Where to renew your Colorado license and what you'll 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 online route is faster — you can complete it from home in about 15 minutes — but it's only open to people whose licenses are not expired and who don't need to update their address, name, or other information on the license itself.
If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. The in-person visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Your renewal fee depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. Military members and certain other groups may pay different fees. Check the Colorado DMV website for the exact amount before you go, since fees change periodically.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website takes about 15 minutes and works only if your license is not expired and you're not changing your address or name.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency, and a vision test, and usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- You can visit any Colorado DMV office — you don't have to go to the one in your county.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website
Start at the Colorado DMV website and look for the "Renew Your License" option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you're may be able to access for online renewal.
If you're may be able to access, you'll review your current information, confirm or update your email address and phone number, and pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. You won't need to upload documents or take a new photo — the DMV will use your existing photo on file. Once you submit, you'll get a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you've moved recently and updated your address during the online renewal, the license will go to your new address. The whole process is complete within two to three weeks in most cases, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office
Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices now offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. If you book an appointment, you'll still need to arrive a few minutes early to check in.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement), and know your Social Security number. You'll take a vision test at the office — if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You'll also have a new photo taken, so you may want to look presentable.
Pay your renewal fee at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to your address within two to three weeks. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives, so there's no gap in your driving privileges.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Colorado license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you'll need to reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means taking the written test, the vision test, and the driving test again. You can't use the online renewal system, and you must go to a DMV office in person.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using either the online or in-person method. The process is the same as a regular renewal, and you won't have to retake the tests.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved to a new address in Colorado, you can update it during your renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your address before you pay — just enter your new address when prompted, and your new license will be mailed there. In-person renewal also lets you update your address at the counter.
If you've changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you cannot update it during a straightforward renewal. You'll need to visit a DMV office in person and bring legal proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will process this as a separate transaction, and you may pay an additional fee.
How to find a Colorado DMV office and check wait times
The Colorado DMV website has a location finder that shows all office addresses, hours, and phone numbers. Some larger cities have multiple offices, so you can choose the one most convenient to you. You don't have to visit the office in your county — any Colorado DMV office can process your renewal.
A few DMV offices now display current wait times on the website or through a live counter system. If your local office doesn't show wait times, you can call ahead to ask how busy they are. Early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster than afternoons and Fridays.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost or stolen before it expires, you'll need to report it and get a replacement, not a renewal. This is a separate process that involves filing a report with the DMV and paying a replacement fee. You can do this in person at any DMV office or, in some cases, by phone.
Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it normally when it expires. The replacement doesn't change your renewal date — your new license will still expire on the same date your original one would have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I don't have proof of residency?
No, proof of Colorado residency is required for renewal. If you don't have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a bank statement, government check, or tax return dated within 60 days. Call your local DMV office to ask what other documents they accept if none of these work for you.
What if I wear glasses or contacts — do I need to bring them to my vision test?
Yes, bring them with you. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely with your correction. If you wear them while driving, you must wear them during the test.
How long is a Colorado driver's license valid after renewal?
You can choose a five-year or ten-year renewal when you renew. The five-year option costs less. Your new license will expire five or ten years from the date you renew, depending on which option you pick.
Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, Colorado issues licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens. You'll need to show proof of your legal presence in the United States, such as a visa, work permit, or green card. Bring your passport and any immigration documents with you to the DMV office.
What if my new license arrives with a mistake on it?
Contact the Colorado DMV right away with your confirmation number and the error. You can usually get a corrected license mailed to you at no extra charge if the mistake was made by the DMV. If the error is your fault, you may have to pay a replacement fee.