The updated Colorado Driver Handbook is now available online and features myColorado™ app integration. Our offices have reopened by appointment Temporarily, drivers 65 and older can renew online! The Colorado DMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses, which allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. You will receive REAL ID upon your renewal—just follow the steps outlined below.

• Colorado Driver's License Previous Type N Connectors List

COVID-19 Effects on Licensing Services

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state DMVs nationwide have closed driver licensing offices, extended license and registration expiration dates, and/or limited the transactions they are processing. If possible, residents should use the DMV's online services to complete any relevant transactions. Follow the DMV's recent updates for the latest information.

Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Since you are required to hold a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle in Colorado, make special note of when you must renew your license.

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes all driver's license renewal applications. This page provides information on how to renew your driver's license if it is valid or expired.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

As of August 2015, the Colorado DMV requires 2 documents proving your CO residency for applicants whose license has been expired for over 1 year. Both documents must be within 1 year of issue.

If you're holding a different type of driver's license or permit, please click on any of the following links for more information:

When to Renew Your CO Driver's License

If you're a minor under 21 years old, you must wait until your 21st birthday to renew your driver's license.

See “Renew Your Colorado Driver's License' below for specific instructions on how to process your renewal.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License

If you lost your CO driver's license you can simply process a driver's license renewal instead of ordering a replacement. For more information on lost, stolen, or damaged driver's licenses, please read our page about Replacing a Lost License.

Expired Driver's License

Need to check your license status?

Is your CO driver's license valid, expired, or suspended? Find out by ordering your driving record online today.

If your Colorado driver's license has been expired for more than 1 year, you will be required to take the written and road tests again when you decide to renew. You will also be required to submit 2 documents proving your residency, both of which must be dated to within 1 year. You may want to study the Colorado driver's manual and take an online DMV practice test beforehand.

The expiration date is printed on your CO driver's license. You can find other details about your driver's license on your driving record.

Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

CO REAL ID License Update

The Colorado DMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses, which allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. You will receive REAL ID upon your renewal—just follow the steps outlined below. If this is your FIRST federally-compliant license, you may have to renew in person.

Depending on your eligibility, you can renew your CO driver's license either:

• Online.
• By mail.
  OR
• In person at your local DMV office.
  • Make sure you go to a driver's license office, NOT your county registration office.

The steps for each option are outlined for you below.

NOTE: If you need to update the photograph on your driver’s license, you must appear in person at your local CO DMV office. Also, you might need to renew in person if you’re upgrading to Colorado’s driver’s license that meets federal REAL ID requirements, as these licenses also require certain proofs of identity and residency. For more information, see “In Person” below and contact your local CO DMV office.

Renew Online

To be eligible to renew your CO driver's license online, you'll need to meet all of the requirements listed on the state's online License and ID Renewal page.

If you're eligible to renew your driver's license online, you'll need to:

• Have your Colorado driver's license on hand (your license cannot be expired).
• Make payment with VISA, MasterCard, or American Express. (See “Fees to Renew Your CO Driver's License' below.
  • You will be subject to an administrative processing fee.

Your renewed CO driver's license will arrive in the mail within 30 business days. The printed receipt and old or expired credential will serve as your temporary license or I.D.

NOTE: If you recently relocated, you can update the CO DMV with your new address during this online renewal process.

Renew by Mail

If you're eligible to renew your CO driver's license by mail, the DMV will send you a “Renew by Mail' application.

You may also download an application online if you are eligible and are at least 21 years old. To find out if you're eligible, visit the Driver's License Renew by Mail website and follow the instructions given.

If you're eligible, you'll need to:

• Complete the Renew by Mail application form provided.
• Write a check for $30.87.
• Mail the above to the address specified on the application form.

Renew in Person

To renew your CO driver's license inperson, you'll need to visit a CO DMV licensing office and:

• Submit your current driver's license AND Social Security number.
• Submit proof of legal presence is your license is expired.
• Show 2 documents to prove your CO residency if:
  • Your license is expired over 1 year.
  • Your current address does not appear on you license
  • Visit the DMV website for a complete list of accepted documents.
• Provide payment for the $30.87 driver's license fee.
  • See “Fees to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License' below.
• Pass a vision test.
• Give your fingerprint.
• Get your photograph taken.

You'll be handed a temporary driver's license until your permanent Colorado license arrives in the mail. If your license hasn't arrived, you can check the status by contacting the CO DMV.

NOTE: If you changed your name recently, you will be required to bring in additional documentation. Visit our Name Change page for more details.

Out-of-State & Military License Renewals

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

NOTE: If you're an active-duty military member, please visit our page for drivers in the military.

If you're a active duty military out of the state or country temporarily, the Colorado DMV will grant you a one-time extension on your CO driver's license for 3 years. If you're civilian then you may only apply for a 1 year extension. You must obtain the extension at least 90 days before the driver's license expires.

To request an extension on your CO driver's license, you'll need:

• A letter stating your request and including your name, date of birth, current driver's license number, and out-of-state/country mailing address.
• A completed Out-of-State Extension application (Form DR 2989).
• A letter from your commanding officer confirming your military status (applicable to service members only).

For military members, this extension is free. For civilian out-of-state residents, include payment for the $6.50 extension fee.

Send the above to:

Colorado Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 173350
Denver, CO 80217

Fees to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

• Adults 21 years old and older: $30.87.
• Minors Under 21 years old old may not renew their driver's license.

If you're not a U.S. citizen, your fee will be $33 and your driver's license will be valid for 3 years.

Accepted Payment Methods

Most of the Colorado DMV offices accept the following payment methods:

• Cash.
• Check.
• Visa.
• MasterCard.
• American Express.
• Discover.

Contact your local CO DMV licensing office to confirm accepted methods of payment.

Forms

DR 2989

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Please select one of the below to continue:

Colorado Driver's License Previous Type N Connectors List

Email the link to this form