How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Renewing your Colorado driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Colorado driver's license through three routes: online at the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a local driver's license office. Most people renew online, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a five-year license. You must renew before your license expires — Colorado does not allow grace periods for expired licenses.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you have had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal. If you are unsure which route works for your situation, the Colorado DMV website has a tool that tells you which options are open to you based on your current license status.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and works if your license is not yet expired and you have not changed your address or name.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid and you meet specific requirements; the process takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license has already expired, you have changed your address or name, or you need to update your photo.
You will need your current Colorado driver's license number and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check) to renew online.
Colorado licenses expire on your birthday, and you should begin the renewal process at least two weeks before that date to avoid driving with an expired license.

Online renewal: the fastest option for most people

Online renewal is available at dor.colorado.gov under the Driver License section. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use on your phone while your physical card is mailed to you.

You can renew online only if all of the following are true: your license is not yet expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, you have not changed your name, you do not need a new photo, and you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license). If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person or by mail.

Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, the temporary digital license is valid for driving. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600.

Mail renewal: available only if your license is still valid

Mail renewal is an option if your license has not yet expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal: no address change, no name change, no photo update needed, and a standard (not commercial) license. To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from the Colorado DMV. You can call 303-205-5600 or visit a driver's license office to request the form, or read it from the DMV website.

Once you have the form, complete it, include a check or money order for $28.25 made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue, and mail it to the address listed on the form. The renewal process takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. You should mail your renewal at least four weeks before your license expires to may support it arrives and is processed in time.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and carries the risk that your form may be lost in transit or delayed. Most people choose online renewal for these reasons.

In-person renewal: required if your license has expired or circumstances have changed

You must renew in person at a Colorado driver's license office if your license has already expired, you have changed your address, you have changed your name, you need a new photo, or you hold a commercial driver's license. In-person renewal also applies if you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time or if you need to update any other information on your license.

To renew in person, bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid payment method. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are renewing a REAL ID license for the first time, you will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Visit the Colorado DMV office locator at dor.colorado.gov to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices operate by appointment only, so you may need to schedule your visit in advance. In-person renewal typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for driving. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has already expired

Colorado does not allow you to drive with an expired license, even for a short period. If your license has expired, you cannot legally drive until you renew it. You must renew in person at a driver's license office; online and mail renewal are not available once your license has expired.

If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you may receive a citation. The penalty varies but can include a fine and points on your driving record. To avoid this, renew your license before your birthday or as soon as you realize it has expired.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Colorado offers both standard driver's licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want to fly domestically or enter a federal facility after May 7, 2025, you will need to upgrade to a REAL ID license.

If you are renewing a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID at the same time, you must renew in person. You will need to bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $28.25 for a five-year license.

If you are already REAL ID-compliant, you can renew online or by mail without providing those documents again, as long as your other information has not changed.

Renewal costs and payment methods

A standard five-year Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.25. This is the fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are renewing a REAL ID license for the first time, the cost is the same. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is higher; contact the DMV for current pricing.

Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, and checks. If you are unable to pay at the time of renewal, contact the DMV to discuss payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their birthday or to may support they have a valid license for an upcoming trip. The expiration date on your new license will be five years from the date you renew, not five years from your original expiration date.

What if I changed my address but want to renew online?

You cannot renew online if you have changed your address. You must renew in person at a driver's license office and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). This requirement exists so the DMV can verify your current residence.

How long does it take to receive my new license after renewing online?

Your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after you complete the online renewal, and this temporary license is valid for driving during the wait. If you do not receive your physical card within two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

Many Colorado driver's license offices require appointments, but some accept walk-ins. Check the office locator at dor.colorado.gov to see whether your local office takes appointments or walk-ins and what its current wait times are. Scheduling an appointment in advance is usually faster than waiting in line.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement, not a renewal. A replacement is a new license with a new number and costs more than a renewal. You must explore in person at a driver's license office and bring proof of your identity and address. Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 or visit dor.colorado.gov for details on the replacement process.

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.