Colorado driver licenses expire every 10 years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
Colorado's Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all license renewals. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've changed your name or address, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people can renew online through the state's website without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person appointment.
Your license expiration date is printed on the front. If you renew before it expires, you avoid the risk of driving with an invalid license—which can result in a traffic citation even if your driving record is clean. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must go to a DMV office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through Colorado's DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $31.50 for a 10-year license if you don't need a new photo.
- You can renew online only if your current license is still valid, your address hasn't changed, and you don't want to update your photo.
- Mail renewal requires mailing your current license to the DMV along with a completed form and payment; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired, you've changed your name, or you want a new photo.
- Colorado DMV offices require appointments; you can schedule one online or by calling 303-205-5613.
Online renewal: fastest option if your information hasn't changed
The Colorado DMV website allows you to renew online if your current license is valid, your address is current in the system, and you don't need a new photo. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Go to the Colorado DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. The process takes about 10 minutes. The cost is $31.50 for a standard 10-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue driving legally.
Online renewal is not available if your address has changed since your last license was issued. The DMV uses your address on file to mail your new license, so if you've moved, you must either update your address in person at a DMV office or use mail renewal and include a proof of residency document with your process.
Mail renewal: slower but no appointment needed
You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. You'll need to complete Form DR 2261 (process for Renewal of Driver License), which you can read from the Colorado DMV website or request by mail.
Mail your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for $31.50 to the address listed on the form. Include a proof of residency document (such as a utility bill or lease) if your address has changed. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you. This typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, though it may take longer during busy periods.
Do not mail cash. If you're concerned about mailing your physical license, remember that once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid anyway. The DMV recommends using certified mail or a tracked service if you want confirmation of delivery.
In-person renewal: required for expired licenses and photo updates
You must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office if your license has expired, you've changed your legal name, you want a new photo, or you need to update your address and cannot do so online. You'll also need to renew in person if you're changing your gender marker or correcting other information on your license.
Schedule an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling 303-205-5613. Walk-in appointments are not available; you must have a scheduled time slot. Bring your current license (or expired license if it's expired), proof of residency if your address has changed, and payment ($31.50 for a standard 10-year license). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.).
Your appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll have your photo taken at the office, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last 4 digits of SSN, payment method | $31.50 | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, completed Form DR 2261, proof of residency if address changed, check or money order | $31.50 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-Person | Current license, proof of residency if address changed, name change document if applicable, payment method | $31.50 | 7–10 business days (after appointment) |
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you've moved, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal will not allow you to proceed if your address differs from what's in the system. Mail renewal requires you to include a proof of residency document—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your new address, dated within the last 60 days.
If you're changing your name, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the legal change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order. The DMV will not accept photocopies or uncertified documents.
Other updates—such as changing your gender marker, correcting your height or eye color, or updating your emergency contact information—can be done in person at a DMV office. Some of these changes may require supporting documents; check the Colorado DMV website for specifics.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, even if you've submitted a renewal process. You also cannot renew online or by mail once your license has expired; you must go to a DMV office in person.
If you're close to your expiration date, renew as soon as possible. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. If you're already expired, schedule an in-person appointment when ready. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DMV will issue you a new license on the spot, though you'll still need to wait 7 to 10 business days for it to arrive by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I'm out of state?
Yes. If your license is still valid and your information hasn't changed, you can renew online from anywhere. If you need to renew by mail or in person, you can mail your process and documents to the DMV address, or schedule an in-person appointment when you're back in Colorado. Your current license remains valid while you wait for your new one.
What if I lost my license before renewal?
You'll need to replace it before you can renew. Go to a Colorado DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency. You can replace and renew in the same visit. The cost is $20 for a replacement plus $31.50 for the renewal.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
No. You can renew without a new photo if you renew online or by mail. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Your photo is required to be updated every 10 years at minimum, but you can request a new one at any renewal.
How much does a Colorado driver license renewal cost?
A standard 10-year renewal costs $31.50. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license at the same time, add $20. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online accepts debit or credit cards, mail accepts checks or money orders, and in-person accepts cash, check, debit, or credit card.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document showing the legal change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.). The DMV will not accept photocopies. Schedule an appointment online or by phone before you go.