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 Department of Revenue website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical or vision restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring a new photo; the DMV will take one at the office.
For an online renewal, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and your renewed license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number, and works for any renewal situation.
- The DMV takes your photo at the office during in-person renewal, so you don't need to bring one.
- A renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, or you can receive it when ready at the DMV office if you renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Walk into any Colorado DMV office during business hours with your documents. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and current hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online check-in system where you reserve a time slot before you arrive. Check your local office's page to see whether it uses this system. If it does, reserve your slot the day before or the morning of your visit.
The renewal process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll answer questions about your health and vision, have your photo taken, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new license on the spot. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $28.25 as of 2024, though this amount can change.
Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal and enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you'll answer health and vision questions, review your current information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.
Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address through the DMV before attempting online renewal.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can start the process at any time and return to finish it later if you save your session.
When your license has expired by more than one year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if getting a new license. This means you'll need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test, and you may need to provide additional documents depending on how long it has been since your license was issued.
Contact your local DMV office or the Colorado Department of Revenue to find out what documents you'll need to bring. The process is more involved than a standard renewal and takes longer, so plan for a full appointment rather than a quick visit.
Renewing by mail or through a third-party vendor
Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal through the DMV itself. However, some third-party vendors licensed by the state offer renewal services at their locations — typically in grocery stores, pharmacies, or standalone offices. These vendors can process your renewal faster than some DMV offices and may have more convenient hours.
To find a third-party vendor near you, search the Colorado Department of Revenue website for "express services" or "licensed vendors." The vendor will charge the same state fee plus a service fee, which varies by vendor. You'll bring the same documents as you would to a DMV office, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Colorado license is a traffic violation. If you're stopped, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have other violations on your record.
If your license is expiring soon, renew it before the expiration date to avoid this risk. If it has already expired, renew or reapply as soon as you can. You can legally drive to a DMV office to renew your license even if it's expired, but it's safer to renew before that point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I'm out of state?
If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew online if you meet the may be able to access requirements. If you're moving out of Colorado permanently, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead of renewing your Colorado license.
How long does a renewed Colorado license last?
A standard renewed license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. If you're 65 or older, you can choose a three-year renewal instead, which costs less. Military members on active duty can renew for eight years.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other renewal documents. You can renew in person or online if the name change is documented, but the DMV will update your name during processing.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition or vision restriction?
You must renew in person at a DMV office if you have any medical or vision restrictions on your current license. The DMV will evaluate whether those restrictions should continue or change before issuing your renewed license.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to report it to the DMV and get a replacement before you can renew. Contact your local DMV office to start the replacement process. Once you have a replacement, you can renew it like any other license.