How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License Online or by Mail

Where to renew your Colorado license

Colorado offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but not everyone is may be able to access. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a local office is when ready if you need your license the same day.

Before you choose a method, check whether you're may be able to access for online renewal. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or organ donor status — those changes require a visit to an office or a mail-in form. If you're renewing a Real ID-compliant license, you can renew online only if your Real ID status is not changing.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year license or $57.50 for a ten-year license.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment; processing takes two to three weeks.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your address or name, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
In-person renewal at a Colorado driver's license office is the only option that gives you a new license the same day.

Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue

Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page at dor.colorado.gov. Look for the "Renew Your Driver's License" option and select it. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card).

The system will verify your identity using information from your existing license record. If verification succeeds, you'll see a summary of your current license information. Review it carefully — this is your final note to catch errors before your new license is printed. Once you confirm and pay, Colorado will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days.

Keep your old license until the new one arrives. If your new license doesn't show up within two weeks, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5700 to check the status.

Renewing by mail

Request the mail renewal form from the Colorado Department of Revenue by calling 303-205-5700, or read it from their website. The form you need is the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44). Print it, fill it out completely, and include your current driver's license.

Mail your completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The fee is $28.75 for a five-year license or $57.50 for a ten-year license. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want Colorado to return your old license to you.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks from the date Colorado receives your packet. Send your renewal at least four weeks before your license expires to avoid any gap. If you need your license sooner, use online or in-person renewal instead.

Renewing in person at a Colorado driver's license office

Find your nearest driver's license office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment in cash, check, or card. If you're changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address.

Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead to ask about current wait times, or check the Department of Revenue website for estimated wait times at your office. You can also make an appointment online if your office offers it — this usually cuts your wait time significantly.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives in five to seven business days.

What happens if your license expired more than one year ago

If your Colorado license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means you'll need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You cannot do this online or by mail; you must visit a driver's license office in person.

Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of your current address, and proof of your Colorado residency (such as a utility bill or lease). You'll also need to bring proof of your legal name if it has changed since your license expired. The office will schedule you for the written and vision tests when ready; the driving test is usually scheduled for a later date.

Renewal fees and what your new license costs

A five-year Colorado driver's license costs $28.75. A ten-year license costs $57.50. These are the standard renewal fees and explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you're renewing a Real ID-compliant license (one with a gold star in the upper right corner), the cost is the same — Real ID status does not change the renewal fee.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders (not cash). In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and cards. If you're paying by check or money order, make it payable to the "State of Colorado."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. Your Colorado driver's license is tied to your Colorado residency. If you move out of state, you must surrender your Colorado license and get a license from your new state. You cannot renew a Colorado license if you no longer live in Colorado.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot change your name during an online renewal. You must renew in person at a driver's license office or submit a mail renewal form with a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring the original or a certified copy to an office, along with your current license and proof of your new address.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

If you renew in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within five to seven business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to check the status.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must contact the Colorado Department of Revenue or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to understand what you need to do to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

Renew in person at a driver's license office. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days the same day, which you can use to drive when ready. Your permanent license arrives in five to seven business days.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.