Getting a replacement Colorado driver's license after losing yours
You can replace a lost Colorado driver's license through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person or by mail. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail option works if you cannot reach a DMV office. Either way, you will need to prove your identity and Colorado residency, pay a replacement fee, and provide a new photo.
Colorado does not issue duplicate licenses by phone or online, so you must submit your request through one of these two channels. The replacement process is straightforward, but the documents you bring matter: without the right proof, the DMV will turn you away and you will have to return.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost license in person at any Colorado DMV office and receive a temporary license the same day.
- Mail-in replacement takes two to three weeks but requires the same documents as the in-person process.
- You must bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
- The replacement fee is the same whether you go in person or by mail, and you will need a new photo either way.
- If your license was lost in another state, you may need to contact that state's DMV first before Colorado will issue a replacement.
In-person replacement at a Colorado DMV office
Walking into a DMV office is the fastest way to replace your license. You will complete a form, show your documents, have your photo taken, and leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the permanent card is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in seven to ten business days.
Find the DMV office nearest you on the Colorado DMV website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check online before you go — wait times vary by location and time of day, and some offices fill their appointment slots weeks in advance.
Bring your documents in original form (not copies). The DMV will not accept photocopies of your ID or residency proof. If you cannot find one of the required documents, ask the staff whether you have other options before you leave; they can sometimes work with alternative documents if you explain your situation.
Documents you need for either replacement method
Colorado requires three categories of proof: identity, residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself — a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form showing your number will work.
| Category | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Photo ID (one required) | Passport, military ID, tribal ID, or another state's driver's license |
| Residency (one required) | Utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address dated within the last 60 days |
| Social Security number | Social Security card, tax return, W-2, 1099, or birth certificate showing your number |
If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring a document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not issue a license under a new name without it.
Mailing in your replacement request
read the process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Colorado DMV website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with copies of your documents and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you will be without a valid Colorado license until the permanent card arrives. If you need to drive before then, you may want to use the in-person route instead.
Mail your documents in a padded envelope or small box to protect them during transit. Keep a record of what you sent (take photos of your documents before mailing) in case the DMV says it did not receive something. The DMV does not return documents, so do not send originals you need to keep — send copies only.
The replacement fee and what it covers
Colorado charges a flat fee for a replacement license, regardless of whether you go in person or by mail. The fee covers the new card and the photo. If you are under 21, the fee is the same as for drivers 21 and older — Colorado does not charge different rates by age for replacements.
The fee does not include any additional services. If you want to renew your license at the same time (extend its expiration date), you will pay a separate renewal fee on top of the replacement fee. Most people replace first and renew later, but you can do both in one visit if your license is expiring soon.
What to do if your license was lost out of state
If you lost your Colorado license while traveling or living temporarily in another state, you still replace it through Colorado. You do not need to contact the other state's DMV first. Mail your request to Colorado or visit a Colorado DMV office when you return.
If you have moved to another state permanently and no longer live in Colorado, that state's DMV will not issue you a Colorado replacement. You will need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV for their replacement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while waiting for my replacement?
If you replaced your license in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you can drive legally during that time. If you mailed in your request, you have no temporary license and cannot drive until the permanent card arrives — which is why the in-person route is better if you need to drive soon.
What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?
You still need the same documents to replace your license. If your wallet contained your only photo ID, use your passport or another government-issued ID instead. If you have no photo ID at all, contact the Colorado DMV to ask what alternatives they accept — some offices can work with you if you bring other documents proving your identity.
Do I have to get a new photo, or can I use my old one?
Colorado requires a new photo for every replacement. You cannot use the photo from your lost license. The DMV will take your photo at the office if you go in person, or you can submit a digital photo with your mail-in request (check the DMV website for photo requirements).
How long does the permanent license take to arrive by mail?
After the DMV processes your request, the permanent license is mailed to you and typically arrives within seven to ten business days. Mail delivery times vary, so allow up to two weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, contact the Colorado DMV to confirm they sent it.
Can someone else pick up my temporary license if I cannot go to the DMV?
No. You must be present in person to have your photo taken and to sign the process. The DMV will not issue a temporary license without your physical presence at the office.