Colorado driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: mail, online, or at a DMV office. Which one you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 61 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year license. Mail renewal costs the same but takes two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes on average and costs $28.75, though you may wait longer during peak hours.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado offers online renewal for most drivers under 61 whose license expired within the last five years, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
- Mail renewal costs the same as online but takes two to three weeks for processing, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
- You must renew in person at a DMV office if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days of approval for online or mail renewal, or you can pick it up at the office if you renew in person.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the quickest path if you are under 61 and your license expired within the last five years. You will need your current or expired license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system will ask you to confirm your address and verify your identity using information from your driver's record.
Once you submit your renewal online, the DMV processes it within one business day. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days. You do not need to upload a photo — Colorado uses the photo from your previous license unless you request a new one, which requires an in-person visit.
Mail renewal: no office visit needed, but slower processing
Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of may be able to access, but you send a paper form instead of using the website. You will need to complete the DL-44 form (available on the Colorado DMV website) and mail it with a check or money order for $28.75 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current or expired license.
Processing takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your envelope, plus mailing time in both directions. Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days of approval. This option works well if you prefer not to use the website or do not have a credit card, but it is slower than online renewal.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 61 or older, or if you want a new photo. Bring your current or expired license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment of $28.75. Some offices accept card or check; a few accept cash only, so call ahead.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. The busiest times are typically mid-morning on weekdays and early afternoon on Saturdays. Many DMV offices now use an online appointment system where you can reserve a time slot, which reduces wait time significantly. Check the Colorado DMV website to find your nearest office and see if appointments are available.
What happens if your license is expired by more than five years
If your license has been expired for more than five years, Colorado treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You must explore in person at a DMV office and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test.
The cost is the same as renewal ($28.75 for five years), but the process takes longer because of the testing requirements. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour at the office. If you have moved out of state and are returning to Colorado, you may also need to provide proof of Colorado residency even if you previously lived there.
Mailing address and processing timeline
If you choose mail renewal, send your completed DL-44 form and payment to the address printed on the form itself — it varies by region. The DMV recommends using certified mail so you have proof of delivery, though it is not required. Processing begins when the DMV receives your envelope, not when you mail it.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days of approval. Total time from mailing your form to receiving your new license is typically four to five weeks. If you need your license sooner, online renewal or in-person renewal are faster options.
Cost and payment methods
Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.75 for a five-year license, regardless of which method you choose. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, card, or money order depending on the office location.
If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds or any other reason, the DMV will contact you to request payment again before processing your renewal. Do not send cash by mail — use check, money order, or renew online or in person instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I moved out of state?
No. You must hold a Colorado address to renew a Colorado license. If you have moved, you will need to obtain a license from your new state instead. If you are moving back to Colorado, you can renew once you establish residency there.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
Online renewal is your fastest option — your new license arrives within 10 business days of approval. If you need it even sooner, renew in person at a DMV office and ask if you can pick up your license the same day or the next business day, though this depends on office procedures.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you want one. Colorado uses your existing photo for online and mail renewal. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You can also request a new photo at any time by visiting an office, though there may be an additional fee.
What if my name changed since my last license?
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal will not process if your name does not match your Social Security record.
Can I renew early before my license expires?
Yes. Colorado allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date.