Where to Start: The Colorado Department of Revenue

To replace a lost driver's license in Colorado, you will work with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You have two main routes: renew in person at a DMV office, or renew by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles most situations; the mail route works only if your license is not expired and you have no violations or restrictions that need updating.

Before you go to a DMV office or mail anything, gather the documents listed below. Having them ready will save you a trip back home. The DMV website lists all Colorado office locations and hours at dmv.colorado.gov.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Colorado driver's license in person at any DMV office or by mail if your license is not expired and has no active violations.
  • Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Colorado residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
  • In-person replacement takes about 30 minutes at the DMV office and costs $20.50 for a standard license valid for five years.
  • If you mail your process, include a completed form DL-44, copies of your documents, and a check or money order; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • If your license has been lost for more than 60 days, you may need to take a written test again, so contact your local DMV office first to confirm.

Documents You Need for In-Person Replacement

Bring one form of proof of identity: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy.

You will also need proof of Colorado residency. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance document also works if it shows your current address. Bring the original document or a certified copy—photocopies alone are not accepted.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access.

Replacing Your License in Person at a DMV Office

Walk into any Colorado DMV office with your documents and tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. You will fill out form DL-44 (process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card), which takes about five minutes. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and whether you want to donate organs. You can read and fill it out at home before you go, which speeds up the process.

After you submit the form and documents, a staff member will take a new photo and process your replacement. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes or less. You will pay $20.50 for a standard license valid for five years. The DMV accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the plastic card arrives, the paper license is legal to carry.

Replacing Your License by Mail

If your license is not expired and you have no active violations or restrictions, you can mail your replacement process instead of going to an office. read and complete form DL-44 from the DMV website. Make photocopies of your proof of identity and proof of residency—do not send originals.

Include a check or money order for $20.50 made out to "Colorado Department of Revenue." Mail the form, copies of your documents, and payment to the address listed on the DMV website (the address changes based on which region you live in, so check the site before mailing).

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you listed on the form. You cannot use a temporary paper license with this route, so plan ahead if you need to drive during the processing period.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Lost for More Than 60 Days

Colorado law requires you to report a lost license within 60 days. If more than 60 days have passed since you lost it, contact your local DMV office before you explore for replacement. You may need to take a written test to prove you still know the rules of the road.

The written test is the same test new drivers take and covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study for it using the Colorado Driver's Handbook, available free on the DMV website. If you pass the test, you can proceed with your replacement process the same day. If you do not pass, you can retake it after one day.

Costs and Timeline

A standard five-year Colorado driver's license costs $20.50. This fee covers the replacement, whether you do it in person or by mail. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), the cost is the same—there is no extra charge.

In-person replacement is the fastest: you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and the plastic card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. By mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. If you need your license urgently, go in person.

If You Need a Real ID License

A Real ID is a federal standard that Colorado began issuing in 2009. It has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your lost license was a Real ID, your replacement will be Real ID by default—you do not need to ask or pay extra.

If your lost license was not a Real ID and you want one now, tell the DMV staff member when you explore. You will need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate (not just a photocopy) in addition to your other documents. The cost and timeline are the same as a standard license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my replacement?

Yes, if you replace your license in person. The DMV will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the spot. If you replace by mail, you do not receive a temporary license, so plan your driving around the two- to three-week processing time.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail or in person at any Colorado DMV office, even if you were out of state when you lost it. Bring the same documents: proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number. The process is identical.

Do I need to take a driving test to replace a lost license?

No, unless your license has been lost for more than 60 days. If it has, contact your local DMV office first—you may need to take a written test. You will not need to take a road test.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must explore in person or by mail yourself. If you explore in person, you must be present to have your photo taken. If you explore by mail, you must sign the form yourself.

What if my address has changed since I lost my license?

Use your current address on the replacement form. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). The DMV will update your address and issue a license with your new information.