You can replace a lost Colorado driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Revenue, but only if your license hasn't expired and you meet a few other conditions
Colorado's online replacement process is called the Express Renewal service, and it works for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. You order a replacement card through the state's website, pay a fee, and the new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The process takes roughly 10 minutes if you have the right information ready.
The catch: you can only use the online route if your current license is still valid (not expired). If your license has already expired, you'll need to renew it in person at a Colorado DMV office instead. You also cannot use Express Renewal if you've changed your name, address, or other personal details since your license was issued—those changes require an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's Express Renewal service lets you order a replacement license online if your current license hasn't expired and your personal information hasn't changed.
- You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the online order.
- The replacement card costs $20 and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; there is no rush delivery option through the online system.
- If your license has expired or you've changed your name or address, you must visit a Colorado DMV office in person instead.
What you need before you start the online process
Gather these items before you go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website. You'll need your current driver's license number (the one you lost or that was damaged), your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $20 replacement fee. Have your current mailing address ready as well—this is where your new license will be sent.
If you don't have your license number memorized, you may be stuck. The online system requires it to pull up your record, and there's no way to look it up through the Express Renewal portal itself. If you've truly lost all record of it, you'll need to call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 to ask for your number before you can proceed online, or visit an office in person.
Steps to order your replacement license online
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online services portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Look for the "Express Renewal" or "Replace License" option—the exact link name changes occasionally, so search the site for "replace lost license" if you can't find it when ready. Click through to the process.
Enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will pull up your current record and show you the information on file. Review it carefully to make sure nothing has changed since your license was issued. If anything is different—your address, name, or any other detail—stop here and visit a DMV office instead; the online system will reject the order if it detects a mismatch.
Confirm that you're ordering a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license (not a renewal), select your payment method, and complete the transaction. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down the confirmation number; you'll need it if you have questions about your order.
How long it takes and what happens next
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Colorado does not offer expedited or rush delivery through the Express Renewal system, so plan accordingly. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can print a temporary license document from the DMV website that serves as proof of your valid license status—some police officers will accept it, though not all, and it's not valid for air travel or other federal ID purposes.
If your replacement doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your order and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
When you cannot use the online process
If your Colorado driver's license has expired, the Express Renewal system will not let you complete an order. You'll need to renew your license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
You also cannot use the online replacement if you've changed your name since your license was issued. Name changes require a court order or marriage certificate, and the DMV must verify these documents in person. The same applies if you've moved and your address on file no longer matches where you live—address changes can sometimes be done online through a separate renewal process, but a replacement for a lost license combined with an address change must be handled at an office.
Finding a Colorado DMV office if you need to go in person
Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. Search for "Colorado DMV office near me" or visit dmv.colorado.gov and use their office locator tool. You can also call 303-205-5613 to find the nearest location and ask about wait times. Many offices now use an online appointment system, so you can often reserve a time slot before you go rather than showing up and waiting.
Bring your Social Security card or a document with your number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and any court documents if you've changed your name. If you've lost your license and cannot find any ID, bring a second form of identification—a passport, military ID, or student ID—to prove who you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the online process if my license was suspended or revoked?
No. The Express Renewal system will not process an order if your license status shows a suspension or revocation. You must visit a DMV office to resolve the suspension or revocation first, then you can order a replacement.
What if I moved to Colorado after losing my license in another state?
You cannot replace an out-of-state license through Colorado's system. You'll need to contact the DMV in the state that issued your original license, or explore for a new Colorado license in person at a local DMV office.
Is there a way to get my replacement license faster than 7 to 10 days?
Not through the online Express Renewal system. If you need an ID urgently, visit a Colorado DMV office in person and ask about getting a temporary license document printed on the spot, or ask whether they can issue a replacement the same day.
What happens if I order a replacement online and then find my original license?
Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 before your replacement arrives and ask them to cancel the order. If the replacement has already been mailed, you can refuse delivery or destroy it once it arrives. Do not use both licenses.
Can I change my address at the same time I order a replacement online?
No. The online replacement process only works if all your personal information is current. If you need to change your address, you must do that in person at a DMV office, either before or after you receive your replacement license.