How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License on MyDMV

MyDMV is Colorado's online renewal portal for driver's licenses and ID cards

Colorado's Department of Revenue runs MyDMV, a web portal where you can renew your driver's license or ID card without visiting a DMV office. The system handles standard renewals — licenses that are expiring and do not require a new photo, address change, or name correction. You create an account, verify your identity, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new card by mail.

MyDMV does not handle every renewal situation. If your license has been suspended, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing after a long lapse, you will need to visit a DMV office in person. The portal also cannot process name or address changes, though you can update your address through MyDMV after your renewal is complete.

The renewal fee for a standard driver's license in Colorado is $28.25 for a four-year renewal. You pay by debit card or credit card during the online process. Your new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances, though processing times can vary during high-volume periods.

Key Takeaways

MyDMV lets you renew your Colorado driver's license online if your license is not suspended and you do not need a new photo or legal name change.
You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment card to complete the renewal on MyDMV.
The renewal fee is $28.25 for a four-year license, paid during the online transaction.
Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your old license until the new one arrives.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office.

What you need before you start on MyDMV

Gather your current Colorado driver's license and have it nearby. You will need your license number and the expiration date. You will also need your Social Security number, which MyDMV uses to verify your identity against state records.

Have a valid debit or credit card ready. Colorado DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The $28.25 renewal fee is charged during checkout. Some cards may trigger fraud alerts if you have never used them for online purchases; if your card is declined, try a different card or contact your bank before attempting again.

Make sure your mailing address on file with Colorado DMV is current. MyDMV will mail your new license to the address in the system. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address, you can do so through MyDMV after your renewal is submitted, but the card will still go to the old address unless you update it before completing payment.

Step-by-step process on MyDMV

Go to mydmv.colorado.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License or ID Card" from the homepage. You will be asked whether you are renewing a driver's license or an ID card; select the one that applies to you.

Create a MyDMV account or log in if you already have one. You will need an email address and a password. Colorado DMV uses this account to store your renewal history and let you check the status of your order after submission.

Enter your current license number and Social Security number. MyDMV will search the state database to pull up your record. If the system cannot find your information, it will tell you when ready; this usually means your license number or Social Security number was entered incorrectly, or your record does not exist in the system. If this happens, stop and visit a DMV office in person.

Review the information on screen. MyDMV will show your name, date of birth, address, and current license expiration date. If any of this information is wrong, you cannot correct it through the online renewal. You will need to visit a DMV office to update your record before renewing online.

Confirm that you meet the renewal requirements. MyDMV will ask you to verify that your license is not suspended or revoked, that you have not been convicted of certain crimes, and that you have not had your license denied or cancelled. Answer honestly. If you answer "yes" to any disqualifying question, you cannot renew online and must visit an office.

Enter your mailing address if it is different from what is on file. Review it carefully, because this is where your new license will be sent. You cannot change it after you pay.

Review the renewal fee ($28.25) and proceed to payment. Enter your card information and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

What happens after you submit your renewal

Your new license is printed and mailed to the address you provided. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days, though this can extend during peak renewal periods or if there are delays in the mail system. You can continue to use your old license until your new one arrives.

You can check the status of your renewal by logging back into your MyDMV account. The system will show whether your order is being processed, has been printed, or has been mailed. This status updates periodically but may lag behind actual processing by a day or two.

If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Colorado DMV directly. Have your confirmation number ready. You can reach the DMV by phone at 303-205-5600 or visit a local office to report the issue.

When you cannot use MyDMV for renewal

If your license has been suspended or revoked, MyDMV will reject your renewal during the verification step. You must visit a DMV office in person and resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. The reason for suspension varies — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical issues — and each requires different steps to clear.

If you need a new photo on your license, you cannot renew through MyDMV. Colorado requires a new photo every 10 years for standard licenses, or sooner if you request one. You must visit a DMV office to have a new photo taken during renewal.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You will need to visit an office and bring legal documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The same applies if you want to change your gender marker or other identifying information.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, Colorado may require you to retake the written test and vision test. MyDMV cannot process this type of renewal. Visit a DMV office to determine whether you need to test or whether you can renew without retesting.

Finding a Colorado DMV office if you need in-person renewal

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting mydmv.colorado.gov and clicking "Find a DMV Office" or by calling 303-205-5600. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check the office website or call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to book a time slot.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease agreement), and any documents required for your specific situation — such as a name change certificate or medical clearance if your license was suspended for medical reasons. Processing times at offices vary, but most renewals are completed within 30 minutes to an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if it has already expired?

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew through MyDMV without retesting. If it expired more than one year ago, Colorado may require you to pass the written and vision tests again. MyDMV will tell you during the verification step whether you are may be able to access for online renewal. If not, visit a DMV office.

What if I moved to a different state since my last renewal?

MyDMV is for Colorado residents only. If you have moved out of Colorado, you need to renew through the DMV of your new state. If you still live in Colorado but moved to a new address, you can update your address through MyDMV after your renewal is complete, though your new card will be mailed to the address you provided during renewal.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I pay?

Standard processing and mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. This can be longer during high-volume periods or if there are postal delays. You can check your order status in your MyDMV account. If your license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?

If your license has been suspended because of an unpaid fine or failure to appear in court, MyDMV will reject your renewal. You must resolve the court issue first by paying the fine or appearing in court. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online or in person.

What if MyDMV says my information does not match?

This usually means your license number or Social Security number was entered incorrectly. Double-check both and try again. If the system still cannot find your record, your information may not be in the Colorado DMV database correctly. Visit a DMV office in person to verify your record and renew.

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.