Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Department of Revenue office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Colorado DMV website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you've had recent changes to your address or appearance.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to submit the same documents by post. Online renewal requires you to have a valid email address and answer security questions based on your driving record.

Your license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If it's been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado offers three renewal methods: in-person at a DMV office, by mail if your license expired within the last five years, or online through the state DMV website.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your documents, while online renewal is when ready if you're approved.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date.
  • The renewal fee is $28 for a five-year license or $68 for a ten-year license, payable by cash, check, or card depending on your method.

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website

The Colorado DMV website lets you renew online if your license expired within the last five years and you haven't had major changes like a new address or legal name. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.

The system will ask security questions based on your Colorado driving record—questions only you should be able to answer. Once you pass verification, you'll pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within seven to ten business days.

Online renewal does not work if you need to update your address, change your name, add a REAL ID designation, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must go in person.

In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office

Walk-in renewals are available at any Colorado Department of Revenue office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the Colorado DMV website.

Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring documents showing your new address. If you've changed your legal name, bring a certified copy of the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. The renewal fee is $28 for a five-year license or $68 for a ten-year license, payable by cash, check, or card.

Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within seven to ten business days.

Mail renewal for Colorado residents

If your license expired within the last five years and your address and name haven't changed, you can renew by mail. read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form from the Colorado DMV website, or call 303-205-5613 to request one by mail.

Complete the form and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee ($28 or $68 depending on the license term). Mail everything to the address listed on the form. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license within two to three weeks of receiving your documents.

Mail renewal is slower than in-person or online, but it works if you can't visit an office or prefer not to. Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

REAL ID and enhanced license options during renewal

When you renew, you can upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license or an enhanced license, both of which allow you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. A REAL ID costs $28 for five years or $68 for ten years—the same as a standard renewal. An enhanced license costs $68 for five years or $108 for ten years.

For either upgrade, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and your Social Security number. If you're explore for an enhanced license, you'll also need to provide your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number.

REAL ID and enhanced licenses look different from standard licenses and have different expiration rules. A REAL ID is valid for five or ten years like a standard license. An enhanced license is valid for five years only, regardless of which term you choose.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office with your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and Social Security number. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, but the DMV will verify that there are no holds or suspensions on your record before issuing a new license.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You'll need to contact the Colorado DMV to find out why it was suspended and what steps are required to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical conditions. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date one or two years from the date you renew, depending on whether you choose a five-year or ten-year license.

What if my address changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person if your address has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your new Colorado address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. You cannot update your address by mail or online.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal is when ready—you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within seven to ten business days. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, with the plastic card arriving in seven to ten business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your documents.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license. You'll need to replace it first by going in person to a DMV office with proof of identity and residency. Once you have a replacement license, you can renew it using any of the three methods. A replacement license costs $20.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo unless you request to keep your current one. You can ask to keep your current photo if you prefer.