Where to renew your Colorado driver's license
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, by mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in your hands.
In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your materials. Online renewal, available only for certain drivers, can be completed in minutes, but you will receive your renewed license by mail within that same 7 to 10 business day window.
Colorado has 24 DMV offices across the state. You do not have to visit the office in your county — you can go to any location. The DMV website lists all office addresses, hours, and current wait times so you can choose the least busy location.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired and who do not need a new photo, and the process takes just a few minutes.
- If your license is expired or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail with a new photo submitted.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the DMV, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at any Colorado DMV office typically takes 30 minutes and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
- Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal: who can use it and what you need
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, your address has not changed, and you have no medical or legal restrictions that require in-person review.
To renew online, you will need your current Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The process takes about five minutes. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license with online renewal, so plan accordingly if you need to present a physical license before the new one arrives.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, the Colorado DMV website has a tool that lets you check your renewal options before you commit to any method.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Renewing in person is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, your address has changed, or you have medical or legal restrictions. Bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. Colorado accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
The fee for a standard five-year license renewal is $28.25. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), the fee is $33.25. You can choose to renew as a standard license or upgrade to Real ID at the same time.
When you complete your renewal in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, ask the DMV office about expedited mail options, which may be available for an additional fee.
Mail renewal: documents and timeline
To renew by mail, read the process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DR 2161) from the Colorado DMV website. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and payment to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash — use a check or money order.
If you need a new photo (because your current license photo is more than 10 years old, or because you request one), you must include a new passport-style photo with your mailed process. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last 30 days, and show your face clearly against a plain background.
Mail your renewal materials to the DMV address on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your materials, plus mail delivery time both ways. You will not receive a temporary license with mail renewal, so submit your process well before your current license expires if you need to present a valid license during the renewal period.
Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal
Colorado Real ID licenses are required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant, you can upgrade during renewal without waiting for your license to expire.
To renew as a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and one document proving your identity and date of birth (a passport, birth certificate, or certified copy of your birth certificate). The Real ID fee is $33.25 for a five-year license.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be a standard license unless you specifically request Real ID. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a DMV office, even if your current license is not yet expired.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Colorado driver's license is expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. The DMV will process your renewal the same way as a non-expired license, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the DMV may require additional documents or a new written test. Call your local DMV office or check the website before you visit to confirm what you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I have moved out of state?
No. To renew a Colorado driver's license, you must be a Colorado resident. If you have moved to another state, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can keep your Colorado license as a non-driver identification card if you wish, but you cannot renew it as a driver's license.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring proof of your identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of your current address, and payment. The DMV will issue you a replacement license with a new number. This counts as a new license rather than a renewal, so the fee may differ.
How long does a Colorado driver's license last?
Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license.
Do I have to renew in the county where I live?
No. You can visit any Colorado DMV office in any county to renew your license. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you. The DMV website shows all office locations and current wait times.
What if I need my renewed license before the mail arrives?
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license. Ask the DMV office about expedited mail options if you need your license faster — some offices offer this service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.