Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Colorado DMV website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've changed your address, and whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to submit your current license, a completed process for Renewal of Driver's License form (DL 44), and a check or money order. Online renewal requires your current license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
Your license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If it's expired longer than that, you must renew in person. Similarly, if you've changed your address since your last license was issued, you cannot use mail or online renewal—you must visit a DMV office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado offers three renewal routes: in-person at a DMV office, by mail if your license expired within the last five years, or online through the DMV website.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your process, while online renewal is typically processed within one business day.
- A standard Colorado driver's license costs $28.75 and is valid for five years; a REAL ID license costs $33.75 and is required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you can submit your process early to avoid the rush.
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you haven't moved. Go to the Colorado DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your license number, date of birth, and email address. The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee. You'll pay by credit or debit card, and your new license will be mailed to your current address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and your address hasn't changed. You cannot renew online if you need to update your address, change your name, or add a REAL ID designation to your license. If any of those explore, you must renew in person or by mail.
In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office
Walk-in renewal is available at all Colorado DMV offices during regular business hours. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired more than five years ago, if you've changed your address, if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID license, or if you need to correct information on your license. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the DMV website shows current wait times for each office. You can also schedule an appointment online to skip the walk-in line at most locations.
Mail renewal and processing time
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (form DL 44) from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency if your address has changed since your last license was issued.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, in-person or online renewal is faster. Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago or if you've moved and need to update your address.
REAL ID versus standard license and federal requirements
Colorado offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard license costs $28.75 and is valid for five years. A REAL ID license costs $33.75 and is also valid for five years. Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID license or passport will be required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
If you renew online or by mail, you'll receive a standard license unless you specifically request a REAL ID upgrade. To get a REAL ID license, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a birth certificate or passport, and two documents proving your Colorado address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you already have a REAL ID license, your renewal will maintain that designation.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.75. A REAL ID license renewal costs $33.75. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order—the DMV does not accept credit cards or cash by mail.
The renewal fee covers the five-year validity period. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it; you must clear the suspension or revocation first by contacting the Colorado DMV or the court that issued the suspension.
What to do if your license is suspended or expired more than five years ago
If your Colorado driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must first contact the Colorado DMV to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required to clear it. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions, or other violations. The DMV can tell you the specific reason and the process to restore your driving privileges.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV will process your renewal as if you were explore for a new license, which may include a vision test and a new photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date shown on your current license. This is useful if you want to avoid the rush near the expiration date or if you're planning a trip and want a fresh license.
What if I've changed my name since my last license was issued?
You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your process, plus mailing time.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by renewing in person instead.
What if my current license is lost or stolen?
You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. You must explore for a replacement license in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. A replacement license costs $20.00 and is valid for the remainder of your current license's validity period.