How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Colorado driver's licenses renew every 10 years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation

Your Colorado driver's license expires on your birthday in the year printed on the front. The Colorado Department of Revenue handles renewals, and the method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and whether you want to renew early. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting a driver's license office, but some circumstances require an in-person appointment.

The renewal process itself is straightforward once you know which route applies to you. Colorado does not require a new photo every 10 years unless you request one, so many renewals take just a few minutes online. However, if your address has changed, you've been convicted of certain traffic offenses, or your license is expired by more than a year, you'll face different requirements.

Key Takeaways

Colorado driver's licenses are valid for 10 years from your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration through the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have no address changes or name changes.
Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives it.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, you've had a name change, or you want a new photo.
The renewal fee is the same regardless of method—currently $31.50 for a standard 10-year license—and does not change based on how much time remains on your current license.

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website

Online renewal is available if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have no address changes, and you have not changed your name since your last renewal. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The Colorado Department of Revenue website has a dedicated renewal portal where you enter this information, pay the fee, and receive confirmation when ready.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you want a new photo or need to update your address, online renewal is not an option—you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal with a paper form

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you have no name changes. You will need to complete form DR 2261, which is available on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Print the form, sign it, include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back), and send it with a check or money order for $31.50 to the address listed on the form.

Processing time is typically two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Mail can take several days to arrive, so plan accordingly if your license is expiring soon. Include a return address on your envelope so the office can send your new license back to you. You will receive a confirmation postcard showing your process was received, though this is not a may provide of approval.

In-person renewal at a Colorado driver's license office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, you have changed your name since your last renewal, you want a new photo, or you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses within the past 10 years. You will need to schedule an appointment through the Colorado Department of Revenue website or by calling the office in your county. Walk-in appointments are not may provide and may result in a long wait.

Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if yours has lapsed), proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days), and payment of $31.50. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, and you will receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Early renewal and when to start the process

Colorado allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel, need a new photo, or want to update your address before your current license expires. Early renewal does not extend your license expiration date—your new license will still expire on your birthday in the year it would have expired anyway.

Start your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires if you are using mail, or at least one week before if you are renewing online. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail; you must visit a driver's license office in person. Expired licenses can still be used for identification purposes in Colorado, but they cannot be used to drive a vehicle.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you will need to use mail renewal or in-person renewal. For mail renewal, include a note with your new address on the form, or complete a separate address change form (DR 2261) and mail it with your renewal.

Name changes always require in-person renewal. Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order. The Colorado Department of Revenue will not process a name change by mail or online. If you have both a name change and an address change, you still only need one in-person visit to handle both updates.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than one year

If your Colorado driver's license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a driver's license office in person and bring the same documents you would need for a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Your expired license counts as proof of identity, but the office may ask for additional documents depending on how long it has been expired.

Schedule an appointment at your county driver's license office through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Bring your expired license, a utility bill or lease for your current address, and $31.50. The appointment will take longer than a standard renewal because the office will verify your information more thoroughly. You will receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver's license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. Early renewal does not change your expiration date—your new license will still expire on your birthday in the year your current license would have expired. Online and mail renewal are both available for early renewal if you meet the requirements.

What happens if I drive with an expired Colorado license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado and can result in a traffic citation. However, an expired license can still be used for identification purposes. If your license has expired, you must renew it before driving again, even if you are only driving to the license office.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

Standard processing time is 7 to 10 business days after the Colorado Department of Revenue receives your renewal. Mail renewal by post takes an additional 3 to 5 days for your envelope to arrive at the office. Plan for at least two to three weeks total if you are renewing by mail.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Colorado driver's license?

No, Colorado does not require a new photo every 10 years. Your current photo will be used on your renewed license unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a driver's license office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes.

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.