How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it's only open to drivers whose licenses haven't expired more than one year ago and who don't need to update their address, name, or other information on the license itself.

If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works), and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address. If you're renewing after your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and driving test, so check the DMV website or call ahead to confirm what's required for your situation.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes minutes and costs less, but only works if your license expired within the last year and you have no address or name changes.
In-person renewal at a DMV office requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency dated within 60 days, and a vision test.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake written and driving tests — contact your local DMV office first to confirm.
A standard five-year renewal costs $28.25 online or $33.25 in person; an eight-year renewal costs $48.25 online or $53.25 in person.

Online renewal step-by-step

Go to the Colorado DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record. Review all the information on your license — address, name, date of birth — and confirm it's correct. If anything needs to change, you cannot complete the online process and must go to a DMV office instead.

Choose your license term: five years or eight years. Pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number and a temporary digital license that you can use when ready on your phone while you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you can show your confirmation number and ID if stopped by law enforcement.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website and check its hours — some offices have limited schedules. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary. During busy periods (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays), you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

Bring your current license, proof of residency, and be ready to pass a vision test at the office. The staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. The physical license arrives within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.

Renewal costs and license term options

Colorado offers two renewal terms: a five-year license and an eight-year license. The five-year renewal costs $28.25 if you renew online or $33.25 if you renew in person. The eight-year renewal costs $48.25 online or $53.25 in person. The in-person fee is higher because it includes the cost of the vision test and the staff time to process your process at the office.

Choose the eight-year term if you want to reduce how often you renew and don't mind paying more upfront. Choose the five-year term if you prefer lower costs now and don't mind renewing more frequently. Both licenses are valid for their full term as long as you don't change your address, name, or other information — if you do, you'll need to visit a DMV office to update your license before it expires.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than 30 days ago, you can still renew it using the same process as above. If it expired more than 30 days ago but fewer than one year ago, you can still renew online if nothing on your license needs to change. If your license has been expired for more than one year, Colorado requires you to retake the written knowledge test and the driving test before you can renew. In this case, you must visit a DMV office in person — you cannot renew online.

Contact your local DMV office before you go to confirm what tests you'll need to take and what materials to bring. Some offices may require you to schedule an appointment for the driving test rather than walk in. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, plus any study materials you need for the written test.

Renewing after a name or address change

If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must go to a DMV office in person and bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your new address if applicable. The staff will update your record and issue a new license with your current information.

If you've moved to a new address in Colorado, you can update it online during the renewal process if you're renewing online. If you're renewing in person, bring a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. If you've moved out of Colorado, you cannot renew your Colorado license — you'll need to get a license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, if it expired fewer than one year ago. You can renew online if nothing on your license needs to change, or in person at a DMV office. If it expired more than one year ago, you must visit a DMV office and retake the written and driving tests. Call your local office first to confirm what you'll need.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

The physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases. If you renew online, you get a temporary digital license when ready that you can use on your phone. If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DMV office?

Most Colorado DMV offices accept walk-ins, but some locations offer online appointment scheduling that can reduce your wait time. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day, often ranging from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak times.

What if my address changed but I don't want to renew yet?

You can update your address without renewing your license by visiting a DMV office in person or by mail. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. This keeps your license valid until its original expiration date but updates the address on file.

Can I renew my license by mail?

Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the DMV website or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license hasn't expired more than one year ago and you have no changes to your information.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.