How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Colorado

Moving within Colorado means you’ll need to update your address with the state agency that handles driver licenses and vehicle registrations. Doing this correctly helps you avoid missed notices, registration issues, and potential enforcement problems down the road.

This guide walks through how a Colorado DMV change of address works for your license, ID, vehicle registration, and title—step by step.

State Verification: Who Handles Address Changes in Colorado?

In Colorado, this is typically handled by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is part of the Colorado Department of Revenue.

However, there is an important split that affects where you go:

• Driver licenses and IDs
  • Handled by state-operated Colorado DMV driver license offices.
• Vehicle registration and titles
  • Handled by your county motor vehicle office in Colorado (for example, Denver County, El Paso County, etc.).

That means:

• Changing the address on your Colorado driver license or ID is done through the state DMV system.
• Changing the address on your vehicle registration and title is done through your county in Colorado, not a state driver license office.

Depending on your county in Colorado, the office might be called “Clerk and Recorder – Motor Vehicle,” “County Motor Vehicle Office,” or something similar. If you show up at a driver license office asking to update your registration address, you will likely be sent to the county office (or vice versa), so it helps to know the difference before you go.

For official information and online services, many drivers in Colorado find what they need by starting at the main state site:
https://dmv.colorado.gov

Why Updating Your Address Matters in Colorado

In Colorado, this is typically handled as more than just a courtesy update—it affects many different records tied to your driving and vehicles.

Driver license or ID

Updating your address ensures:

• Your license or ID reflects your true legal residence, which can matter for law enforcement interactions and identity verification.
• Mail from the Colorado DMV reaches you, including renewal reminders or notices about your driving privilege.

If the address on your Colorado license doesn’t match where you actually live, it can cause confusion when you:

• Verify your identity (employment, bank accounts, airport security).
• Interact with law enforcement.
• Register to vote (address information often ties into voter registration records).

Vehicle registration and title

Your vehicle registration and title are tied to your address in your county in Colorado. Keeping these updated helps to:

• Make sure registration renewal cards and tax notices go to the right place.
• Keep property tax and registration fee assessments aligned with the correct county and address.
• Avoid problems if your vehicle is towed, impounded, or involved in a crash and authorities need your current information.

If the state believes your vehicle is garaged somewhere else in Colorado (or out of state), it can affect:

• Enforcement of emissions requirements in certain areas.
• How local fees are assessed.

Official notices and enforcement

Depending on your county in Colorado, some traffic or tolling systems rely on DMV address records. If your address is out of date, you might:

• Miss traffic or toll notices, leading to late fees.
• Not receive suspension or revocation notices, which can leave you driving without realizing your privilege is at risk.
• Miss important recalls or administrative letters related to your record.

Keeping your address current helps you avoid saying, “I never got the notice,” which rarely resolves an issue in your favor.

What You’ll Need to Change Your Address

Before you start a DMV change of address Colorado request, it helps to gather some basic information and documents. The exact list can vary, but in Colorado, many drivers find that the same core items keep coming up.

Common information and documents

Have the following ready:

• Current Colorado driver license or ID information
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • License or ID number (if available)
• New address details
  • Street address (including apartment, unit, or lot number)
  • City
  • State (CO)
  • ZIP code
• Previous address on file (especially for mail or in‑person forms)
• Vehicle information (if updating registration/title)
  • License plate number(s)
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – often on the registration or insurance card
  • Year, make, and model
• Proof of address (for some in‑person transactions or if the system cannot verify you)
  • For example: a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or similar document showing your name and new Colorado address.
• Proof of identity (for in-person updates)
  • Your current Colorado driver license or ID is typically expected.
• Any required forms
  • Colorado may use specific forms for address changes on registration or title records. Because forms can change, it’s best to search the official Colorado DMV site for “change of address” or “address change form” to find the current version rather than relying on a generic Colorado DMV change of address form you find elsewhere.

Why requests get rejected

Address change requests in Colorado are sometimes rejected because of:

• Incomplete or inconsistent information
  • Missing apartment or unit numbers
  • Name on the form doesn’t match the name on file
  • Using a nickname instead of your legal name
• Unacceptable address type
  • Trying to use a PO Box as your physical residential address when a physical address is required
  • Listing an out‑of‑state address while holding a Colorado resident license
• Identity verification issues
  • Incorrect driver license number or date of birth
  • Online system can’t match your info to what’s in the state database
• Wrong office or method
  • Sending a vehicle registration address change request to a driver license office, or vice versa
  • Using a mail‑in process where your county in Colorado requires you to appear in person
• Illegible paperwork
  • Handwritten forms that cannot be clearly read
  • Missing signatures where required

To reduce problems, double‑check that:

• The address is fully spelled out and accurate.
• Names match your official records.
• You’re using the method (online, mail, in‑person) that’s accepted for your situation.

