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, or online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical conditions listed on your record, and you have not changed your address.

Before you go to the DMV or sit down at your computer, gather your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing in person, bring the originals — photocopies do not work. If you are renewing online, you will enter this information into the form.

The renewal process takes about 15 minutes in person at most DMV offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home, but your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option if your license expired less than a year ago and you have no medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at any Colorado DMV office works for all drivers, including those with expired licenses or recent address changes.
You need your current license, proof of your address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number for either method.
A new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, or you can walk out with a temporary paper license after in-person renewal.
The renewal fee is $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license, paid at the DMV or online during renewal.

Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue

Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dor.colorado.gov and select "Driver License Services." You will see a box labeled "Renew Your Driver License Online." Click it and answer the questions about your current license status. The system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access.

If you are may be able to access, you will 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 record and ask you to confirm your address. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must go to a DMV office instead. If your address is correct, you will choose your license term (four years or eight years), pay the fee by debit or credit card, and submit.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive at your address in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally during this time using your old license.

Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website under "Office Locations." You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling through the website, which can reduce your wait time. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), bring your medical certificate as well.

At the office, you will fill out form DL-44 (process for a Colorado Driver License). A staff member will take your photograph, verify your documents, and process your payment. You will walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your Colorado driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means you will need to pass the written test and the driving test again, not just pay a renewal fee.

Go to any Colorado DMV office and ask for a new driver's license process. You will fill out form DL-44, provide proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your address, and your Social Security number. You will then schedule a written test appointment, usually available within one to two weeks. After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test, which typically happens within another one to two weeks.

If you need to drive before you pass both tests, you can request a temporary instruction permit (permit) at the DMV office. The permit is valid for six months and allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the front seat.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

A standard Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license. These are the only two options — you cannot choose a different term. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher: $56 for four years or $112 for eight years. If you are adding or removing endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), there may be additional fees — ask the DMV office or check the website before you go.

Payment methods depend on where you renew. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. In-person renewal at a DMV office accepts cash, debit, credit cards, and checks.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved since your last license, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal will not let you proceed if your address has changed — you must go to a DMV office instead. In person, you will update your address on form DL-44 and provide proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. You do not need to renew early to change your name — you can change it any time by visiting a DMV office, even if your current license is not yet expired.

Medical conditions and restrictions on your license

If your Colorado driver's license has medical restrictions or conditions listed on it (such as "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only"), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DMV office. The office will review your restrictions and ask whether they still explore. If your vision has improved or you no longer need a restriction, tell the staff member — they can remove it during renewal.

If you have a new medical condition that affects your driving, such as a seizure disorder or significant vision loss, you are required to report it to the DMV. You can do this by visiting a DMV office or calling the Driver License Section at 303-205-5600. The DMV may require a medical evaluation or may restrict your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver's license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew online if you meet the other requirements (license expired less than one year, no medical restrictions, no address change). If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a Colorado DMV office in person or mail in a renewal process. Contact the Driver License Section at 303-205-5600 to ask about mail-in renewal options.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license online. Go to any Colorado DMV office and report it lost. You will fill out a replacement form, pay a $20 fee, and receive a temporary paper license. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need a replacement before your renewal date, the fee is separate from the renewal fee.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date the DMV issues it. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before the 30 days are up. If it does not, contact the Driver License Section at 303-205-5600.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes, you can renew your Colorado driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will still expire on the same date your current one would have. There is no benefit to renewing early unless you need a replacement for a lost or damaged license.

What if my renewal is rejected online?

The online system will tell you why you are not may be able to access — usually because your license is expired by more than one year, you have medical restrictions, or your address has changed. Go to a Colorado DMV office in person instead. Bring the documents listed above and a staff member will process your renewal.

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.