Colorado driver's license renewal basics
You can renew your Colorado driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a five-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a local office takes about 30 minutes but lets you handle issues the other methods cannot, like vision test failures or address changes that need verification.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for it to renew, but it contains your driver's license number and other details that speed up the process. If you have lost it, you can still renew using your Social Security number and date of birth.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, payment, and a copy of your current license or ID, and takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal is required if your license is already expired, you need a vision test, or you are changing your address.
- Colorado charges $28.25 for a five-year license renewal and accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days of approval for online and mail renewals, or when ready if you renew in person.
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website
Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the quickest path if your circumstances have not changed. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a credit or debit card for payment. The system checks your record in real time and tells you when ready whether you can proceed.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have medical restrictions or commercial driving privileges, if you are under 21, or if you have changed your address since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if you need a new photo — Colorado requires a new photo every 10 years, so if your last renewal was five years ago and you are now renewing for another five years, you must renew in person or by mail.
After you complete the online form and pay, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. It typically arrives within 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal with forms and payment
Mail renewal works for most drivers and requires three things: a completed process for Renewal of Driver's License (form DL-44), a copy of your current Colorado driver's license or ID, and payment of $28.25. You can read form DL-44 from the Colorado DMV website or request it by mail.
Mail your completed form, license copy, and payment to the address listed on the form — typically the Colorado DMV office in Denver. Pay by check or money order only; the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back, though the DMV will destroy it if you do not request its return.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your new license arrives by mail after approval. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you can request a temporary paper license in person at any DMV office.
In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office
Renewing in person is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address, or if you failed a vision test. You will need your current driver's license or ID, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $28.25. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if your address has changed.
Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website and check its hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online. Bring all documents in original form — the DMV does not accept photocopies of your license or address proof. Processing takes about 30 minutes, and you receive your temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days.
If you are over 21 and your vision is correctable to 20/40 or better, you can renew without a vision test. If you cannot meet that standard or if you wear corrective lenses, the DMV will test your vision during your visit. If you fail, the office will explain your options, which may include restrictions on your license or referral to an eye care provider.
Costs and payment methods
A five-year Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.25. This is the standard fee for all drivers renewing a regular license. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost more and have different requirements — contact your local DMV office for CDL pricing.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail. If you pay by check or money order and your process is denied, the DMV will return your payment.
What happens after you renew
After you renew online or by mail, the DMV processes your process and mails your new license. You can track your renewal status on the Colorado DMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. If your process is denied, the DMV mails you a notice explaining why and what you need to do next.
Your new license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. You can drive using either the temporary license or your old license during this time.
If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the Colorado DMV to report it. The office can issue a replacement or a new temporary license.
Scam alerts and safety information
The Colorado DMV does not contact drivers by phone, email, or text to ask for payment or personal information. If you receive a call or message claiming to be from the DMV and asking for your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information, do not respond. Hang up or delete the message and report it to the Colorado Attorney General's office.
The official Colorado DMV website is dor.colorado.gov/dmv. Do not use websites that look similar or charge extra fees to process your renewal. Third-party renewal services exist, but they charge additional fees and do not speed up processing — the DMV processes all renewals at the same rate regardless of who submits the form.
When you renew in person, bring original documents only. Do not give your Social Security card to anyone except the DMV employee processing your renewal. Verify that the employee is wearing a DMV badge before you hand over any documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment. The DMV will process it as a renewal rather than a new license, which is faster and costs less.
What if I have changed my address since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You can renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, include a copy of your current address proof (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). For in-person renewal, bring the original address proof document.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 10 business days after approval. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days. If your license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the DMV to report it.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Colorado allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change the expiration date of your new license — it will still expire five years from the date of issue, not five years from your old expiration date.
What if I need to change my name on my license during renewal?
You cannot change your name during renewal. You must explore for a replacement license with your new name. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and payment to a DMV office in person. This is a separate transaction from renewal.