Get a replacement license by mail or in person at a Colorado DMV office

Colorado lets you replace a lost driver's license without taking a new photo or retesting. You can request a replacement by mail using form DL 43, or walk into any DMV office with your ID and pay the replacement fee. The mail route takes about two weeks; in-person replacement is faster but requires a trip to an office during business hours.

You will need to prove your identity and Colorado residency. A passport, birth certificate, or utility bill in your name works. If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you cannot use the mail option — you must go in person and may face additional requirements depending on why it was suspended.

The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license valid for five years. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time for an additional fee, which may be worth doing if you are already paying to replace it.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail replacement using form DL 43 takes about two weeks and costs $20.50, but you cannot use this method if your license was suspended or revoked.
  • In-person replacement at any Colorado DMV office is faster and requires only a valid ID and proof of Colorado residency.
  • You do not need a new photo or to retake the written test when replacing a lost license.
  • If your license expires within six months, consider renewing it at the same time you replace it to avoid a second trip and fee.

Replacing by mail: form DL 43 and what to send

read form DL 43 from the Colorado DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your name, date of birth, and current address. You do not need to write an explanation of why the license is lost — the form does not ask for one.

Mail the completed form along with a copy of your ID (front and back) and proof of Colorado residency to the address listed on the form. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Include a check or money order for $20.50 made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Mail it to the address on the form, not to a local office. You will receive your replacement license by mail at the address you listed on the form.

Replacing in person at a DMV office

Walk into any Colorado DMV office with a valid ID and proof of residency. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though it is not required. You can pay the $20.50 fee with cash, check, or card. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some busy locations ask you to book a time slot online first — check the DMV website for your local office.

The office will print your replacement license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the location. Some offices hand it to you before you leave; others mail it. Ask when you arrive. Bring the same residency documents you would mail in: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Hours vary by office. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some stay open until 6 p.m. on certain days. Check the DMV website for your nearest office and its hours before you go.

What to bring and what counts as proof of identity

You need one form of valid ID. A passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you have none of these, a birth certificate plus a Social Security card can substitute, though this combination takes longer to process.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days with your current address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water), lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank or credit card statements all count. A cell phone bill does not count. If you recently moved and have no document in your new address, a notarized letter from your landlord or a recent lease can work — call your local DMV office first to confirm.

Do not bring originals of documents you need for other purposes. The DMV will copy what it needs and return the originals to you.

Replacing a suspended or revoked license

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot use the mail option. You must go to a DMV office in person. The office will check your driving record and tell you what you need to do before a replacement can be issued.

Suspensions in Colorado usually result from unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. Revocations are more serious and typically follow a second DUI within a certain time period. The steps to restore your license depend on the reason. For a suspension due to unpaid fines, you may need to pay the fines or set up a payment plan. For a DUI-related revocation, you may need to complete a substance abuse course and install an ignition interlock device.

Call the DMV before you go in person so you know what documents to bring. The office can tell you over the phone what your specific situation requires.

Renewing at the same time you replace

If your license expires within six months, you can renew it when you replace it. This costs an additional $20.50 for a five-year renewal, but it saves you a second trip and fee later.

Tell the DMV office or note on your form DL 43 that you want to renew as well as replace. The office will process both at once. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date of replacement, not from your original expiration date.

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person and may need to retake the written test. Check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm the rules for your situation.

Timeline and what to expect

By mail: about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Mailing time is not included, so allow three to four weeks total from the date you drop it in the mailbox.

In person: same day or within a few days, depending on the office. Some offices print licenses on site; others mail them. Ask when you arrive.

If you need your license urgently and cannot wait, go in person. If you are replacing a suspended or revoked license, you must go in person and the timeline depends on what you need to do to restore it — this can take weeks or months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Colorado does not issue temporary licenses for lost or stolen driver's licenses. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a certified copy of your driving record from the DMV, which some police officers will accept as proof of a valid license, though this is not may provide. Your safest option is to wait for the replacement or go in person to get it faster.

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

List your current address on form DL 43 or tell the DMV office when you go in person. Your replacement license will show your new address. You do not need to update your address separately.

Do I need to report the license lost to police?

No. Colorado does not require a police report to replace a lost driver's license. However, if you believe your license was stolen and someone might use it fraudulently, you can file a report with local police for your records. This does not speed up the replacement process.

Can I replace my license if I owe child support or have unpaid fines?

If you owe child support, your license is likely suspended and you must go in person. The DMV will tell you what you need to do. If you have unpaid traffic fines, the same applies. You may be able to set up a payment plan instead of paying in full.

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 are currently out of state. By mail is your only option if you cannot get to an office. Mail your form DL 43 and documents to the address on the form, and your replacement will be mailed to your Colorado address.