Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Department of Revenue office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes; the online route takes minutes but only works if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical restrictions or address changes to report.
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 changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless you're renewing for the first time after moving to Colorado.
If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your driving history and previous addresses.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number.
- The Colorado Department of Revenue processes renewals within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person; online renewals are faster but have stricter may be able to access rules.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Online renewal: when it works and when it doesn't
Colorado's online renewal system is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website, enter your license number and Social Security information, answer identity verification questions, and pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The state mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot use online renewal if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have medical restrictions or conditions that require a doctor's statement, if you've had a name change, or if you need to update your address. You also cannot renew online if you're under 21 (the state requires an in-person appointment for minors). If any of these explore to you, go to an in-person office instead.
In-person renewal at a Colorado Department of Revenue office
Walk into any Colorado Department of Revenue office during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but you can schedule one online to skip the wait. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Colorado address), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring the certified document that shows the change. The office will collect a $28 fee for a standard five-year renewal (or $56 for a ten-year renewal if you're 65 or older).
After you complete the in-person process, the state mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
If your license has been expired for more than one year
An expired license that lapsed more than one year ago requires an in-person renewal, and Colorado may require you to retake the written knowledge test. Call your local Department of Revenue office before you go in to ask whether you'll need to test; the requirement depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you've had any violations or suspensions.
If you do have to test, bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, plus a completed process form (DL-43), which you can read from the Colorado Department of Revenue website or pick up at the office. The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs and takes about 20 minutes. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.
Renewing by mail or through a third-party vendor
Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. However, some Colorado counties contract with third-party vendors — usually local motor vehicle service centers — to process renewals on behalf of the Department of Revenue. These vendors can handle in-person renewals and charge a small service fee on top of the state renewal fee.
To find a vendor near you, search the Colorado Department of Revenue website for "third-party vendors" or call your county clerk's office. The process is the same as renewing at a state office: bring your license, proof of residency, and Social Security number. The vendor submits your paperwork to the state, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Fees and how long renewal takes
A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $28. If you're 65 or older, you can renew for ten years instead for $56. Online renewals and in-person renewals cost the same. If you renew through a third-party vendor, expect to pay an additional service fee — usually $5 to $15 — on top of the state fee.
Processing time is 7 to 10 business days by mail after you complete your renewal, whether you renew online or in person. You can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. If you need a license before the new one is mailed, you can request a temporary paper license at an in-person office for an additional fee.
What to do if your name or address has changed
If you've changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.
If you've moved within Colorado and need to update your address, you can do so during an in-person renewal or by updating your address online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website without renewing your license. If you've moved out of state and then back to Colorado, you must renew in person and may need to provide proof of Colorado residency again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for several years?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Colorado may require you to retake the written knowledge test if your license has been expired for more than one year. Call your local office first to confirm whether testing is required in your case.
What if I don't have proof of Colorado residency?
You need at least one document showing your name and Colorado address dated within 60 days. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, a bank statement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your address will work. If you have none of these, ask the Department of Revenue office what alternative documents they accept.
How do I renew if I'm out of state?
If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew online if your license hasn't been expired for more than one year and you have no address changes. If you need to renew in person or your license is expired by more than one year, you must return to Colorado to visit a Department of Revenue office.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
Yes. At an in-person office, you can request a temporary paper license for a small fee. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your new license is being mailed.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you need to replace it rather than renew it. Go to a Department of Revenue office in person with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license with the same number and expiration date as your original.