You can renew your Colorado driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Colorado allows online renewal through its Department of Revenue website, but not everyone qualifies. You can renew online if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical or vision restrictions that need updating, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a driver's license office instead.
The online process takes about 15 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year renewal or $57.50 for a ten-year renewal. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. The renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no changes to medical restrictions, vision restrictions, or your name or address.
- You renew through the Colorado Department of Revenue website at dmv.colorado.gov, not through a third-party service.
- The fee is $28.75 for five years or $57.50 for ten years, paid by credit or debit card during the online process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you do not meet the online requirements, you must visit a driver's license office in person, and you can schedule an appointment ahead of time to reduce wait time.
Check your may be able to access before you start
Before you begin the online renewal, verify that you meet all four conditions. Your license must not be expired more than five years ago. If it expired six years ago or longer, the system will not let you renew online and you will need to go to an office.
You also cannot have any medical restrictions or vision restrictions on your current license that need to be updated or removed. If your doctor told you to remove a restriction, or if you now need one, you must renew in person so a staff member can review the documentation. The same applies if you have changed your name since your last renewal—even if it was a legal change—or if your address has changed. The online system cannot process these updates.
If you are unsure whether you have restrictions on your license, look at the back of your physical license card. Restrictions appear as codes and descriptions in the lower section. If you see anything listed there and you are not certain what it means, call the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 before you attempt online renewal.
How to renew online step by step
Go to dmv.colorado.gov and look for the "Renew Your Driver's License Online" link on the homepage. You will be taken to a find renewal portal. Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information.
Review all the information on screen: your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is incorrect, stop and contact the Colorado Department of Revenue before proceeding. Errors on your renewed license are difficult to fix later. If everything is correct, confirm that you want to renew for either five years or ten years, then proceed to payment.
Enter your credit or debit card information. Colorado does not accept checks, money orders, or cash for online renewal. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do while you wait for your new license
You can continue to drive and use your old license for all purposes until your new one arrives. There is no gap period where you are unlicensed. If you are stopped by law enforcement, your old license is still valid proof that you have renewed.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, check your email for any messages from the Colorado Department of Revenue. Sometimes mail is delayed. If you have not received it after 14 days, call 303-205-5613 with your confirmation number and they can check the status or reissue the license.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit a driver's license office and bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or tax identification number. The office will test your vision and take a new photo.
You also must renew in person if you have a medical or vision restriction that needs to be added, removed, or changed. Bring any documentation from your doctor or eye care provider that supports the change. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the legal change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have moved to a new address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your new address.
You can schedule an appointment at a Colorado driver's license office online at dmv.colorado.gov or by calling 303-205-5613. Appointments reduce wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.
Fees and what your renewal covers
A five-year online renewal costs $28.75. A ten-year renewal costs $57.50. These are the only fees for online renewal; there are no additional processing fees or hidden charges. The fee covers the license card itself and the administrative cost of processing your renewal.
Your renewed license is valid for the full term you choose—five or ten years from the date of renewal. It carries the same class (Class D for regular passenger vehicles, Class M for motorcycles, and so on) and the same endorsements as your current license. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online; you must renew in person at an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is currently suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew online or in person if your license is under suspension or revocation. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Call 303-205-5613 to find out what steps you need to take to clear the suspension before you can renew.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. You can schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an office. The office will take a new photo at no additional cost.
What happens if my payment fails during online renewal?
If your credit or debit card is declined, the system will tell you when ready and you can try again with a different card. Your license will not be renewed until payment goes through. You can attempt the renewal again at any time.
Can I renew my license online if I have a REAL ID?
Yes, if you meet all other requirements. Your REAL ID status does not prevent online renewal. However, if your REAL ID is expiring and you want to renew it, you must renew in person because REAL ID renewal requires verification of your identity documents in front of a staff member.