Colorado driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you can use depends on how much time is left before your license expires, whether you need a Real ID, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a standard five-year renewal.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If it's been longer than that, you must visit a DMV office in person and bring documents proving your identity and Colorado residency. Colorado does not mail new licenses to your home; you'll pick up your renewed license at a DMV office or have it mailed to you after you renew online.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is fastest and costs $28.25 for a five-year standard license.
  • Your license must not be expired by more than five years to renew online or by mail; otherwise you must renew in person at a DMV office.
  • If you need a Real ID, you cannot renew online — you must visit a DMV office with documents proving your identity and Colorado residency.
  • After online renewal, you pick up your license at a DMV office or request it be mailed to you; processing takes about two weeks.
  • If your address changed, you can update it during online renewal without visiting an office.

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue

To renew online, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal portal at dor.colorado.gov. You'll need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask whether you want to pick up your license at a DMV office or have it mailed to your address.

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired by more than five years, you don't need a Real ID, and your name, address, and other information are correct in the system. If any of those conditions don't explore, you'll be directed to renew in person instead. The fee is $28.25 for a five-year renewal, paid by debit or credit card during the transaction.

After you complete online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be ready to pick up at a DMV office within about two weeks, or mailed to you within three to four weeks if you chose that option. You can continue to use your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you don't need a Real ID, and your information hasn't changed. You'll need to request a mail renewal form from a Colorado DMV office or read it from the Department of Revenue website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $28.25, and mail it to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, online renewal or in-person renewal at a DMV office is faster.

In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office

Visit a DMV office in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need a Real ID, or your name or address has changed and you want to update it before renewal. Bring your current Colorado driver's license (or other government-issued ID if your license is expired), proof of Colorado residency such as a utility bill or lease, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Processing at a DMV office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The fee is $28.25 for a standard five-year renewal. You can pick up your new license at the office the same day or request it be mailed to you. Colorado DMV offices are located in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Pueblo, and other cities; you can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Department of Revenue website.

Real ID renewal in Colorado

If your current license is a Real ID (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you can renew it online or by mail using the same process as a standard license renewal. If you don't have a Real ID and want one, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security card or document showing your number.

A Real ID costs $28.25 for a five-year renewal, the same as a standard license. Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If you're not sure whether your license is a Real ID, check the upper right corner — a gold star means it is.

Address changes and other updates

If you've moved within Colorado, you can update your address during online renewal without visiting a DMV office. The system will ask for your new address and verify it before you complete the transaction. If you've moved out of Colorado or your address change is complex, renew in person at a DMV office so a staff member can verify your new residency.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A DMV office will verify the document and update your license.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license renewal in Colorado costs $28.25. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you pay by check or money order. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you can pay by cash, debit card, credit card, or check.

Colorado does not charge different fees for standard and Real ID renewals. If you renew early — before your current license expires — you still pay the full renewal fee, and your new license's expiration date will be five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to six months before your license expires. If you renew early, your new license will expire five years from the renewal date, not from your old license's expiration date. Early renewal does not extend the total time your license is valid.

What if I lost my driver's license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license online or by mail. Visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and Colorado residency. You'll need to report the loss or theft and pay a replacement fee of $20 in addition to the renewal fee. Bring a government-issued ID such as a passport if your driver's license is the only ID you have.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew online?

If you pick it up at a DMV office, your license is usually ready within two weeks. If you request it be mailed, allow three to four weeks. You can use your old license until your new one arrives. Check the Department of Revenue website for current processing times, which may vary by season.

Do I need to renew my license in person if I'm over 65?

No. Colorado does not require in-person renewal for seniors. You can renew online or by mail if your license is not expired by more than five years and you don't need a Real ID. If you prefer to renew in person, DMV offices can help you through the process.

What happens if my Colorado driver's license expires while I'm waiting for my renewal?

Your old license remains valid for driving until your new license arrives, even if the expiration date has passed. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DMV office. Do not carry both licenses.