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 Department of Revenue office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must renew in person.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year license. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. The new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. By-mail renewal follows the same cost and timeline but requires you to mail in your current license and a completed form.
In-person renewal at a local office takes 15 to 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and payment. In-person renewal costs the same $28.75 for a five-year license, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while the plastic card is mailed to you.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado allows online renewal for valid licenses and costs $28.75 for a five-year renewal in all three methods.
- Online renewal takes 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days; by-mail renewal follows the same timeline but requires mailing your current license.
- If your license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must go to a Department of Revenue office in person.
- In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) for in-person renewal but not for online or mail renewal.
When your license is still valid: online or mail renewal
If your Colorado driver's license has not yet expired, the Colorado Department of Revenue website lets you renew online without leaving home. Go to the DMV's online renewal portal, enter your license number and date of birth, and answer a few security questions. You will then upload a new photo or use your existing one from your current license. The system accepts photos taken with a smartphone or webcam.
Payment is by credit or debit card only—no cash or check. After you submit payment, you receive a confirmation email with a transaction number. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. If you have moved recently, update your address before you renew, or your license will arrive at your old home.
Mail renewal works the same way but requires you to print and mail a form. read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-44R) from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out by hand or type it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a new photo or a note saying to use your existing photo. Mail renewal takes longer overall because of postal delays—expect 2 to 3 weeks from the time the office receives your envelope.
When your license has expired: in-person renewal only
Once your Colorado driver's license expires, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Department of Revenue office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency dated within the last 90 days (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address), and payment in cash, check, or card.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed. The plastic license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the plastic arrives, the paper license is your proof of a valid license.
Wait times at Colorado DMV offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Offices in Denver and other large cities often have longer waits, especially on Fridays and around the end of the month. Arriving early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others use an online appointment system. Check the Colorado DMV website to see which offices near you take appointments and whether you can book one ahead of time.
Finding a Department of Revenue office near you
Colorado has 24 Department of Revenue offices statewide. The main office is in Denver, but every county has at least one location. Use the office locator on the Colorado DMV website to find the address, phone number, hours, and whether that office takes appointments. Some smaller offices have limited hours—a few are open only two or three days a week—so check before you drive there.
If you live in a rural area far from any office, call the main DMV line at 303-205-5600 to ask about mobile services or whether a nearby office can handle your renewal. Some counties have temporary mobile DMV units that visit smaller towns on a rotating schedule.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving on an expired Colorado driver's license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations. A first offense for driving with an expired license typically results in a fine of $65 to $100, though a judge can impose additional penalties.
More importantly, if you are in an accident while driving on an expired license, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for all damages. This is why renewing before your license expires is worth the small effort. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar two months before your expiration date so you have time to renew by mail or in person if online renewal is not an option.
License renewal costs and what you get
A five-year Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.75 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the standard renewal fee. If you are renewing an expired license, the fee is the same, though some offices may charge a small additional processing fee if your license has been expired for more than a year—ask when you call or visit.
Your renewed license is valid for five years from the issue date. It has the same format as your current license: a plastic card with your photo, signature, address, and license number. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), you can upgrade during renewal by bringing additional documents like a birth certificate or passport. A REAL ID upgrade costs an extra $10 and takes the same processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I have moved out of state?
No. Colorado only renews licenses for people who still live in Colorado. If you have moved, you must get a driver's license from your new state. Contact that state's DMV to find out what documents you need. You can keep your Colorado license as an ID, but it cannot be used as a valid driver's license once you are no longer a resident.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your current legal name.
How long does a paper temporary license last?
A temporary paper license issued at a Department of Revenue office is valid for 30 days. It is a legal driving document during that time. Your plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, call the DMV to check the status. If your plastic license is lost in the mail, the office can issue a replacement.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to resolve the suspension or revocation. Call 303-205-5600 or visit an office to find out what is required to restore your driving privileges. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then renew your license.
What if I do not have proof of residency for in-person renewal?
Proof of residency dated within 90 days is required for in-person renewal. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address, such as a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency. Call the office ahead of time to confirm what documents they will accept in your situation.