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 state's Express Renewal system for some renewals. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've changed your address, and how soon you need the new one.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If you're renewing by mail or online, the requirements are lighter, but not all situations may have access to for those routes. Your license type and how long it's been expired determine which method works for you.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado offers three renewal routes: in-person at a Department of Revenue office, by mail for valid licenses, or online through Express Renewal if you meet the criteria.
- You need your current license, proof of Colorado residency dated within 60 days, and the renewal fee, which varies by license type and validity period.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must appear in person at a Department of Revenue office.
- The Department of Revenue processes in-person renewals on the spot, while mail renewals take two to three weeks and online renewals are typically completed within one business day.
- You can check your renewal may be able to access and start an online renewal at the Colorado Department of Revenue website before visiting an office or mailing documents.
Renewing online through Express Renewal
Colorado's Express Renewal system lets you renew online if your license is currently valid, you haven't changed your address, and you don't need a new photo. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your new license by mail within one business day in most cases.
Not all license types may have access to for online renewal. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), motorcycle endorsements, and licenses with certain restrictions must be renewed in person. If you're unsure whether your license qualifies, the Department of Revenue website has a tool that checks your may be able to access before you start the process.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you haven't moved. You'll mail your current license, a completed renewal form (available on the Department of Revenue website), and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
Mail renewal is not an option if your license has expired or if you've changed your address. You also cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo, which Colorado requires every 10 years for standard licenses and every five years for commercial licenses. If any of these explore to you, you'll need to renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Department of Revenue office
Walk into any Colorado Department of Revenue office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The office will take your photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home with your temporary license the same day, and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, you've moved to a new address, you need a new photo, or you're adding an endorsement or restriction. It's also the only option if your license has been expired for more than one year. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some locations take appointments. Check the Department of Revenue website to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are available.
Fees and what affects the cost
Colorado renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you're renewing it for. A standard driver's license costs less to renew than a commercial license. You can choose to renew for four or eight years, and the longer term costs more upfront but spreads the cost over more years. The Department of Revenue website lists current fees by license type.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards. In-person offices accept cash, check, and card. If you're renewing by mail and paying by check, make it out to the Colorado Department of Revenue and include it with your form and license.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your Colorado license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply for a new one. This means you'll need to visit a Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a vision test, and pay the full process fee rather than a renewal fee. The office will take your photo and issue a temporary license on the spot.
Reapplication is more involved than renewal because the state treats it as a new license rather than an extension of your existing one. You may also need to retake the written test or driving test depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. Call the Department of Revenue or check their website to confirm what tests you'll need before you go in.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved within Colorado, you can update your address during renewal. In-person renewal includes address changes automatically—just bring your new proof of residency. Online renewal through Express Renewal does not allow address changes, so if you've moved, you'll need to renew in person or by mail with your new address on the form.
Mail renewal with an address change works the same way as a standard mail renewal: fill out the form with your new address, mail it with your current license and payment, and wait two to three weeks. If you've moved out of Colorado, you'll need to renew in person at a Department of Revenue office and may need to provide additional documentation depending on your new state's requirements.
Finding a Department of Revenue office and checking wait times
Colorado has Department of Revenue offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo, plus several smaller locations. The state website has a full list with addresses, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are busier than others—Denver and Colorado Springs typically have longer waits than smaller cities.
Many offices now show estimated wait times online or by phone before you visit. Calling ahead can save you a trip if the wait is over an hour. Some locations take appointments, which you can book through the Department of Revenue website. If you're in a rural area far from an office, mail renewal or online renewal may be your best option if your license qualifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I've moved out of state?
No. Colorado requires proof of residency to renew, which means you must still live in Colorado. If you've moved to another state, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Colorado license to that state's DMV when you explore.
What happens if I let my license expire while I'm out of the country?
If your license expired while you were abroad, you can still renew it in person at a Department of Revenue office when you return, as long as it hasn't been expired for more than one year. Bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency, and payment. If it's been expired longer than a year, you'll need to reapply instead.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Colorado requires a new photo every 10 years for standard licenses and every five years for commercial licenses. If your photo is due, you must renew in person—online and mail renewal are not options. The Department of Revenue office will take your new photo during the renewal process.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Colorado does not block license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if your license was suspended for a separate reason (like a DUI conviction or too many points), you'll need to clear that suspension before you can renew. Contact the Department of Revenue to check your license status before you attempt to renew.
How long does my temporary license last after in-person renewal?
Your temporary license is valid until your permanent license arrives by mail, which typically takes one to two weeks. The temporary license has the same driving privileges as your permanent license, so you can drive normally during that time. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid.