What You Need to Do to Renew in Colorado

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license and vehicle registration separately or together, and you can do both by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office. Your driver's license renewal happens every five or ten years depending on your age; your vehicle registration renews every year on your birthday month. You do not have to renew them at the same time, but many people do because the process is similar for both.

The fastest route for most people is online through the Colorado DMV website if your license and registration are both current and you have not had any address changes. If either document has expired by more than a certain window, or if you need to update information, you will need to go in person or mail documents. Mail takes two to three weeks; in-person appointments at a DMV office usually happen within a few days of when you book them.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado driver's licenses renew every five years if you are under 61, and every ten years if you are 61 or older; vehicle registration renews every year in your birthday month.
  • You can renew your license online if it is current and you have not changed your address, but vehicle registration online requires your vehicle to pass emissions testing first in most Colorado counties.
  • If either document has expired more than a few months ago, you will need to renew in person at a DMV office with proof of identity and residence.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works for both licenses and registrations if your documents are current and your information has not changed.
  • In-person appointments at Colorado DMV offices can be booked online and usually happen within days, but walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.

Renewing Your Driver's License Online or by Mail

To renew your Colorado driver's license online, go to the Colorado DMV website and use their online renewal tool. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to review your information, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Online renewal works only if your license is current (not expired), you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photo.

If you prefer to renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form from the Colorado DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file.

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, or if you need to change your address, photo, or other information, you must renew in person. Book an appointment at your nearest DMV office through their online scheduling system. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and payment for the renewal fee.

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration Online or by Mail

Vehicle registration in Colorado renews every year during your birthday month. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your registration expires. To renew online, go to the Colorado DMV website and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number. The system will show you what you owe and let you pay by credit or debit card.

Online registration renewal works only if your vehicle has passed emissions testing (required in the Denver metro area and a few other counties) or if your vehicle is exempt from emissions testing. If you live in an emissions-testing county and your vehicle has not been tested, you must get that done first before you can renew online. You can find testing locations and book appointments through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website.

To renew by mail, use the renewal notice you received. Fill out the back of the notice, include a check or money order for the amount due, and mail it back in the envelope provided. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. If you did not receive a notice, you can read the process for Vehicle Registration Renewal from the Colorado DMV website.

If you need to renew in person — for example, if you have a lien on your vehicle, if you are adding or removing a vehicle owner, or if you need to update your address — book an appointment at a DMV office. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee.

What Documents and Fees You Will Need

For driver's license renewal, you need proof of identity (your current or expired Colorado license works) and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of address. The renewal fee varies by age: it is lower if you are renewing a license that will expire when you turn 61 or older, because those licenses last ten years instead of five.

For vehicle registration renewal, you need your current registration, proof of insurance, and proof of your current address. If your vehicle is financed or has a lien, the lienholder's information must be on file with the DMV. If you are renewing in person and your vehicle has a lien, bring the lien holder's contact information or a copy of your loan documents.

Fees for both renewals are set by the state and do not vary by county. The DMV website lists current fees for driver's licenses and vehicle registrations. Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, check, or money order depending on which renewal method you choose. Online and in-person renewals accept cards; mail renewals require a check or money order.

Renewing in Person at a Colorado DMV Office

If you need to renew in person, book an appointment through the Colorado DMV website rather than showing up without one. Most DMV offices do not accept walk-ins, and appointment slots fill up weeks in advance in busy areas. The website shows you available times at offices near your address, and you can book an appointment for a date that works for you.

Bring all required documents — your current or expired license or registration, proof of address, and proof of identity if renewing your license. If you are renewing your vehicle registration and your vehicle has a lien, bring the lien holder's information. Bring payment in the form of a credit card, debit card, check, or cash. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you miss your appointment, you can book another one through the website. If you need to cancel, do so through the website as well so the slot opens up for someone else. Some DMV offices offer evening or Saturday hours; check the website for your nearest location.

What Happens If Your License or Registration Expires

Driving with an expired license or registration is illegal in Colorado. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can face a fine. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may not be able to renew it by mail or online and will have to renew in person.

If your vehicle registration has expired, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. If you need to drive it to a DMV office or to an emissions testing location to complete your renewal, you can request a temporary permit from the DMV. Call the DMV or ask at an office about a temporary permit if your registration has expired and you need to move the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I moved to another state?

No. If you no longer live in Colorado, you cannot renew a Colorado license. You will need to get a license from your new state. If you still live in Colorado but changed your address within the state, you can renew online or by mail as long as you update your address during the renewal process.

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

You will need to replace your lost license before you can renew it. Go to a DMV office in person with proof of identity and proof of address. The DMV will issue a replacement license, and you can renew it at the same time if it is close to your renewal date. Bring payment for both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.

Do I have to renew my vehicle registration if I sold my car?

No. If you sold your vehicle, you do not need to renew its registration. You should notify the Colorado DMV that you sold the vehicle so you are not responsible for it anymore. You can do this through the DMV website or in person at an office.

How long does an online renewal take to process?

Online renewals are processed when ready, and you will receive confirmation on the screen. Your new license or registration will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can continue to use your old license or registration until the new one arrives.

What if my vehicle failed emissions testing?

If your vehicle failed emissions testing, you cannot renew your registration until it passes. You will need to have the vehicle repaired and tested again. Once it passes, you can renew your registration online or by mail. Some repair shops offer free or low-cost repairs for vehicles that fail emissions testing; check the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website for resources.