Where to Change Your Colorado Address
You can change your address with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles in three ways: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The online method is fastest and works for most people — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. Mail takes about two weeks, and in-person visits let you handle other DMV business at the same time.
The method you choose depends on what documents you're updating. A driver's license address change is different from a vehicle registration address change, and you may need to do both. Colorado allows you to change one without changing the other, though most people update them together.
Before you start, gather your current driver's license or ID card and know your new address. If you're changing a vehicle registration, have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration card ready.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Colorado DMV website take minutes and work for driver's licenses and vehicle registrations, though some situations require an in-person visit.
- You must change your driver's license address within 30 days of moving to a new Colorado address, or within 30 days if you move out of state.
- Vehicle registration address changes have no legal important date, but insurance companies often require proof of the change, so update it promptly.
- Changing your address online costs nothing; in-person and mail changes may include a small processing fee depending on what you're updating.
- If you move out of Colorado, you do not need to notify the DMV unless you plan to keep a Colorado vehicle registration.
Changing Your Driver's License Address Online
Go to the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov and select "Change Address" under the driver's license section. You'll need your current Colorado driver's license number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will verify your identity using information from your license record.
After you submit the change, the DMV mails you a new license with the updated address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. You do not need to return the old license — keep it for your records.
Online changes work only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired. If any of those explore, you must visit a DMV office in person. The same is true if you've changed your name since your license was issued.
Changing Your Vehicle Registration Address Online
From the Colorado DMV website, select "Change Address" under the vehicle registration section. Enter your vehicle's VIN, your current registration number, and your new address. The system confirms your identity and processes the change when ready.
You'll receive a new registration card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current registration remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can drive legally during that time. Unlike a driver's license, you do not have a important date to change your registration address, but your insurance company may require proof of the change before they'll renew your policy.
If you have a vehicle loan or lease, the lienholder's address on file may not change automatically. Contact your lender or leasing company separately to update their records.
Changing Your Address by Mail
read the address change form from the Colorado DMV website or request one by phone at 303-205-5600. Fill out the form with your current information and new address, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. Mail your form to the address on the form itself, not to a general DMV office, because different departments handle different types of changes. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.
You do not need to include your old license or registration. The DMV will mail your new documents to your new address once the change is processed.
Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office
Visit any Colorado DMV office with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Bring your vehicle registration if you're changing that too. The office staff will update your information on the spot.
You'll receive a temporary paper document that's valid when ready, and your permanent new license or registration arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits are useful if you need to change your address and handle another issue at the same time — such as renewing an expired license or updating your vehicle's information after an accident.
DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go.
What Counts as Proof of Your New Address
The Colorado DMV accepts several documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy also works.
Government-issued documents like a voter registration card or tax return showing your new address are acceptable. If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your move-in date will work temporarily.
Do not use a piece of mail addressed to you at your new address unless it's from a government agency or utility company. Personal letters or packages do not count as proof.
Scams and Safety Information
Do not use third-party websites that claim to process DMV address changes for you. These sites charge fees for a service the Colorado DMV provides for free online. They may also collect your personal information and sell it to data brokers.
The official Colorado DMV website is dmv.colorado.gov — check the URL carefully before entering any personal information. Scammers sometimes create websites with similar names like "coloradodmv.net" or "colorado-dmv.org" to trick people.
If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the Colorado DMV asking you to verify your address or confirm your identity, do not click any links. The DMV does not contact people by email or text to request personal information. Go directly to dmv.colorado.gov instead.
If you move and do not update your address, your license and registration remain valid at your old address. However, if you're pulled over and your address doesn't match where you actually live, an officer may issue a citation. More importantly, any official mail from the DMV, courts, or other agencies will go to your old address, and you may miss important important date.
What Happens if You Move Out of State
If you move out of Colorado permanently, you do not have to notify the Colorado DMV. Your Colorado driver's license remains valid in other states for identification purposes, though you'll need to get a license from your new state within a certain timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the state.
If you're keeping a Colorado vehicle registration (for example, because you own property in Colorado or plan to return), you can change the address to an out-of-state address online or by mail using the same process described above. However, most states require you to register vehicles in the state where you live, so check your new state's requirements before keeping a Colorado registration.
If you're moving temporarily — such as for school or work — and plan to return to Colorado, you can keep your Colorado license and registration at your current address. You do not need to change anything unless you're staying out of state for more than a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license or registration after I change my address?
The DMV mails new documents within 7 to 10 business days of processing your change. If you changed your address online or in person, processing is when ready. If you mailed the form, add about two weeks for mail delivery and processing time before the DMV sends out your new documents.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, you must renew your license first. Visit a DMV office in person with proof of your new address and your expired license, and you can renew and change your address at the same time. This takes longer than an address-only change because the DMV must process a renewal.
Do I have to change my vehicle registration address if I change my driver's license address?
No, they are separate. You can change one without changing the other. However, your insurance company may require both to match, so check with them before you decide. If they don't match and you're in an accident, it could complicate your claim.
What if I move and don't have a utility bill yet to prove my new address?
A signed lease, mortgage statement, or letter from your landlord on their letterhead works as proof. If you're staying with family or friends temporarily, a notarized letter from the homeowner stating you live there and your move-in date is acceptable. The document must show your name and the new address.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or points on my license?
No, changing your address does not affect your driving record, points, or license status in any way. It only updates where the DMV sends your documents and where law enforcement can contact you if needed.