Get a replacement license at your local Colorado DMV office with your ID and payment
A lost Colorado driver's license is replaced through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not online. You will need to visit a DMV office in person, bring a valid form of ID, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You do not need to retake the written or driving test. The DMV treats a lost license as a replacement, not a new license. Your driving record, endorsements, and restrictions stay the same.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Colorado DMV office with a valid ID and payment to replace your lost license in person.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard driver's license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your plastic replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you do not retake any tests.
- Bring a current passport, military ID, or state ID as proof of identity — a Social Security card or birth certificate alone is not enough.
- If your license was lost outside Colorado, you may need to show proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
What ID to bring to the DMV office
Colorado requires one valid form of identification to replace a lost license. A current U.S. passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license all work. If you do not have any of those, bring your state ID card or a passport card.
A Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID is not enough on its own. If you only have documents like these, ask the DMV office whether you can bring two secondary documents together — rules vary slightly by location, so calling ahead saves a trip.
If you lost your license outside Colorado and do not have a current address in the state, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days to prove residency.
The replacement fee and what you receive
Colorado charges $20 to replace a lost standard driver's license. If your license had a Real ID designation (the gold star in the upper right corner), the replacement also carries Real ID at no extra cost. Payment is cash, debit, or credit — most offices accept all three.
You walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary is legal to drive with when ready. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the temporary arrives, the paper license is your proof of licensure.
Finding your nearest DMV office and hours
Colorado DMV offices are located in most counties. The main office is in Denver at 1881 Pierce Street, but you can visit any branch office in the state — your county of residence does not matter. The DMV website lists all office locations, phone numbers, and hours at dmv.colorado.gov.
Many offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call your local office before you go, because hours vary and some locations require you to take a number or check in online before arriving. Wait times are typically shortest on weekday mornings.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked before you lost it, the DMV will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DMV office can tell you the status of your license when you arrive. If there is a hold, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — unpaid fines, failed emissions tests, or court orders — before a replacement is possible.
Check your license status online at dmv.colorado.gov before you visit. This saves a wasted trip if there is a suspension you were not aware of.
Replacing a license lost in another state
If you lost your Colorado license while traveling, you can request a replacement by mail. Contact the Colorado DMV by phone at 303-205-5600 to request a replacement process. You will mail in a completed form, a copy of your ID, and a check for $20. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than an in-person replacement.
If you need to drive before the replacement arrives and you are still out of state, some states will issue a temporary permit to a Colorado resident with proof of residency and a valid ID. This varies by state, so contact the DMV in the state where you are located.
Reporting a lost license to prevent fraud
You are not required to report a lost license to the police or to the DMV before replacing it, but doing so creates a record if someone uses your license fraudulently. If you suspect your license was stolen rather than lost, file a report with local police and mention it when you visit the DMV. The DMV can flag your account.
If your license is later found and returned to you, bring it to the DMV to have it cancelled. Do not destroy it yourself — the DMV needs to deactivate it in their system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?
You receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the DMV office. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary is fully legal to drive with, so you can drive when ready after your appointment.
Do I have to replace my license in the county where I live?
No. You can visit any Colorado DMV office in any county. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you. Your county of residence does not matter.
What if I don't have a passport or military ID?
Bring your state ID card or passport card if you have one. If you have neither, call your local DMV office before visiting — some locations may allow you to bring two secondary documents like a birth certificate and Social Security card together, but this varies by office.
Will I lose my endorsements or restrictions when I replace my license?
No. A replacement license carries all the same endorsements (motorcycle, commercial) and restrictions (corrective lenses, automatic transmission only) as your original. You do not retake any tests.
What if my address changed since I lost my license?
Tell the DMV your new address when you explore for the replacement. Your new license will be mailed to your current address. Updating your address at the same time costs nothing extra.