How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Colorado DMV website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new one.

Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current Colorado driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and a second form of ID. Have these ready whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

Key Takeaways

Colorado lets you renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need a Real ID upgrade, which takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and is the only option if your license is expired or you are upgrading to Real ID.
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is available for standard license renewals if you have not renewed online in the past two years.
Renewal fees are $28 for a standard license and $35 for a Real ID license, and you can pay by check, money order, or card depending on your method.
Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks for mail renewal, or you receive it when ready at the DMV office for in-person renewal.

Renewing by mail if your license is still valid

Mail renewal is the slowest but most convenient option if your Colorado driver's license has not expired yet and you do not need to upgrade to a Real ID. read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-44) from the Colorado DMV website, or call the DMV at 303-205-5600 to request one by mail.

Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $28 (standard license) or $35 (Real ID). Enclose a copy of your proof of residency and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Your new license will arrive in two to three weeks. Do not send your current license unless the form specifically asks for it.

Mail renewal does not work if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, or if you are upgrading to Real ID for the first time. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you are upgrading to a Real ID, or if you prefer to walk out with your license the same day. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you are upgrading to Real ID, also bring proof of citizenship and a second form of ID.

Visit any Colorado DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Check the Colorado DMV website for the office nearest you and its specific hours before you go. Bring a completed process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-44) if you have one, though you can also fill it out at the office.

The DMV will take your photo, verify your documents, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay $28 for a standard license or $35 for Real ID by card, check, or money order. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license card by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website

Online renewal is available for standard driver's license renewals if you have not renewed online in the past two years and your license is not expired. Visit the Colorado DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number.

The online system will ask you to verify your identity and confirm your address. You can pay the $28 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. Online renewal is not available for Real ID upgrades or if your license has already expired.

Real ID upgrades during renewal

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 7, 2025. If your current Colorado license is not a Real ID and you want to upgrade during renewal, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Bring proof of citizenship (a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID) and a second form of ID along with your other renewal documents. The Real ID license costs $35 instead of $28. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your Real ID card by mail within two to three weeks.

If you do not upgrade to Real ID now, you can still renew your standard license and upgrade later. However, upgrading later requires a separate in-person visit and an additional fee.

What happens if your license has expired

If your Colorado driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a written test, and a driving test. Contact the Colorado DMV for the specific steps and documents required for a new license process.

If your license expired within the past two years, you can still renew it in person at a DMV office without retaking the tests. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The renewal fee is the same as for a current license.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is trying to renew by mail when your license has expired or when you need a Real ID upgrade. Mail renewal only works for standard licenses that are still valid. Check your license expiration date before you choose your renewal method.

Another mistake is forgetting proof of residency. The DMV will not process your renewal without it, and a utility bill or lease must be dated within 60 days. Bring two forms of ID if you are upgrading to Real ID—one form is not enough. Finally, do not send your current license with a mail renewal unless the form asks for it; you may need it for identification while your new one is in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you renew in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you renew by mail or online, your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Colorado does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. You can renew your license regardless of outstanding traffic violations. However, you may still owe the fine, and the court may take other action to collect it.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

If you are renewing in person, the DMV will update your address during the renewal process. If you are renewing by mail or online, you must include your new proof of residency with your process. The DMV will update your address on your new license.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew in person at a DMV office, the DMV will take a new photo. If you renew by mail or online, the DMV will use your photo from your current license unless it is more than 10 years old, in which case you must renew in person.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself in person, by mail, or online. The DMV does not accept applications submitted by someone else on your behalf.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.