state address. If your license is expired, you will need to renew in person at a Colorado DMV office or explore for a license in your new state.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take two to three weeks for delivery. In-person renewal at a DMV office may issue your license the same day or mail it within a few days, depending on the office and whether they have photo equipment available. Check with your local office for their specific timeline.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. Visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of identity and residency. The office will issue a replacement license and can renew it at the same time if it is close to expiration.

Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to renew?

No. License renewal in Colorado does not require a written test or driving test unless the DMV has flagged your record for a specific reason, such as a medical concern or a serious violation. Standard renewal is paperwork and payment only.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Colorado allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early can be useful if you are traveling or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will have a new eight-year (or five-year) expiration date from the date of renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.