How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

The fastest way to renew your Colorado license

You can renew your Colorado driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and you haven't changed your name or address since your last renewal.

If you don't meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready — you'll get a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card in the mail within two weeks. Walk-in appointments are available at most Colorado DMV offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest option if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions.
You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
Mail renewal requires a completed form, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a DMV office gives you a temporary license when ready and costs the same as other renewal methods.
Your new license is valid for eight years if you're under 61, or four years if you're 61 or older.

Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website

Go to dmv.colorado.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm or update your address and emergency contact details.

Review the vision and medical questions on the form. If you answer "yes" to any medical condition questions, you'll be directed to renew in person instead. Once you've confirmed all information, you'll pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The fee is $28 for a standard eight-year license if you're under 61, or $20 for a four-year license if you're 61 or older. You'll receive a confirmation number by email — save this for your records.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print your confirmation email and use it as a temporary license for up to 30 days. The plastic card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though delays can happen during high-volume periods.

Renewing by mail

read form DL-44 from the Colorado DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your current driver's license number, date of birth, and signature. You do not need to have the form notarized. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $28 for a standard license or $20 for a senior license — made payable to "Colorado Department of Revenue."

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form: Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver's License Section, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license if possible, though it's not required. The DMV will process your renewal in the order it's received, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your packet.

You won't receive a temporary license by mail. If you need to drive while your renewal is being processed, you'll need to renew in person instead. Keep your old license until your new one arrives — it remains valid until the new license is issued.

Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office

Locate your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website and check their hours. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments during certain hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment in cash, check, or card.

At the office, you'll complete a short form and answer vision and medical questions. The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive when ready. Your plastic license will be mailed to your address within 2 weeks.

In-person renewal is the only option if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have medical restrictions, or if you've changed your name or address and need to update your records. Wait times vary — early morning and weekday visits are typically shorter than afternoons or weekends.

What to do if your license has expired more than one year ago

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office. Bring your expired driver's license, proof of Colorado residency, and payment. The renewal process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and the fee is the same — $28 for a standard license or $20 for a senior license.

You can still drive with an expired license while you're waiting for your in-person appointment, though it's not recommended. Once you have your temporary paper license from the DMV, you're legally covered to drive. Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 2 weeks.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year driver's license is $28 if you're under 61 years old. If you're 61 or older, the fee is $20 for a four-year license. These are the only fees — there are no additional processing charges or hidden costs.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you're renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DMV will contact you and your renewal will be delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?

No. You must be a Colorado resident to renew a Colorado driver's license. If you've moved, you need to get a license from your new state. You can keep your Colorado license as a non-driver ID, but you cannot renew it for driving purposes.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring legal documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your records and issue a new license with your current name.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. If your new plastic license hasn't arrived by then, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status. You can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives, even if the 30 days has passed.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?

It depends on the condition. If you answer "yes" to any medical questions during online renewal, you'll be directed to renew in person. The DMV may require a medical evaluation form from your doctor before issuing your new license. In-person renewal allows the DMV to assess your situation and determine what restrictions, if any, explore to your license.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Colorado DMV to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Once that's cleared, you can renew through any of the standard methods. Contact the DMV directly at 303-205-5600 to find out the status of your license.

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.