Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few conditions
You can renew your Colorado driver's license through the Department of Revenue's online system without visiting an office, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $28.75 for a five-year license, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information — those changes require an in-person visit. Commercial driver's licenses also cannot be renewed online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is valid or expired less than one year ago; licenses expired longer than that require an office visit.
- You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to complete the renewal online.
- The renewal fee is $28.75 for a five-year license, paid by credit or debit card during the online process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you must visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office in person.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Online renewal is available to Colorado residents whose driver's license is currently valid or has been expired for less than one year. If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office and take the written and driving tests again, as if you were explore for a new license.
You cannot use the online system if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need to make any changes to the information on your license — including your address, legal name, or gender marker. You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition that requires a vision test or a letter from your doctor. In any of these situations, you must schedule an appointment at a local Division of Motor Vehicles office.
Steps to renew your license online
Go to the Colorado Division of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Look for the "Renew Your Driver's License" option on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Review the information displayed on your screen to confirm it is correct. If any details are wrong, stop the process and visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office instead — the online system cannot correct errors. Once you confirm that everything matches your current license, you will be asked to pay the $28.75 renewal fee using a credit or debit card. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this confirmation for your records.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Division of Motor Vehicles. If you have moved recently and your address has not been updated, your license will go to your old address. For this reason, update your address in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office before renewing online if you have moved.
You can continue to drive legally using your current license until your new one arrives. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though mail delays can extend this. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Division of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5600 to report it and request a replacement.
When you need to visit an office instead
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online. You will need to visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office, bring proof of residency and identity, and pass both the written knowledge test and the driving test. This process takes longer and costs more than a straightforward renewal.
You must also visit an office if you want to change your address, legal name, or any other information on your license. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as vision problems or a seizure disorder — you may need to provide a letter from your doctor or pass a vision test, which can only be done in person. Likewise, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license or have a suspended or revoked license, the online system will not work for you.
Payment and what your renewal covers
The online renewal fee is $28.75 for a five-year driver's license. You pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your renewal. There are no additional fees or hidden charges. The Division of Motor Vehicles does not accept payment by check, cash, or electronic transfer for online renewals.
Your renewal covers a standard driver's license valid for five years from the date you renew. If you want to add endorsements — such as a motorcycle endorsement or a hazardous materials endorsement — you cannot do that online and must visit an office. The same applies if you want to change your license class or add restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are currently valid or expired less than one year ago. If your license has been expired for two years or longer, you must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office and retake the written and driving tests as if you were explore for a new license.
What if I moved and my address is wrong on my current license?
You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. Visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office in person with proof of your new address — such as a utility bill or lease — and update your address before renewing online, or renew in person and update your address at the same time.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the Division of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5600.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office. You will need to pass a medical examination and may need to retake tests depending on your endorsements and the time since your last renewal.
What if the online system says I cannot renew?
The system will reject your renewal if your license is suspended, revoked, expired more than one year, or if there are errors in your personal information. In any case, you must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency.