Colorado lets you renew online, by mail, or in person — which route you take depends on your license type and how soon you need it

Colorado driver's licenses expire every ten years, and you can renew before expiration in three ways. The online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is fastest and costs the least if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or medical status. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works the same way. In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license has already expired, if you need a Real ID, or if you have had a major life change since your last license was issued.

The state does not send renewal reminders, so mark your expiration date on a calendar. You can find it on the front of your license. Starting about six months before expiration is the safest time to begin, because processing delays can happen and an expired license creates problems at traffic stops and when you board a plane.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website takes about 15 minutes and costs $28.75 if your license is still valid and nothing major has changed.
  • Mail renewal uses the same form as online but takes two to three weeks; you mail a completed form, your current license, and a check to the address on the form.
  • In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you want a Real ID, or if you have changed your name, address, or medical information since your last license.
  • Colorado does not send expiration reminders, so you must track your own expiration date and plan ahead to avoid driving on an expired license.
  • A renewed license arrives by mail within one to two weeks of approval for online and mail renewals; in-person renewals issue a temporary license on the spot.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current

Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page at dor.colorado.gov and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address and verify that nothing has changed since your last license was issued — specifically your name, date of birth, medical conditions, and whether you have any restrictions on your license.

If all information is correct, you pay the renewal fee of $28.75 by credit or debit card. The system generates a confirmation number when ready. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you need a Real ID designation, if you have changed your name or address, or if you have new medical information to report. In those cases, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal: slower but requires no office visit

read the process for Colorado Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a photocopy of your current Colorado driver's license (both sides). Write a check for $28.75 payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Mail the form, photocopy of your license, and check to the address listed on the form — currently the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver's License Section, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail after approval.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must still be valid, your name and address must not have changed, and you cannot use this method to add a Real ID designation. If any of those conditions explore, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal: required when your license has expired or changed

Visit a Colorado driver's license office with your current license (or expired license if it has lapsed), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy alone is not accepted.

Tell the staff member whether you want to renew your standard license or upgrade to a Real ID. A Real ID costs $13 more ($41.75 total) and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. If you choose Real ID, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099).

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can drive on the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Finding a driver's license office and what to expect

Colorado has driver's license offices in most counties. The main office is in Lakewood (Denver metro area), but you can renew at any office statewide. Search for the office nearest you on the Colorado Department of Revenue website by entering your county or city.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically busiest on Mondays, Fridays, and late afternoons. Many offices do not take walk-ins; you must schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check the specific office's website or call ahead to see whether appointments are required and how far in advance you need to book.

Bring all required documents with you. If you are missing anything, the office will turn you away and you will have to return. The staff cannot tell you in advance whether your documents are acceptable, so review the checklist on the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you go.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Driving on an expired Colorado license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped, the officer can issue a ticket for driving with an expired license, which carries a fine. An expired license also creates problems when you board a plane, rent a car, or enter a federal building.

You can still renew an expired license using any of the three methods. Online and mail renewal are no longer available once your license has expired — you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and your Social Security number, just as you would for a standard in-person renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, the Colorado Department of Revenue may require you to retake the written driving test and vision test. Call the office ahead of time to ask whether a test is required for your situation.

Real ID and what it means for your renewal

A Real ID is a driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Colorado driver's license will no longer be accepted for those purposes after that date.

You cannot add a Real ID designation through online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a driver's license office and request the Real ID option. The cost is $13 more than a standard renewal ($41.75 total). You will need to bring proof of citizenship and proof of your Social Security number in addition to your standard renewal documents.

If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard driver's license remains valid for driving in Colorado. The choice to upgrade to Real ID is yours, but the important date for federal purposes is May 7, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must have a Colorado address on file to renew a Colorado license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still have a Colorado address (such as a family member's home), you can use that address for renewal, but you should update your actual residence address with your new state's DMV.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must visit a driver's license office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID), proof of your address, and your Social Security number. The office will issue a temporary license and mail your permanent license within one to two weeks.

How long is my temporary license valid?

A temporary license issued at a driver's license office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within one to two weeks, but the temporary license covers you during that time. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to check the status.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal does not extend your expiration date — your new license will expire ten years from your current expiration date, not ten years from the renewal date. This means renewing very early can actually shorten the life of your new license, so most people wait until closer to expiration.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a driver's license office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.