Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Colorado driver's license through the Department of Revenue's online portal without visiting an office, as long as your current license hasn't expired more than one year ago and you don't need to change your address, name, or other personal information. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $28.75, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than a year ago, if you need to update your address or legal name, or if you want to change your photo, you'll need to renew in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is valid or expired less than one year ago, and you don't need to change your address, name, or photo.
- You'll need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the online renewal.
- The renewal fee is $28.75 and must be paid by debit card, credit card, or electronic check during the online transaction.
- Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you can't renew online, you must schedule an appointment at a Division of Motor Vehicles office through the state's online scheduling system.
Who can renew online
You're may be able to access for online renewal if your Colorado driver's license is currently valid or expired no more than one year ago. You also cannot have any changes to make to your record — your address, legal name, and photo must all remain the same as what's on your current license.
You must be at least 21 years old to renew online. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online and must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office in person.
If you've had any traffic convictions, license suspensions, or other violations since your last renewal, you can still renew online as long as your license itself hasn't been suspended or revoked.
What you'll need before you start
Gather these items before you go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal: your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments.
You'll also need an email address where you can receive a confirmation of your renewal. The state will send you a receipt and tracking information to this address, so use one you check regularly.
Have your current license in front of you when you start the process. You won't need to upload a photo or any documents — the state will use your existing photo and information from your current license.
Steps to renew online
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page and select the online renewal option. You'll be directed to create or log into a Colorado Online Services account if you don't already have one. This account lets you manage multiple state transactions in one place.
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 and display it on the screen. Review everything carefully — your name, address, date of birth, and current photo should all be correct.
Confirm that you don't need to make any changes to your information. If anything is wrong, stop here and schedule an in-person appointment instead, because you cannot correct information online. Select the checkbox confirming that your address and personal details are current.
Review the renewal fee of $28.75 and enter your payment information. The state processes payments when ready. Once your payment goes through, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Write this number down or save the email — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
What happens after you submit
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license during this time — there's no gap in your driving privileges. The state will not send you a temporary license or paper document to carry while you wait.
If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Division of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5600 with your confirmation number. Have your current license available when you call.
Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid. You don't need to return the old license to the state, but you should destroy it or keep it in a safe place so it can't be misused.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online and must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office. The state treats licenses that have been expired for more than a year as if they were never issued, so you'll need to go through a full renewal process with a new photo and identity verification.
You also must renew in person if you need to change your address, legal name, or date of birth. If you want to update your photo because you've changed your appearance significantly, you'll need an in-person appointment. Commercial driver's license holders must always renew in person.
To schedule an in-person appointment, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online appointment system and select a Division of Motor Vehicles office near you. Most offices have appointments available within two to four weeks. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or other identity document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my address changed?
No. Online renewal only works if your address stays the same as what's on your current license. If you've moved, you must schedule an in-person appointment at a Division of Motor Vehicles office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online if you don't have your current license number. You'll need to visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office to report it lost and get a replacement. Bring your Social Security card and another form of ID, such as a passport or birth certificate.
How long is my new license valid for?
A renewed Colorado driver's license is valid for 10 years from the date it's issued. Your renewal confirmation email will show the expiration date of your new license.
Can I renew online if I have a suspended license?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must contact the Division of Motor Vehicles to resolve the suspension before you can renew. Call 303-205-5600 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take.
What if my payment is declined?
If your debit card, credit card, or electronic check is declined, the renewal will not go through and you won't be charged. Try again with a different payment method, or contact your bank to make sure the card isn't blocked for online transactions. If you continue to have trouble, you can renew in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office instead.