You can renew your Colorado driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Colorado allows online renewal for driver's licenses through its Department of Revenue website, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You'll need a valid email address, your current license number, and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online option. If your license expired more than one year ago, you've had a name change, or you need to update your address, you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person instead. The same applies if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if you've had any suspensions or revocations.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last year and you have no address or name changes to make.
- You'll need your license number, email address, and a debit or credit card to complete the transaction on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If your license expired more than a year ago or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal: your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll also need a valid email address where you can receive your confirmation and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.
The renewal fee for a standard driver's license in Colorado is $28.50 for an eight-year license. If you're renewing a license that expires in less than two years, the fee is lower. The website will show you the exact amount before you complete payment.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Start by visiting the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license services page. Look for the "Renew Your License" option and select the online renewal link. You'll be taken to a find portal where you enter your license number and date of birth to verify your identity.
Next, review your current information on file—name, address, and license class. If everything is correct, you can proceed. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the online renewal; you'll need to visit an office in person. Confirm that your email address is current, then review the renewal terms and fees.
Enter your payment information and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email when ready with your transaction number. Keep this for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, the online system will reject your renewal request. Colorado treats licenses expired longer than one year as lapsed, which requires an in-person visit to a driver's license office. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity.
Address changes also require an in-person visit. If you've moved since your license was issued, you must go to a driver's license office to update your address and renew at the same time. The same applies if you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order—bring the relevant legal document with you.
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online under any circumstances. If you hold a CDL, you must visit a driver's license office in person. The same is true if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have any outstanding violations or holds on your driving record.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
You can legally drive on your expired license while you wait for your new one to arrive. Colorado law allows this grace period, so you don't need to visit an office if your renewal is in process. Your confirmation email serves as proof that you've renewed.
If your new license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license section. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue the license if there was a mailing problem.
Finding a driver's license office if you need to renew in person
Colorado has driver's license offices in most counties. Use the Department of Revenue's office locator tool on their website to find the one nearest you. Enter your county or city name and you'll see addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.
Many offices require appointments, especially in larger cities. Check the specific office's page to see if you need to book ahead or if walk-ins are accepted. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling ahead can help you plan your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewed one?
Yes. Colorado allows you to drive on your expired license while your renewal is being processed. Your confirmation email from the online renewal serves as proof that you've submitted your renewal request. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?
If you caught the error before submitting, you can go back and correct it. If you already submitted the renewal, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue when ready with your confirmation number. Depending on what was wrong, they may be able to correct it before your license is printed.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. The same applies if your current photo is more than 10 years old—Colorado may require you to visit an office to take a new one.
How long is a renewed Colorado driver's license valid?
A standard Colorado driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your new license will show the expiration date. You can renew online again when it's within one year of expiring, as long as you haven't had any other changes to your record.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked. You must visit a driver's license office in person. Bring documentation showing that any suspension or revocation has been cleared, such as proof of payment for fines or completion of required programs.