Where to renew your Colorado license and what you need
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Before you go to a DMV office or start an online renewal, gather your current Colorado driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address. If you're renewing after your license expired, you must renew in person — online renewal is not an option.
The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a DMV office. Online, you can pay by debit or credit card only.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website takes about 15 minutes and works only if your license is current, has no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you have medical restrictions, or your address has changed since your last renewal.
- You will need your current license, proof of Colorado residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number for either renewal method.
- Renewal fees depend on whether you choose a five-year or ten-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, card, or online payment depending on your renewal method.
- After you renew, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renewed online, or you receive it when ready if you renewed in person.
Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website
Start at the Colorado DMV website and look for the online renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online — if you are not, it will tell you that you must visit a DMV office instead.
If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information and make any updates needed. You can change your address during this step if you have moved. After you confirm your information and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, the system will generate a confirmation number. Save or print this number — you will need it if you have questions about your renewal.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to check the status of your renewal after you submit it, return to the Colorado DMV website and enter your confirmation number.
Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office
Find the DMV office nearest you on the Colorado DMV website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment in advance through their online system. Check your local office's page to see whether appointments are required or recommended. During busy times, wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days all work. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
At the counter, tell the staff member you are renewing your license. They will verify your identity, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will pay the renewal fee at this time. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you receive it before you leave the office. You can drive on this new license when ready.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Colorado license has been expired for any length of time, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DMV office in person. The renewal process is the same as described above — you bring your documents, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee — but you must complete it at a physical location.
While your license is expired, you cannot legally drive in Colorado. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. If you need to drive before you can get to a DMV office, ask a friend or family member to drive, or use a rideshare service or taxi.
Renewing with a name change or address change
If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name in the system and print it on your new license.
If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address dated within 60 days. The DMV will update your address during the renewal process. If you are renewing online, you can enter your new address in the system before you pay. If you are renewing in person, tell the staff member about your address change, and they will update it before printing your new license.
Understanding the five-year versus ten-year license option
When you renew your Colorado license, you can choose whether your new license will be valid for five years or ten years. The ten-year license costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for a decade. The five-year license costs less but requires you to renew more frequently.
If you are under 21 years old, your license will be valid for five years regardless of which option you choose — Colorado law does not allow ten-year licenses for drivers under 21. If you are 21 or older, the choice is yours. Consider your situation: if you move frequently or expect your circumstances to change, a five-year license may be simpler. If you plan to stay in Colorado and want to minimize trips to the DMV, a ten-year license may be worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I don't have proof of residency?
No. The DMV requires a document showing your Colorado address dated within 60 days. If you do not have one, contact your utility company, bank, or landlord to request a statement or letter showing your address. Some people use a recent lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. Without this document, the DMV cannot process your renewal.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online if you do not have your current license number. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The staff will look up your license information in the system and process your renewal. You will also pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline can vary depending on mail delivery in your area. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your renewal takes longer than two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status using your confirmation number.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DMV office?
It depends on your local office. Some Colorado DMV offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the website for your nearest office to see their policy. Even if walk-ins are accepted, scheduling an appointment can reduce your wait time, especially during busy periods.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical restriction on it?
No. If your license has a medical restriction (such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only), you cannot renew online. You must visit a DMV office in person so staff can verify that your medical condition has not changed or that any required restrictions are still appropriate.