Where to replace your Colorado driver's license

You can replace your Colorado driver's license at any Driver's License Office run by the Colorado Department of Revenue. The state operates offices in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the Colorado DMV website by entering your county or city. Walk-in service is available at all locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.

You can also renew or replace your license online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that need updating. Online replacement takes about five to seven business days for delivery.

Mail-in replacement is not an option for a lost, stolen, or damaged license in Colorado. You must appear in person at a Driver's License Office or use the online option if you may have access to.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a Driver's License Office requires your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Colorado residency, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Online replacement is available only if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical or vision restrictions.
  • A replacement license costs $20.50 in Colorado and is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
  • If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and bring the police report number to your appointment.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license at the office and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents you need to bring in person

Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized), a valid form of identity, and proof that you live in Colorado. For identity, the DMV accepts a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or an expired Colorado driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents such as a birth certificate plus a school ID or employee badge.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Colorado address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live at an address that is not yet on any official document, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property owner on their letterhead, along with a utility bill or lease in their name.

If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud, bring a copy of the police report or the report number. This protects you if someone tries to use your old license number and alerts the DMV to flag your account.

What happens at the Driver's License Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and run a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for driving when ready. This temporary license is good for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver's License Office where you applied.

The replacement fee is $20.50, paid by cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have limits on payment methods, so bring multiple options if possible.

Online replacement if your license is not expired by more than five years

To replace your license online, go to the Colorado DMV website and select the renewal or replacement option. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity against state records.

You will also need to upload a new photo or use an existing photo on file. If you upload a new photo, it must meet the DMV's standards: face clearly visible, taken against a plain background, and taken within the last six months. Glasses are allowed if they do not create a glare.

Once your process is submitted and processed, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 5 to 7 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If your license was lost or stolen

Report the loss or theft to your local police department and get a report number or a copy of the report. This step is important because it creates an official record and protects you if someone tries to use your old license number for fraud.

When you go to the Driver's License Office, bring the police report number or a copy of the report. The DMV will flag your old license as invalid and issue a new one with a different number. If you do not have a police report, you can still get a replacement, but the DMV may take longer to process it and may require additional verification.

If your license was stolen and you suspect identity theft, also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates a record you can use if fraudulent accounts are opened in your name.

Replacement timeline and what to expect

In-person replacement is the fastest option. You walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days. Online replacement takes 5 to 7 business days for delivery but requires no office visit. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for 30 days.

If you do not receive your new license within 14 days of your appointment or online submission, contact the Driver's License Office or call the Colorado DMV customer service line. Delays can happen during high-volume periods, especially around holidays or the start of the school year.

Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You will not need to renew it before that date unless your name changes, your address changes, or you want to update your photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for driving for 30 days. You must carry it with you whenever you drive. Law enforcement will accept it as proof of a valid license during that period.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

Bring proof of your new Colorado address to the Driver's License Office, and they will update it when they issue your replacement license. If you use online replacement, you can update your address in the system before you submit your process. The new address will appear on your replacement license.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted at all Colorado Driver's License Offices, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Check the DMV website for your local office's hours and appointment availability.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the Driver's License Office where you applied and explain the problem. They can issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge. Bring the damaged or incorrect license with you if you go in person.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed to the address on file with the DMV. You cannot pick it up at the office or have someone else collect it. If you are moving, update your address before you explore so the license is mailed to your new location.