How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Colorado

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have, whether your license is still valid, and what changes need to happen to your record. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements—it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if you need to update your photo, address, or name, or if you have not renewed online before.

Your license must not be expired by more than five years to renew it at all. If it is expired beyond that, you will need to explore for a new license in person instead. Colorado licenses are valid for five years for most drivers under 65, and eight years for drivers 65 and older.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you have a valid payment method—it takes 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DMV; processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired by more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing for the first time online.
You will need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
The renewal fee is $31.25 for a five-year license or $49.75 for an eight-year license if you are 65 or older.

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website

Start at the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you see a green checkmark next to each requirement, you can proceed.

During the online process, you will confirm your personal information, address, and emergency contact. You cannot change your address, name, or photo online—if any of those need to be updated, you must renew in person instead. You will also choose whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for domestic air travel starting in 2025. The fee is the same either way. After you submit payment by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your Colorado address within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal by sending documents to the DMV

To renew by mail, read the process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Colorado DMV website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Mail everything to the address listed on the form—currently the DMV's Denver office, though you should verify the current mailing address on the official website before sending.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. You cannot change your photo, name, or address by mail. If any of those need updating, you must go to a DMV office in person. Keep a copy of your form and the tracking number from your mailed package so you can follow up if your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe.

In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office

Visit a local DMV office if your license is expired by more than five years, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you have never renewed online before. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Most DMV offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go. Some offices also allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. Bring cash or a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be issued on the spot if everything is in order, though you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is produced and mailed to you.

Documents and information you will need

For any renewal method, have your Social Security number ready. You will also need to know your current address and any address changes. If you are renewing in person or by mail, bring your current driver's license itself.

For in-person renewal, bring one document that proves your Colorado residency. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail—anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address. If you are changing your name, bring the certified document that proves it. If you are changing your address, bring proof of the new address in the same form.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A five-year driver's license costs $31.25 to renew. If you are 65 or older, you can renew for eight years instead, which costs $49.75. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and in-person renewal accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

If you are renewing for a REAL ID-compliant license instead of a standard license, there is no additional fee. The cost is identical. REAL ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings, so many people choose it even though it is not mandatory for driving.

What happens if your license is expired beyond five years

If your Colorado driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office. This is treated as a new process rather than a renewal, so you will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about traffic laws. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal.

Bring your expired license to the appointment if you have it, but it is not required. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is produced and mailed to you. The fee for a new license is the same as for renewal—$31.25 for five years or $49.75 for eight years if you are 65 or older.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Colorado only renews licenses for people who still live in Colorado. If you have moved, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. You can surrender your Colorado license by mail or in person at a DMV office if you want to, but it is not required.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Delivery by USPS typically takes another 3 to 5 business days, so plan for 10 to 15 business days total from the time you submit your renewal. If your new license does not arrive within 20 business days, contact the DMV with your confirmation number.

What if I need to change my photo but do not want to go to the DMV?

You cannot change your photo without going to a DMV office in person. Online and mail renewal do not allow photo updates. Schedule an appointment or visit a walk-in office to have a new photo taken during your renewal.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Colorado?

No. A standard Colorado driver's license is valid for driving. REAL ID is only required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You can choose either one when you renew, and the cost is the same.

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

Yes. Colorado does not hold up license renewals for unpaid traffic fines or tickets. You can renew your license regardless of outstanding traffic violations, though you should still pay any fines owed to avoid additional penalties.

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.