You can renew your Colorado driver's license online if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements
Colorado allows you to renew your driver's license through its online portal without visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles office. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a standard five-year renewal. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Online renewal works only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have no medical or vision restrictions that need updating, and your address on file matches where you live now. If your license has already expired, you've had a name change, or you need to update restrictions, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal requires a valid (not expired) Colorado driver's license and costs $28.25 for a five-year renewal.
- You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the process online.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- If your license is expired, you have restrictions to update, or your address has changed, you must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office.
- The Colorado DMV online renewal system is available 24 hours a day, but processing happens during business hours.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you log into the Colorado DMV portal. You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your DMV record.
Have a valid debit or credit card ready to pay the $28.25 renewal fee. Colorado DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You should also confirm that your mailing address on file is correct — if it's not, update it before you renew, or your new license will arrive at the wrong location.
Steps to renew online through the Colorado DMV portal
Go to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles website and select "Driver License Renewal" from the main menu. You'll be directed to the online renewal system, where you'll enter your driver's license number and date of birth to locate your record.
The system will display your current information and ask you to confirm or update it. Review your name, address, and any restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your card details and submit your payment. Once approved, you'll receive a confirmation number — save this for your records.
After you submit, your process goes into the processing queue. You can check the status of your renewal using your confirmation number on the DMV website. Most renewals are processed within one business day, though it can take up to three days during busy periods.
When you must renew in person instead
You cannot use online renewal if your license has already expired. Colorado law requires an in-person visit to the DMV if you're renewing an expired license, even if it expired just days ago. You'll need to schedule an appointment at your local DMV office and bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
You also must renew in person if you need to add or remove medical restrictions, update your vision correction status, add or remove motorcycle or commercial endorsements, or change your legal name. If your address has changed and you haven't updated it with the DMV yet, you can do that online before you renew your license, but if you're also changing restrictions or endorsements, you'll need an in-person appointment.
If you've had a change in your Social Security number or if the DMV cannot verify your identity through the online system, you'll be notified and directed to visit an office in person.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your renewal is approved. You can continue to drive using your current license during this time — your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.
If you need to drive out of state or need your license number for another reason before your new card arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DMV website using your confirmation number. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for identification purposes, though some businesses may not accept it.
If your new license doesn't arrive within 12 business days, contact the Colorado DMV. You may need to file a replacement request or visit an office in person to investigate the delay.
Fees and payment options for online renewal
A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $28.25 online. This is the same price as renewing in person. Colorado DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. There is no option to pay by check, cash, or electronic bank transfer through the online system.
If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online — you must visit a DMV office in person. The same applies if you hold a hazmat endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. Colorado requires in-person renewal for any expired license, regardless of how long ago it expired. You'll need to visit a DMV office, bring your expired license and proof of residency, and pay the renewal fee. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may also need to retake the written test.
What if I move to a different address before my new license arrives?
Contact the Colorado DMV before your new license ships. You can update your address on the DMV website or call the DMV to request that your license be mailed to your new address. If your license has already been mailed to your old address, you may need to file a replacement request or visit an office to reissue it.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you choose to renew in person and request a new photo at that time.
How do I check if my online renewal was approved?
Use your confirmation number on the Colorado DMV website to check your renewal status. You can also call the DMV customer service line. Most renewals are approved within one business day, and you'll receive an email confirmation when your license is mailed.
What if the online system says I can't renew online?
The system will tell you why you're not may be able to access for online renewal. Common reasons include an expired license, pending restrictions, or an address mismatch. Follow the instructions provided to schedule an in-person appointment or update your information before trying again.