Book your Colorado driver's license renewal appointment through the DMV website or by phone
Colorado's Department of Revenue handles driver's license renewals, and you must schedule an appointment before you visit. You cannot walk in without one. The state offers three ways to book: the online appointment system at dor.colorado.gov, by phone at 303-205-5600, or through a third-party scheduling service called Appointment Plus (which charges a small fee). The online system is fastest and costs nothing.
Your appointment time slot determines when you can complete the renewal in person. Colorado does not offer mail-in or online renewals for most drivers, so you will need to visit a Driver Services office to have your photo taken and complete the transaction. The appointment itself takes about 15 minutes once you are called, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You can schedule an appointment up to 30 days before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still book an appointment, but you will be treated as a new applicant rather than a renewal, which may require additional documents and cost more.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule your appointment online at dor.colorado.gov, by phone at 303-205-5600, or through Appointment Plus; walk-ins are not accepted.
- You can book an appointment up to 30 days before your license expires; booking after expiration changes your status to a new applicant.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to your appointment.
- Colorado offers standard and REAL ID licenses; REAL ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 2025.
- Appointment wait times vary by location; early morning or weekday slots typically have shorter in-person waits than evenings or Saturdays.
What documents you need to bring to your appointment
Bring your current Colorado driver's license or ID card to the appointment. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead (passport, military ID, or tribal ID). You will also need proof of Colorado residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency works too.
Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are renewing a REAL ID license, the same documents work; you do not need anything extra.
Standard license versus REAL ID: which one to choose
Colorado offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID. The difference matters only if you fly domestically or enter a federal building. A standard license works for driving, voting, and everyday identification. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.
Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal courthouse, military base, or nuclear power plant. If you do not fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is fine. The cost is the same for both, and you can choose which one you want when you arrive at your appointment. If you already have a REAL ID license, you can renew it as a REAL ID or downgrade to standard.
How to schedule online at dor.colorado.gov
Go to dor.colorado.gov and look for the "Schedule an Appointment" button on the Driver Services page. You will be taken to the appointment system. Select "Driver License Renewal" as your transaction type. Choose your preferred Driver Services office location from the dropdown menu. Colorado has offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and several other cities; pick the one closest to you.
Select your preferred date and time from the available slots. The system shows you what is open in real time. Confirm your name, date of birth, and contact information. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number and time. Save this email or write down the appointment number; you will need it when you arrive. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so through the same website up to 24 hours before your appointment.
Scheduling by phone or through Appointment Plus
Call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time). A representative will ask which office location you prefer and what dates and times work for you. They will book the appointment and give you a confirmation number over the phone. Write it down. You can also request that they email you a confirmation.
Appointment Plus is a third-party scheduling service that Colorado uses. If you call the main DMV number and the system directs you to Appointment Plus, or if you choose to use it directly, be aware that it charges a booking fee (typically $5 to $10, though this varies). The online system at dor.colorado.gov does not charge a fee, so that remains the cheapest option.
What happens if you miss your appointment or need to reschedule
If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to schedule a new one. Colorado does not automatically rebook you. Log back into dor.colorado.gov or call 303-205-5600 to book another slot. Missing an appointment does not affect your ability to renew; it just means you have to wait for the next available time.
To reschedule, cancel your current appointment through the online system (up to 24 hours before) or call the DMV. Then book a new appointment for a time that works better. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you may have to call the DMV directly to reschedule rather than using the online system.
What to expect during your in-person appointment
Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Check in at the front desk and give them your appointment number. You will be called when it is your turn. A staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo for your license, confirm your address and other information, and process your payment. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $28.50; a REAL ID renewal is also $28.50. Colorado accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the appointment that you can use for driving until the plastic card arrives. If you need your license sooner, some offices offer expedited printing for an additional fee, though this is not always available at every location. Ask the staff member when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail or online instead of going in person?
Colorado does not offer mail-in or fully online renewals for most drivers. You must visit a Driver Services office in person for a photo and signature. The only exception is if you are a member of the military stationed overseas; in that case, contact the DMV directly to discuss options.
What if my appointment time does not work anymore?
Cancel your current appointment through dor.colorado.gov (up to 24 hours before) or call 303-205-5600. Then book a new slot. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, call the DMV directly to reschedule.
Do I need an appointment if my license is already expired?
Yes, you still need an appointment. However, an expired license is treated as a new process rather than a renewal, which may require additional documents and cost more. Renew before your license expires to avoid this.
How long does it take to get my new license after the appointment?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at your appointment that is valid for driving until the plastic card arrives.
What if I want a REAL ID but I am not sure if I have the right documents?
Bring the documents listed above (current license, proof of residency, Social Security number). If you have changed your name, bring the certified document showing the change. The staff member at your appointment can tell you whether your documents meet REAL ID requirements before you pay.