Renewing your Colorado license online, by mail, or in person
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address correction since your last renewal. By mail takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.
Your renewal method depends on your license status and how soon you need it. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a DMV office. If you changed your name or address and need that reflected on your new license, online renewal will not work either. For most people with current licenses and no changes, online is the simplest choice.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is current, you have not changed your name or address, and you can pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a check or money order to the DMV address on the renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than six months ago or if you have had a name or address change.
- Colorado renewal fees vary by license type and duration — a standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal.
- You will need your Social Security number and current Colorado address to renew, regardless of which method you choose.
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website
Start at the Colorado Department of Revenue DMV website and look for the "Renew Your License" option. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address and verify that nothing has changed since your last renewal — if you moved or changed your name, you cannot proceed online and must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
The online process takes about five to ten minutes. After you submit payment, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives — your old license remains valid during this time. If you need your license faster, in-person renewal is your only option for a same-day or next-day result.
Mail renewal: what to send and where
If you choose mail renewal, the DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. This notice includes the mailing address, the renewal fee amount, and instructions on what to include. You will need to send your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue), and the renewal notice itself.
Mail your renewal package to the address listed on the notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your package. Do not mail cash — use a check or money order only. If you do not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can request one by calling the DMV at 303-205-5600 or visiting a DMV office. Keep a copy of everything you mail in case there are questions about your renewal.
In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office
Visit any Colorado DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works), and payment for the renewal fee. Bring your Social Security number as well — you will need it to verify your identity. Most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Smaller towns typically have shorter waits than Denver or Colorado Springs offices. You can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go. If your license expired more than six months ago, in-person renewal is your only option — bring the same documents listed above. You will receive your new license when ready or within a few days, depending on whether the office prints it on-site.
Renewal fees and license duration options
Colorado offers two renewal periods: five years and eight years. A five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact fee depends on your license type and the duration you choose. When you renew online or by mail, you will see the fee before you pay. At a DMV office, staff will tell you the cost when you arrive.
If you are over 65, you may be charged a different fee — ask at the DMV office or check the website for current rates. Military members stationed outside Colorado may have different renewal options; contact the DMV directly if this applies to you. The fee covers the license itself and the administrative processing cost.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can still use online or mail renewal. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation.
If your license has been expired for more than a year, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test or written exam again. Call 303-205-5600 to ask whether you will need to test before you go to the office. Having this information ahead of time saves a wasted trip.
Name changes and address corrections during renewal
If you changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person and bring a document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name. The same rule applies if you need to correct your address: online and mail renewal only work if your address is already correct in the DMV system.
If you moved within Colorado, you can update your address at the same time you renew your license. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you moved to Colorado from another state, you will need to get a new Colorado license rather than renewing — contact the DMV for the requirements for new residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for over a year?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV may require you to pass a vision test or written exam again if your license has been expired for a long time. Call 303-205-5600 before you go to find out what tests you will need to take.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?
The DMV mails your new license after you complete online renewal. Standard delivery takes seven to ten business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need it faster, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
What if I moved and my address is wrong in the DMV system?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your address needs to be corrected. Go to a DMV office in person with proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). The DMV will update your address and issue your new license at the same time.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?
Most Colorado DMV offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now use an online appointment system. Check the Colorado DMV website to see whether your local office requires an appointment or accepts walk-ins. Booking ahead can reduce your wait time.
What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. Go to a DMV office in person and explain that your license is lost. You will need to pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. Bring your Social Security number and proof of your current address.