How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at a Department of Revenue office, by mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website — but not all three options work for every situation. The fastest route is online if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your address, name, or medical information. If any of those have changed, or if your license is expired by more than one year, you'll need to go in person.

Before you choose a method, gather your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to know your Colorado driver's license number.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 if your license is valid, your address hasn't changed, and you have no medical restrictions to update.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your packet and costs $28.75, but you cannot change your address or name this way.
In-person renewal at a DMV office takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on wait times and is required if your license is expired by more than one year or you need to update your address or name.
Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Colorado licenses are valid for eight years, so plan to renew before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.

Online renewal: fastest if nothing has changed

The Colorado DMV website lets you renew online if your current license is still valid, you haven't moved, and you have no new medical conditions to report. Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and answer questions about your current information. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access to renew online before you pay.

The fee is $28.75, paid by debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. This method works only if you're renewing before your license expires — if it's already expired, you cannot use the online system.

Mail renewal: no office visit, but limited changes

You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you don't need to change your address, name, or medical information. Request a renewal form from the Colorado DMV by calling 303-205-5600 or visiting a DMV office in person. Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of address, and mail the packet to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $28.75.

The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. After they receive your packet, processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive your renewed license by mail at the address on your form. If you need to update your address, name, or medical information, you must renew in person instead — the mail option cannot handle those changes.

In-person renewal: required for address changes and expired licenses

Visit a Colorado Department of Revenue office if your license is expired by more than one year, you've moved and need to update your address, you've changed your name, or you have new medical information to report. Bring your current license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring the certified document that shows the change.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Smaller offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits, while Denver-area offices can have 30- to 45-minute waits during lunch hours and late afternoon. The renewal itself takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter. You'll pay $28.75 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your renewed license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods — online, mail, or in person. If it expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online or mail options and must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you've submitted a renewal process. The police can cite you for an expired license regardless of whether your renewal is pending. If your license has been expired for more than one year, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test or written exam before issuing your renewed license, so ask when you arrive.

Fees and what's included in your renewal

A standard eight-year renewal costs $28.75 in Colorado, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers your new license card and the processing. If you need to add a Real ID designation (a federal security standard required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings), the fee is higher — $48.75 for an eight-year license with Real ID. You can add Real ID during renewal if you bring the required documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address.

Your renewed license will have the same number as your current one. It will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal. If you renew before your current license expires, your new expiration date will be eight years from your current expiration date, not eight years from the renewal date — so you don't lose time on your license.

Tracking your renewed license after you explore

After you renew online, by mail, or in person, you can check the status of your license on the Colorado DMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The status page shows whether your renewal has been received, approved, and mailed. Once it's mailed, the page will show an estimated delivery date based on standard mail delivery times.

If your renewed license doesn't arrive within 14 business days of approval, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600. Have your driver's license number and the date you renewed ready. The DMV can check whether the license was mailed and, if necessary, reissue it. Do not drive with an expired license while waiting for your renewal — if you're stopped, you can be cited even if your renewal is in process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I'm out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if you're out of state and your license is still valid. For mail renewal, request the form by phone at 303-205-5600 and mail it to the address provided. Online renewal works the same way as it does in Colorado. If you need to change your address to an out-of-state address, you can do that during online renewal or in person when you return to Colorado.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it instead. Contact a Colorado DMV office to report the loss and request a replacement license. Bring your proof of identity, proof of address, and Social Security number. A replacement license costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my license?

Real ID is not required to renew your license, but it is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in 2025. If you want to add Real ID during renewal, bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. The fee for an eight-year license with Real ID is $48.75 instead of $28.75.

Can I renew my license if my vision has changed?

If your vision has changed significantly, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test during renewal. This is most common if your license has restrictions related to vision or if you're renewing in person after an expired license. You can take a vision test at any DMV office. If you fail, you may need to visit an eye doctor and bring a vision report to the DMV before your license is renewed.

What if my address changed after I renewed online?

If you renewed online and then moved before your new license arrived, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 with your new address. They can redirect your license to your new address if it hasn't been mailed yet. If it's already in the mail, you can pick it up at your old address or request a replacement license with your new address for a $20 fee.

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.