How to Replace Your Colorado Driver's License

What you need to do to get a replacement Colorado driver's license

A replacement Colorado driver's license is a new physical card issued by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when your current one is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn. You do not need to retake the written or driving test—the DMV will print a new card with the same license number and driving record you already have. You can request a replacement in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website, depending on your situation and how quickly you need it.

The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose. In-person replacement is fastest and can sometimes be completed the same day. Mail-in replacement typically takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your request. Online replacement is available for certain situations but has its own requirements and timeline.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or worn Colorado driver's license at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website.
In-person replacement at a DMV office is the fastest option and may be completed the same day you explore.
You will need to bring a valid form of identification and proof of your current address to any DMV office.
Mail-in replacement requires a completed form, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
The replacement fee in Colorado is $20 for a standard license, though fees may differ for other license types.

Replacing your license in person at a Colorado DMV office

Walking into a DMV office is the most direct route. Bring your current license if you still have it, or bring another form of valid identification such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. You will also need to show proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If your license was stolen, bring a police report or case number if you have one, though it is not always required.

Fill out the process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) at the office or before you arrive. You can read it from the Colorado DMV website. Pay the $20 replacement fee with cash, debit card, or credit card—most offices accept all three. The DMV will take a new photo and issue your replacement license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office's current workload.

DMV offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday afternoon often means shorter wait times. Some Colorado DMV offices now offer online appointment scheduling through their website, which can save you time standing in line.

Replacing your license by mail

Mail-in replacement works if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged but you do not need it urgently. read and complete Form DL-43 from the Colorado DMV website. Make a copy of both sides of your current license or another valid ID, and include it with your form. Write a check or money order for $20 payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Mail your completed form, ID copy, and payment to the address listed on the Colorado DMV website for your region. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file with the DMV. If you need your license sooner, this method is not your best option—in-person replacement is faster.

Replacing your license online

The Colorado DMV offers online replacement through their website for certain situations. You can renew or replace your license online if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your name, address, or other information on the card. If any of those conditions explore to you, you must go in person or use mail-in replacement.

To replace online, log into your Colorado DMV account on their website using your driver's license number and date of birth. Follow the prompts to request a replacement, pay the $20 fee with a debit or credit card, and confirm your mailing address. The DMV will mail your new license to that address within 7 to 10 business days. Online replacement is convenient if you meet the requirements, but it does not speed up the mailing process compared to mail-in replacement.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your Colorado driver's license was stolen, file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. You do not have to wait for the report to be completed before requesting a replacement—you can start the replacement process right away. Having a police report or case number can help if you need to dispute fraudulent use of your license information later, though the DMV does not require it to issue a replacement.

When you explore for your replacement, mention that the license was stolen. This alerts the DMV to flag your old license number in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Replacing a damaged or worn license

A license that is cracked, faded, or so worn that the information is hard to read can be replaced the same way as a lost or stolen one. Bring the damaged card with you to the DMV office so they can see the condition and take it back. If you are replacing by mail, include the damaged license in your envelope with your form and payment. The DMV will destroy the old card and issue your replacement.

Wear and tear on a license is normal over time—the plastic can fade from sun exposure, the magnetic strip can wear out, or the laminate can peel. If your license still works but is starting to show damage, you can replace it now or wait until your renewal date. There is no penalty for replacing early, and you will get a new expiration date from the date of replacement.

Timeline and what to expect after you explore

In-person replacement is the fastest. You can walk out of the DMV office with your new license the same day in most cases, or it will be mailed to you within a few days. Mail-in and online replacement both take 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives or processes your request, plus mail delivery time to your address. If you need your license for a specific date—a trip, a job that requires it, or a court appearance—plan ahead and choose in-person replacement.

Your new license will have the same number as your old one and will carry your current driving record. The expiration date will be set based on when you received the replacement. If your original license was set to expire in two years and you replace it after one year, your new license will expire one year from the replacement date, not two years from now. Check your new license when you receive it to make sure all information is correct, and contact the DMV when ready if there are errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?

No. Once your license is lost or stolen, you should not drive until you have a replacement in hand. If you are stopped by police and cannot show a valid license, you can be cited for driving without a license. If your license was damaged but still readable and you kept it, you can drive with it until your replacement arrives, but it is safer to replace it quickly.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address at the same time you request a replacement. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to the DMV office, or include a copy with your mail-in request. The new license will show your current address.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

If you replace in person at a DMV office, yes—they will take a new photo. If you replace by mail or online, the DMV will use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must go in person.

What if my replacement license arrives with wrong information on it?

Contact the Colorado DMV when ready with your new license and proof of the correct information. Bring the documents to a DMV office or call the DMV customer service line to report the error. They will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge.

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot get a replacement if your license is under suspension or revocation. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the DMV or the court. Once that is cleared, you can request a replacement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.