What you need to know about Colorado driver's license renewal
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. Online renewal is the fastest option — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it's only available if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, and only if you haven't renewed online in the past four years.
If your license expired more than one year ago, or if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct other information, you'll need to renew in person. Mail renewal is also an option for some people, though it takes longer than the other methods.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 15 minutes and costs $28.75 for a four-year license or $56.75 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license hasn't been expired for more than one year.
- You'll need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If your license expired more than one year ago or you need to change personal information, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
- Mail renewal is available but requires sending your physical license and takes two to three weeks, so it's slower than online or in-person options.
- Colorado driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on which you choose, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website
Online renewal happens through the Colorado Department of Revenue's website. Go to the DMV section, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, Social Security number, and current address. The system will verify your information against state records and then ask you to choose your license validity period — four years or eight years — and pay the renewal fee.
The fee is $28.75 for a four-year license or $56.75 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Once you complete the transaction, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you've renewed online within the past four years, if you're under 21, or if you need to make changes to your name, address, or other personal information beyond a straightforward address update during the renewal process.
Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to update your photo. Bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment. If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Walk-in service is available at most DMV offices, but wait times vary. You can check wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go. Some offices take appointments through an online scheduling system, which can save you time. The renewal fee is the same as online: $28.75 for four years or $56.75 for eight years. You'll receive your new license on the spot or by mail within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.
If you're over 70 years old, Colorado requires an in-person renewal every four years, even if your license hasn't expired. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the DMV office.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, and if you don't need to change your name, address, or other personal information. To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Colorado DMV website or call 303-205-5600. Fill out the form, include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address on the form.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your materials. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. Because you're sending your physical license through the mail, you won't have it during the renewal process — plan ahead if you need it for identification or travel.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than one year
If your Colorado driver's license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You may also need to pass a vision test, depending on how long it's been expired and your age.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you've started the renewal process. If you've been driving on an expired license, the DMV won't penalize you for renewing, but you could face a traffic citation if you're stopped by law enforcement.
Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license
Colorado offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $28.75 or an eight-year license for $56.75. The eight-year license costs more upfront but works out to less per year. If you plan to stay in Colorado for at least eight years and don't expect major changes to your appearance, the eight-year option is usually the better value. If you're uncertain about your plans or prefer to update your photo more often, the four-year license gives you more flexibility.
Both licenses are valid for driving when ready after renewal. The only difference is how long before you need to renew again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal process is the same whether you're renewing early or at expiration.
What if I've moved and need to update my address?
If you're renewing online, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. If you're renewing in person or by mail, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you've moved but aren't renewing yet, you can update your address separately through the Colorado DMV website or at a DMV office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you may receive it on the spot at some offices, or it will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to report it to the DMV and get a replacement before you can renew. Go to a DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it through any of the three methods.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo unless you request otherwise. If you want a new photo but are renewing online, you'll need to renew in person instead.