Step-by-Step Options to Change Your Address in Colorado

In Colorado, you may be able to complete your address change:

• Online (for many standard address changes)
• In person (often required if more information must be verified)
• By mail (generally more common for registration/title with counties, if they allow it)

Procedures can vary by transaction type and county, so it’s wise to verify details on the official site or with your local office before you start.

1. Online Colorado DMV Change of Address

For many residents, online is the fastest route.

A. Driver license or ID – online

In Colorado, this is typically handled through the state DMV’s online services portal. You may be able to:

• Log into or create an account on the Colorado DMV online services system.
• Select the address change option for your driver license or ID.
• Enter your new Colorado address, carefully including apartment or unit numbers.
• Review and submit the change.

You may be given the option to:

• Update the address in the DMV’s records only (without ordering a new physical card), or
• Request a replacement license/ID with the new address printed on it, if available.

To safely find the page:

• Go to the official site at https://dmv.colorado.gov and look for “Online Services” or search for “change of address.”

Online updates may not be available if:

• Your license is suspended, revoked, or expired.
• The system cannot confirm your identity.
• You are making more complex changes (such as name and address at once).

B. Vehicle registration and title – online

Depending on your county in Colorado, vehicle registration address changes may also be supported online through:

• The state’s online portal, or
• A county-specific online system linked from the state site.

Typical steps include:

1. Go to the Colorado DMV site and navigate to vehicle services or registration.
2. Locate “vehicle address change” or similar, or access your online account for vehicle services if offered.
3. Enter vehicle information (plate, VIN, or both).
4. Update the mailing and/or physical address for the vehicle.
5. Confirm and submit the change.

In some counties, the registration mailing address and physical address can be different. For example, you may receive mail at a PO Box but live at a physical address in a rural Colorado area. Make sure each field is filled in correctly.

If your county does not support online changes, the system may direct you to contact or visit your county motor vehicle office.

2. In-Person Address Changes in Colorado

Some situations require or work better with an in-person visit, particularly if:

• Your identity cannot be verified online.
• You are combining a name change with an address change.
• You are applying for or upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license.
• Your county requires in‑person handling for certain registration/title updates.

A. Driver license or ID – in person

In Colorado, this is typically handled at a state driver license office.

General steps:

1. Locate an office
   • Go to the official Colorado DMV site and search for “offices” or “driver license offices.”
2. Check whether an appointment is required
   • Many driver license services in Colorado use appointments, and walk‑in availability can be limited.
3. Bring required documents
   • Your current Colorado driver license or ID
   • Proof of new Colorado address (if requested)
   • Any other identity documents if you are also changing your name or upgrading credential type
4. Complete any necessary forms
   • The office may provide an address change form or have you complete the information electronically at a kiosk or window.
5. Submit your request
   • The clerk will update the DMV records and, if you choose and are eligible, process a replacement license or ID card with the new address.

Some offices in Colorado also offer self‑service kiosks, which can handle limited services. Depending on your county in Colorado, these kiosks might be inside grocery stores or government buildings, but not all kiosks support address changes.

B. Vehicle registration and title – in person

For vehicle matters, you’ll usually visit your county motor vehicle office.

Steps:

1. Find your county motor vehicle office
   • Use an online search for “[Your County] Colorado motor vehicle office” or follow links from the main state DMV site.
2. Confirm their process
   • Some counties operate by appointment, others accept walk‑ins, and some use a hybrid system (such as take‑a‑number plus express lines).
3. Bring your documents
   • Current registration
   • License plate or plate number
   • Your Colorado driver license or ID
   • Proof of your new address if required by the county
4. Request an address change
   • Explain that you need to update the address on your vehicle registration and title records.
5. Review updated documents
   • The county office should update your electronic records. Whether you receive a new printed registration immediately, a new title later, or just a system update may vary by county.

In more rural parts of Colorado, county offices may have limited hours, so checking ahead can prevent unnecessary trips.

3. Mail-In Address Changes in Colorado

In some counties or for some transactions, you may be allowed to update your address by mail, especially for vehicle registration and title.

In Colorado, this is typically handled by:

• Completing a specific county or state form, and
• Mailing it to the address listed on that form, sometimes with a copy of your current registration or proof of address.

To avoid sending forms to the wrong place:

• Go to the official Colorado DMV site and search for “change of address form,” or
• Visit your county motor vehicle office’s official site and look for address change instructions.

