Where to renew your Denver driver's license

You can renew your Colorado driver's license at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, but the Denver metro area has several locations. The main Denver office is at 405 South Cherry Street, Denver, CO 80246. You can also renew at satellite offices in Aurora, Littleton, Westminster, and other surrounding areas. Each location handles renewals, so you do not have to go to the main office.

Before you go in person, check the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov) to see current wait times at each location. Some offices have shorter lines at specific times of day. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any Colorado DMV office in the Denver area, or by mail if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • A standard renewal costs $28.50 and is valid for five years; a REAL ID-compliant license costs $33.50 and is required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
  • In-person renewals usually take 15 to 45 minutes depending on the office and time of day; mail renewals take two to three weeks.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

What documents you need to bring

For an in-person renewal at a Denver DMV office, bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of your current address in Colorado, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail as proof of residency—the document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail, you will need to include copies of these documents rather than originals.

Renewing by mail versus in person

You can renew by mail only if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, and your name is the same as it appears on your current license. To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-44R) from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your current license and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.

If your license is already expired, your address has changed, or your name is different, you must renew in person at a DMV office. In-person renewals are faster—usually 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is—and you walk out with your new license the same day (though you may receive an updated card in the mail within a few days).

Standard license versus REAL ID

Colorado offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard renewal costs $28.50 and is valid for five years. A REAL ID license costs $33.50 and is also valid for five years, but it meets federal security standards and is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025.

If you already have a REAL ID license, your renewal will be REAL ID by default unless you ask for a standard license instead. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, tell the DMV staff when you arrive. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal.

Vision test and photo requirements

During an in-person renewal, the DMV will test your vision to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you. You will also have a new photo taken for your license. Wear something you feel comfortable in—the photo will be on your license for five years.

If you are renewing by mail and your vision has changed significantly, the DMV may ask you to come in for a vision test before they process your renewal. This is rare, but it can delay your renewal by a week or two.

What happens after you renew

If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, your new license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks of the DMV receiving your process.

Your old license becomes invalid once your new one arrives. You do not have to do anything with the old one—you can keep it as a record or destroy it. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Colorado does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. The mail option is the closest to online, but it still requires you to print, fill out, and mail a form.

What if my license is already expired?

You cannot renew by mail if your license is expired. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as you can.

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

Colorado DMV offices do not require appointments for renewals. You can walk in during business hours. However, you can check wait times on the DMV website before you go, and some offices are less busy at certain times of day.

How much does a renewal cost?

A standard five-year renewal costs $28.50. A REAL ID-compliant renewal costs $33.50. The DMV accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at in-person locations. Mail renewals require a check or money order.

Can I renew early?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.