Colorado requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving

The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to notify them of a new address within 10 days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you do not need to visit a location. If you do not update your address, your driver's license and vehicle registration will remain tied to your old location, which can cause problems with traffic tickets, insurance, and vehicle ownership records.

Colorado does not charge a fee to change your address. Your current driver's license and registration documents remain valid; you only update the address on file. If you want a new physical license card with your new address printed on it, that costs $20 and requires an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 10 days from your move date to report your new address to the Colorado DMV.
  • The online method at dmv.colorado.gov is the fastest option and requires no fee or office visit.
  • You can also mail a form or visit a DMV office in person if you prefer not to use the online system.
  • Updating your address does not cost anything unless you want a new physical license card printed with the new address.
  • Your current license and registration stay valid after an address change; only the mailing address on file updates.

Online address change through the Colorado DMV website

Go to dmv.colorado.gov and select "Change Address" from the main menu. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address and confirm it. The system will show you a summary of what will be updated — your driver's license address and any vehicle registrations linked to your account.

Submit the form and you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Save or print this number. Your address change takes effect when ready in the DMV system, though it may take a few days for the change to appear in all connected databases. You do not receive a new physical license card unless you request one and pay the $20 fee.

Mailing a change of address form to the DMV

read the "process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card" (Form DL-43) from dmv.colorado.gov, or request one by phone at 303-205-5600. Fill out the form with your new address and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter; the DMV will straightforward update your file. If you want to verify the change went through, call 303-205-5600 after two weeks and provide your driver's license number.

Changing your address in person at a Colorado DMV office

Visit any Colorado DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The staff member will update your address on the spot, and you will receive a confirmation receipt before you leave.

DMV office hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open limited Saturday hours. Check dmv.colorado.gov for the office nearest you and its specific hours. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times. You can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

What happens if you do not update your address on time

If you move and do not report your address within 10 days, your license and registration remain valid but tied to your old address. This creates problems: traffic tickets and court notices may be sent to your old address and you might miss them, insurance companies may deny claims if your address on file does not match where you actually live, and vehicle ownership records will show incorrect information.

Colorado does not impose a penalty or fine for a late address change, but the longer you wait, the more likely you are to miss important mail from the DMV, courts, or law enforcement. If you have already moved and have not yet reported it, update your address as soon as you can using any of the three methods above.

Updating your address for vehicle registration separately

When you change your driver's license address online through dmv.colorado.gov, all vehicle registrations linked to your account update automatically. You do not need to take a separate step for your car, truck, or motorcycle registration.

If you own a vehicle but do not have a Colorado driver's license — for example, you are a resident with an out-of-state license — you can still update your vehicle registration address. Use the same online form at dmv.colorado.gov or mail Form DL-43 with proof of your new address. Your registration card will show the updated address the next time it is mailed to you, or you can request a new registration card for $5.

Getting a new physical license card with your new address

Your current driver's license remains valid after an address change, even though it shows your old address. You do not need a new card to drive legally. However, if you want a physical license card printed with your new address, you must visit a DMV office in person and pay a $20 fee.

Bring your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days). The DMV will take a new photo and issue a new card on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. If you need the card when ready, ask if your local office can issue it same-day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address with insurance and my employer too?

Yes, but those are separate from the DMV. Contact your auto insurance company, health insurance provider, and employer's HR department directly. The DMV change only updates your driver's license and vehicle registration records. Insurance companies often require you to report address changes within a certain timeframe, so do not delay.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to notify Colorado?

If you moved out of Colorado and got a driver's license in your new state, you should notify the Colorado DMV that you no longer live there. You can do this online at dmv.colorado.gov or by mail. Your Colorado license will no longer be valid once you obtain a license in your new state, but updating the address prevents mail from being sent to an address you no longer use.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can update your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. However, if you want a new physical card printed with the new address, you will need to renew your license at the same time, which costs $20 for the address change plus the renewal fee (typically $30 to $35 depending on license type).

How long does it take for my address change to show up in police databases?

Your address updates in the DMV system when ready if you change it online, or within two to three weeks if you mail the form. However, law enforcement databases may take several additional days to sync with the DMV. If you are concerned about an urgent matter, call the DMV at 303-205-5600 to confirm your change was processed.

What if I moved but do not have proof of my new address yet?

You will need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you have just moved and do not have any of these yet, wait until you receive one before visiting the DMV or mailing your form. In the meantime, you can still drive legally with your old address on your license.