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 Colorado DMV website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you've had any changes to your name, address, or medical conditions since your last renewal.
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 you're renewing by mail, you'll need the same documents plus the renewal notice Colorado sent you. Online renewal requires your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.
Your license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If it's expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado offers three renewal methods: in-person at a DMV office, by mail if your license expired within the last five years, or online through the state DMV website.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- Mail and online renewals cost the same as in-person but take longer — mail typically takes two to three weeks, while online processing varies.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your name or medical information, or if you want to change your address on the license itself.
- Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years, and the state sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website
The Colorado DMV website allows you to renew online if your license is still valid or expired no more than five years. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee, Colorado will mail your new license to the address on file. Processing time varies, but you should receive it within two to three weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue using it for identification and driving.
Online renewal does not work if you need to change your name, address, or medical information on your license. You must go to a DMV office in person for those changes.
Mail-in renewal and processing times
To renew by mail, you need the renewal notice Colorado sent you, your current license, proof of Colorado residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail your packet to the address listed on the renewal notice. Do not send cash.
Mail-in renewals typically take two to three weeks from the time Colorado receives your packet, though processing can take longer during busy periods. Your old license stays valid while you wait. If you need your new license faster, renew in person at a DMV office instead.
If you did not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can still renew by mail — contact a DMV office to request the form, or renew in person or online instead.
In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office
Walk-in renewals at DMV offices are available during regular business hours. Bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number. You'll fill out an process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
You receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person. Your old license is returned to you and remains valid until the new one is issued. Find the DMV office nearest you on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
Renew in person if you need to change your name, address, or medical information; if your license has been expired for more than five years; or if you need your new license the same day.
Renewal fees and what they cover
Colorado charges a flat fee for driver's license renewal, regardless of whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. The fee covers a five-year license valid for driving and identification in Colorado. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the Colorado DMV website or call a local office for the current fee before you renew.
Some people may have access to for fee reductions or waivers. Military members on active duty, veterans with service-connected disabilities, and people receiving certain state benefits may pay less. Ask at the DMV office or on the website whether you may have access to.
When you must renew in person instead of by mail or online
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years. You also must renew in person if you want to change your name, address, or medical information on the license itself. If you've had vision or hearing changes, or if you take medications that affect driving, you may need to renew in person and provide medical documentation.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must contact the Colorado DMV to understand the reason and what steps are required before you can drive legally again. In-person renewal is also required if you want to change your license class or add endorsements.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
An expired Colorado license is not valid for driving. If you are stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can be cited. However, you can still use an expired license for identification purposes in most situations.
If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew by mail or online. If it's been expired longer than five years, you must renew in person. The renewal process is the same either way — you're not required to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV has specific reason to require it.
Colorado sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so you have time to renew before it becomes invalid. If you did not receive a notice, check the expiration date on your current license and renew before that date passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I've moved out of state?
No. You must be a Colorado resident to hold a Colorado driver's license. If you've moved to another state, you should obtain a license from your new state of residence. Contact the DMV in your new state for their requirements.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not process a name change by mail or online. Bring the document itself, not a copy.
How long is a Colorado driver's license valid?
Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. The state mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You must contact the Colorado DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. Renewal is not possible until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew by mail, online, or in person without the notice. If you want to renew by mail, contact a DMV office to request a renewal form, or straightforward choose online or in-person renewal instead.