How to Renew Your Driver License in Colorado

Colorado driver license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and how much time you have

Colorado offers three paths to renew your driver license: online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. The online route is fastest and available to most drivers whose licenses are not expired more than one year. Mail renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed. In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired more than one year, if you need to update your address or medical information, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face.

Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal typically processes within one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. In-person renewal can be completed the same day you visit, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is the fastest option and works for most Colorado drivers whose licenses expired less than one year ago.
Mail renewal requires your license to have expired within the last five years and takes three to four weeks to process.
In-person renewal is necessary if your license expired more than one year ago or if you have changes to your address, medical conditions, or restrictions.
You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee to complete any renewal method.
Colorado charges different renewal fees depending on whether you renew for four or eight years, and fees vary slightly based on your age.

Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website

Online renewal is available at the Colorado Department of Revenue's website. You will need your current or expired driver license, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

You can renew online if your license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need updating, and your address has not changed. If any of these do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person instead. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are able to proceed or whether you need to visit a DMV office.

After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Processing takes one to two weeks, and you can continue driving on your expired license during this time as long as it has not been expired more than one year.

Mailing in your renewal process

Mail renewal is an option if your license expired within the last five years and you have no changes to your medical information, restrictions, or address. You will need to request a mail renewal form from the Colorado DMV by calling 303-205-5600 or by visiting a DMV office in person. The DMV will mail you the form, which you then complete and return with your payment and current or expired license.

Mail your completed process, payment, and license to the address provided on the form. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received, which typically takes three to four weeks. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file once processing is complete. During this time, you can continue driving on your expired license.

Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal but takes longer. Use this option only if you cannot visit a DMV office and do not need to update any information on your license.

Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to update your address, if your medical conditions or restrictions have changed, or if you prefer to complete the process face-to-face. You will need to visit a Colorado DMV office with your current or expired license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address. The DMV office will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends. Some Colorado DMV offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to see which offices near you offer appointments.

Documents and fees you will need

For any renewal method, you will need your current or expired Colorado driver license. If you are renewing in person, you will also need proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. If your address has changed and you are renewing by mail or online, you will not be able to update it through those methods and will need to visit a DMV office instead.

Colorado renewal fees depend on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact fee varies slightly based on your age. The DMV website lists current fees, which change periodically. Payment is accepted by debit card, credit card, or check (for mail renewals only).

If you need to change your name, add or remove restrictions, or update medical information, you must renew in person. The DMV office will provide any additional forms you need to complete these changes at the time of your visit.

What happens if your license expired more than one year ago

If your Colorado driver license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person. The renewal process is the same as for a current or recently expired license, but you will need to bring the same documents: your expired license and proof of residency.

Driving with a license expired more than one year is illegal in Colorado. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a traffic citation. Renew your license as soon as possible by visiting a DMV office. You can schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time.

Tracking your renewed license and what to do if it does not arrive

After you renew online or by mail, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Processing takes one to two weeks, and delivery by mail typically takes an additional three to five business days. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.

If your new license does not arrive within three weeks of your renewal date, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600. Have your license number and date of birth ready. The DMV can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if there was a problem with the original mailing.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your expired license or temporary paper license is valid for driving during the renewal processing period. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license by cutting it in half.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver license if I moved out of state?

No. Colorado driver licenses are only renewed by Colorado residents. If you have moved out of state, you will need to obtain a driver license from your new state. You can surrender your Colorado license to the DMV office in your new state, or you can mail it to the Colorado DMV with a note explaining that you have moved.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct information. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by visiting a DMV office instead, though this means you will not be able to use those faster methods.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Colorado DMV to understand why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are required to restore it. Call 303-205-5600 for information about your specific situation.

What if I want to change my address during renewal?

If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot update your address through those methods. You must visit a DMV office in person to change your address. Bring your expired or current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

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.