Colorado driver's license renewal basics
You can renew your Colorado driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your address or other information, or if you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Colorado sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website takes about 15 minutes and works only if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your address or name.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order — processing takes four to six weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to update your personal information.
- The renewal fee is $31.50 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card online, by check or money order by mail, or by cash or card in person.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license will have the same number as your current one.
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website
To renew online, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page at dor.colorado.gov. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against Colorado's records and tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access to renew online.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not yet expired, your address and name on file are current, and you don't need to update your photo. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, the online system will direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead. After you complete the online form and pay the $31.50 fee with a credit or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 10 to 14 business days.
While you wait for your new license, you can print the confirmation page and use it as a temporary proof of license status if you're stopped by law enforcement, though this is not an official temporary license.
Mail renewal when you can't renew online
To renew by mail, request the renewal form from the Colorado DMV by calling 303-205-5600 or by visiting a local DMV office. You can also read the form from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $31.50 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your materials. If you're renewing close to your expiration date, mail renewal may not arrive in time, so plan ahead. Include a return address on your envelope and consider using certified mail if you want confirmation that the DMV received your package. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Do not send cash by mail. The DMV will not process your renewal if payment is missing or incorrect, and your materials may be returned to you without your license being renewed.
In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office
Visit a local Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you need a new photo, or if you were directed to in-person renewal by the online system. You can find office locations and hours at dor.colorado.gov or by calling 303-205-5600.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $31.50 in cash or by card. If you're changing your legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and date of birth.
Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait. Check the Colorado DMV website to see whether your local office takes appointments and to book a time slot.
Address changes and other updates
If you've moved since your license was issued, you must update your address before or during renewal. Online renewal will not process if your address on file is outdated. For mail or in-person renewal, you'll provide your new address on the form or at the office, and it will be updated on your new license.
If you've changed your legal name, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring a certified copy of the document proving the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name and a new photo.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it through any of the three methods — online, mail, or in person. The process is the same, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the original expiration date.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license in person at a Colorado DMV office. This process is different from renewal and requires additional documents, including proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Colorado residency. Contact your local DMV office or visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website for the full list of documents needed for a new license process.
Scam alert: Fake renewal notices and phishing emails
Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the Colorado DMV and asking you to click a link or provide personal information. The Colorado DMV does not send unsolicited emails asking you to renew your license or verify your information. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or provide any information. Delete the message and report it to the Colorado Attorney General's office.
Scammers sometimes send fake renewal notices that look like official DMV mail but direct you to a fraudulent website or phone number. The real Colorado DMV website is dor.colorado.gov. If you're unsure whether a notice is genuine, call the DMV directly at 303-205-5600 using the phone number listed on the official website, not any number provided in the notice.
Never pay for license renewal through wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. The Colorado DMV accepts payment only by credit card (online), check or money order (by mail), or cash or card (in person).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Colorado does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic fines or tickets. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons — such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction — you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to find out whether your license has any holds on it.
What happens if I renew online but my address is wrong?
If you discover after completing online renewal that your address was incorrect, contact the Colorado DMV when ready at 303-205-5600 before your new license is mailed. If the license has already been mailed to the wrong address, you can request a replacement license with the correct address at a DMV office or by mail. There may be an additional fee for a replacement.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. A new photo is required if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you've changed your legal name.
How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
Once your license expires, you are not legally permitted to drive, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by law enforcement, the confirmation page from online renewal or a receipt from mail renewal may help explain the situation, but it is not a legal substitute for a valid license. Plan your renewal so your new license arrives before your current one expires.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your own license. For online renewal, you must complete the process yourself using your own information. For mail renewal, you must sign the form. For in-person renewal, you must appear at the DMV office yourself. If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to discuss possible accommodations.