If you use a Colorado DMV change of address form by mail, double‑check:

• You are using the most current version.
• It clearly states whether it covers driver license, registration, title, or a combination.
• You mail it to the correct office (state vs. county).

Mail updates will naturally take longer to be processed, so this method is best used well before any renewal deadlines.

Do License and Registration Update Together?

In Colorado, your driver license/ID and your vehicle registration/title are separate records, even though both are tied to your name and address.

That means:

• Updating your driver license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration address.
• Updating your vehicle registration address does not automatically update your driver license address.

You should assume you must complete two separate address changes—one for:

1. Your driver license or state ID (state DMV driver license system), and
2. Your vehicle registration and title (county motor vehicle system).

Many drivers in Colorado find it easiest to plan one session where they:

• Complete the driver license address change (online or in person), and
• Immediately complete the vehicle registration address change with their county.

After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you’ve completed your Colorado DMV change of address request, a few things typically happen.

Driver license and ID

• Internal records updated
  • Your new address is stored in the driver license database used by the state and, in some cases, shared with other government systems.
• Physical card
  • If you requested a replacement card with your new address:
    • The DMV will process and mail a new license or ID to the address you provided.
    • Delivery times may vary, and processing can take longer during peak periods.
  • If you did not request a replacement:
    • Your records may be up to date, but your physical card will still show the old address. Check Colorado rules to see if this is acceptable in practice or if you’re expected to carry some form of address change documentation.

Vehicle registration and title

• Database update
  • Once your county processes the change, your registration record in the system should reflect your new address.
• New registration or stickers
  • Some counties may issue an updated registration document or mail it to the new address.
  • In other cases, no new stickers or card are issued until your next renewal.
• Title
  • The title record may be updated in the system, but a new paper title is not always automatically printed just because of an address change. Check your county’s policy if you need a printed title with the new address.

Confirmation

You may receive:

• An email confirmation (for online changes, if you provided an email).
• A printed receipt (for in-person changes).
• Or, no explicit notice beyond the system update.

If you want to verify the change went through, you can:

• Log back into the online portal, if available, and check your address.
• Contact your county motor vehicle office to confirm the address on your vehicle record.

In many counties in Colorado, calling early in the day or using email/online chat (if offered) can shorten wait times for these checks.

Special Situations for Colorado Address Changes

Some situations involve extra steps or different options.

Commercial driver license (CDL) holders

If you hold a Colorado CDL:

• You generally must keep your mailing and residential addresses fully up to date because of federal and state safety regulations.
• Changes often must be handled through CDL-authorized driver license offices.
• Additional documentation (such as medical certification) might be linked to your record.

Because federal rules can apply, CDL holders in Colorado should check the official DMV guidance specifically for CDL address changes before making any move-related updates.

Active-duty military and families

If you are active-duty military with connections to Colorado:

• Your legal residency may be in another state, but you might still have a Colorado license, vehicle registration, or both.
• Some military members stationed in Colorado use separate mailing addresses for deployment while maintaining a local physical address.

Common issues:

• Out-of-state or APO/FPO mailing addresses may be treated differently from standard Colorado addresses.
• You may need to speak directly with a DMV representative or your county motor vehicle office about how to list your physical garaging location versus your mailing address.

Always clarify with the Colorado DMV or your base legal/transportation office what rules apply to your situation. This guide is informational only and not legal advice.

College students

Students attending college in Colorado often:

• Live in dorms or campus apartments, which can change year to year.
• Maintain a permanent home address with parents or guardians.

Depending on your county in Colorado:

• You may be able to list a separate mailing address (for example, a parent’s home) while your residential address is your dorm or campus apartment.
• University mail centers sometimes have special formats for addresses; make sure they’re written correctly so DMV mail can reach you.

If you are an out-of-state student living temporarily in Colorado, you may have additional options and obligations, and you should review official guidance or consult with the DMV directly.

New Colorado residents

If you recently moved into Colorado from another state:

• You will not simply “change your address” with the Colorado DMV; you’ll usually need to:
  • Apply for a Colorado driver license or ID, and
  • Register and title your vehicle in Colorado, if you’ll be living and driving here.

In Colorado, this is typically handled through:

• A driver license office (for your license/ID), and
• Your county motor vehicle office (for registration and title).

Check official resources for any timeframes within which new residents are expected to complete these steps.

PO Boxes and rural routes

Many residents in rural Colorado areas rely on PO Boxes or rural route addresses.

Generally:

• The DMV usually needs a physical residential address where you actually live (this can be a rural route or descriptive location).
• You can often list a separate mailing address, such as a PO Box, for correspondence.

