Colorado DMV Address Changes: What You Need to Know

You can change your address with the Colorado Department of Revenue — Division of Motor Vehicles in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start an online change. Mail and in-person changes take longer but work if you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it face-to-face.

Colorado does not charge a fee for address changes on driver's licenses or ID cards. The change takes effect when ready if you do it online, or within one to two weeks if you mail the form or visit an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the Colorado DMV website are free and take effect right away, with no new card mailed to you.
  • You need your driver's license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
  • If you change your address by mail using Form DL 43, include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • In-person changes at a Colorado DMV office require the same proof-of-address document and take about one to two weeks to process.
  • Your current driver's license or ID card remains valid at your old address; you do not need to renew it unless it is expiring soon.

Changing Your Address Online

The Colorado DMV website lets you change your address without leaving home. Go to the Division of Motor Vehicles section of the Colorado Department of Revenue website and look for the "Change Address" option. You will log in with your driver's license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address and confirm it.

The change is when ready. You will not receive a new card in the mail — your current license or ID remains valid with the old address printed on it. The DMV's records update right away, so if a police officer runs your license, they will see your new address. This method works for driver's licenses and ID cards but not for vehicle registration changes, which require a separate process.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read or request Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the Colorado DMV website or call 303-205-5613. Fill in your current license or ID number, your new address, and sign the form. You must include a copy of a document that shows your new address — the DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail with your name and new address on it.

Mail the completed form and your proof-of-address document to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks. You will not receive a new card; your current license or ID stays valid. If you want to verify that the change went through, you can call the DMV or check your record online after two weeks have passed.

Changing Your Address in Person

You can walk into any Colorado DMV office and change your address at the counter. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and a document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail all work. The staff will update your record on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready in the system.

You will not receive a new card in the mail unless you request one, and requesting one costs $20. Most people skip this step because their current card remains valid even though it shows the old address. If your license or ID is expiring within the next year, you may want to renew it at the same time so your new address appears on the card you carry.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

The Colorado DMV accepts several documents to prove you live at your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement with your name and new address also works. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail — including tax documents or benefit letters — are acceptable as long as they show your name and the new address.

The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and complete new address. If you do not have any of these documents yet because you just moved, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address. The DMV staff can tell you whether a specific document will work if you call ahead.

Vehicle Registration Address Changes

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically change your vehicle registration address. You must update your vehicle registration separately through the Colorado DMV. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as a license change, but you will use different forms and provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number instead.

Colorado law requires you to update your vehicle registration address within 30 days of moving. If you do not, you may face a fine if you are pulled over. The online registration change is the fastest option and costs nothing. If you change both your license and registration at the same time in person, you can do both at one visit.

Timeline and What to Expect

Online changes take effect when ready. Your address updates in the DMV system right away, and law enforcement will see the new address if they run your license. You do not receive anything in the mail.

Mail-in changes take one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. In-person changes also take one to two weeks to fully process, even though the staff updates your record at the counter. If you need to confirm the change went through, wait at least two weeks before calling or checking online.

If you are moving out of state and need to transfer your license to another state, you will have to surrender your Colorado license and get a new one in your new state. Colorado does not issue out-of-state licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new card when I change my address?

No. Your current driver's license or ID card remains valid and does not need to be replaced just because you moved. The card will still show your old address, but the DMV's records update to your new address. If you want a card with your new address printed on it, you can request a replacement card for $20, but this is optional.

What if I move and do not update my address with the DMV?

Your license stays valid, but the DMV's records will show an outdated address. If you get pulled over, the officer will see the old address. Colorado law requires you to update your vehicle registration within 30 days of moving, so not updating that can result in a fine. For your driver's license, there is no legal important date, but updating it keeps your records accurate.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. If you want to change your address in person at a DMV office, you will need a valid form of ID — an expired license may not work depending on how long it has been expired. Call the DMV office you plan to visit to ask what ID they will accept.

How do I change my address if I do not have internet access?

Mail Form DL 43 to the DMV with a copy of your proof-of-address document, or visit a DMV office in person. Both methods are free. Mail takes one to two weeks, and in-person visits are faster if an office is near you. Call 303-205-5613 to find the office closest to your new address.

Do I need to change my address before I move or after?

You can change your address before or after you move. Many people do it after they have settled in and have proof of the new address ready. For vehicle registration, Colorado requires the change within 30 days of moving, so do not wait too long if you own a car.