If you can’t receive mail at your physical address:

• Make sure both the physical address and mailing address fields are accurate.
• Confirm with your county in Colorado how they want rural route addresses formatted, as local post offices may have specific standards.

Changing your name and address together

If you’ve changed your name (for example, due to marriage or court order) and also moved:

• Plan on an in-person visit to a driver license office; online systems usually can’t handle name changes tied to legal documents.
• Bring:
  • Your legal name change documentation (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
  • Your current Colorado license/ID.
  • Any required proof of address for your new Colorado residence.

Once your driver license information is updated, update your vehicle registration and title through your county motor vehicle office using your new name and address. In Colorado, this process can involve multiple steps and not all changes can be done in one visit, especially if documents must be verified.

Troubleshooting: When Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Even when you follow the instructions, issues can still occur. Here’s how to handle common problems with a Colorado DMV change of address.

Online address change rejected

Common reasons:

• The system can’t match your identity with the information you entered.
• Your license is not in a status that’s eligible for online updates.
• Your address type (like certain non-standard formats) isn’t accepted online.

What you can do:

• Double-check the information:
  • Use the exact name, date of birth, and license/ID number as shown on your current card.
  • Confirm that your address is correctly formatted, including apartment or unit numbers.
• Try a different browser or device, in case it’s a technical glitch.
• Contact the DMV or your county office:
  • Ask whether your record qualifies for online changes or if you must come in person.
• If the system continues to reject your request, plan for an in-person visit with your documents.

You submitted, but the address hasn’t updated

If you’ve already submitted the address change:

• Allow some processing time, especially for mail-in or high-volume periods.
• Check:
  • Your online account (if you used one) to see whether the new address appears.
  • Whether you received any rejection or error message by email or mail.

If nothing appears and your address remains incorrect:

1. Gather proof you submitted a change:
   • Confirmation email, transaction ID, or in‑person receipt.
2. Contact the office that processed it:
   • For driver license: the state DMV.
   • For registration/title: your county motor vehicle office.
3. Ask them to look up your record using your license or plate number and confirm:
   • Whether the address was updated.
   • If not, whether they can process it while you are on the phone or if you must re-submit.

Many drivers in Colorado find that calling early in the morning improves their chances of getting through quickly.

Rejected mail or in-person request

If your mailed form or in-person request was rejected:

• Carefully read any notice or annotations explaining the problem.
• Common fixes include:
  • Providing clearer documentation of your new address.
  • Correcting incomplete fields (especially apartment numbers).
  • Using the correct form or sending it to the correct office.

If the reason isn’t clear, contact the relevant office and:

• Politely ask what needs to be changed or added.
• Confirm that you are using the current form and process.

License updated but registration didn’t (or vice versa)

Because driver license and vehicle registration records are separate in Colorado:

• It’s not unusual for one to be updated and the other to remain old if you only changed one system.

If this happens:

• Identify which record is wrong:
  • Check your license/ID and online account for driver records.
  • Check your latest registration document or call your county motor vehicle office for vehicle records.
• Submit a separate address change for the system that’s still outdated:
  • Use the appropriate online, mail, or in-person method.

To avoid confusion in the future, some residents in Colorado schedule a “DMV update day” after a move to make sure every related record—license, registration, and title—is brought up to date at once.

You moved out of Colorado

If you’ve moved out of state:

• You usually won’t file a Colorado address change the same way residents do. Instead, you often:
  • Get a new driver license in your new state of residence.
  • Register and title your vehicles in your new state, then
  • Cancel or naturally let expire your Colorado records.

However:

• You may still receive mail from Colorado (such as final notices or tax information) at your old address if records weren’t updated before you left.
• If you’re concerned about existing Colorado records (for example, open fines, tolls, or enforcement actions), contact the Colorado DMV or your former county motor vehicle office directly to clarify your status.

Because rules differ across states, it’s best to follow your new state’s process for driver licensing and registration while contacting Colorado only if there’s an unresolved matter.

Keeping your address current with the Colorado DMV, both for your driver license/ID and your vehicle registration/title, helps ensure that important information reaches you and your records stay accurate.

Your next steps:

1. Change your driver license/ID address through the official Colorado DMV online portal or a driver license office.
2. Update your vehicle registration and title address with your county motor vehicle office using their online, mail, or in‑person process.
3. Verify both systems show your new address, especially before your next renewal or any major travel.

Starting at https://dmv.colorado.gov and searching for “change of address” is a safe way to find the latest official instructions tailored to your specific situation in Colorado.