Renewing Your License in Colorado

Determine the Status of Your License

Because you are required to hold a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle, you must, if you're 21 years or older, renew your license every five years. If you're a minor, between the ages of 16 and 21, you have until 20 days after your 21st birthday to renew. Specific renewal situations are explained below.

You must also carry car insurance. You can shop and compare rates at our Insurance Center.

Valid License

When it comes to renewing a valid Class R license or motorcycle endorsement, you have two options:

• In person

• By mail

If you're unsure of your license's current status, you can find out by checking your driving record.

NOTE: Visit our CDL section for commercial license information.

Expired License

There are no late fees if you allow your license to expire, but you will be ticketed if caught by the police driving with an invalid license.

You can renew by one of two ways:

• In person

• By mail

If your license remains expired for more than one year you will be required to take the written and road tests again when you decide to renew.

The expiration date is printed on your license. Or, if you prefer, you can confirm by checking your driving record.

Suspended License

Only the following suspensions can be reinstated at a driver's license office:

• Unpaid tickets (for Colorado and elsewhere)

• Child support

• Points on a license

All other suspensions must be renewed by mail. If you have questions about this, call Customer Service at (303) 205-5613.

If you're unsure of your license's current status, you can learn by checking your driving record.

More detailed information can be found on our license suspension page.

If your suspension causes your insurance rates to spike, you can shop for a new provider at our Insurance Center.

Lost License

Visit our Replacing a Lost License page for full details.

Check Your Renewal Notice

Your renewal notice should indicate whether you can renew by mail, online or in person. If you don't receive a notice, call your local driver's license office.

Renew Online

You can use the online option if:

• Your license has not been expired for more than one year

• You own a valid e-mail address

You cannot use the online option if:

• You are younger than 21 or older than 65

• You last renewed your license online or by mail

• Your license is tied to an immigration document

• Your license can't be renewed without immigration papers

• You have a medical restriction on file

• You don't have a Social Security number on file with the DMV

• You're renewing a CDL

• You have an outstanding judgment or warrant on record

• You have a returned check on file

• You're required to pass a written test prior to renewing

If eligible:

1. Go to Colorado's online site
2. Have your Colorado driver's license
3. Make payment with Visa, MasterCard or American Express

Your new license will arrive in the mail within 30 days.

Renew by Mail

If you are eligible to renew by mail, you will receive a renew-by-mail application 90 days prior to the expiration date on your license. Or, you can download an application. To learn if you're eligible for a downloadable mail-in application, you must:

• Visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver's License Renew by Mail page

• Type your license number, name and date of birth in the respective boxes and then submit

• Eligible drivers will be given access to print a Renew by Mail Application

If you are eligible, you need to:

1. Complete the application
2. Write a check for $21
3. Mail to the Department of Revenue address located on the application

Your new license should arrive within two to three weeks.

Renew in Person

Visit any driver's license office with:

• Your current driver's license

• Proof of residency

• Your Social Security number

• Cash, check or money order (credit cards not accepted) to pay the $21 license fee

You'll be handed a temporary license until your permanent license arrives in the mail within two weeks.

NOTE: You'll also be asked to take a vision test, be finger printed and photographed.

Update Your Driving Skills

Though not mandatory, taking a supplemental traffic school course every few years will keep your driving skills sharp and, depending on your carrier, lower your insurance rates.

If your carrier doesn't offer a discount for a supplemental course, you might want to give thought to shopping at our Insurance Center for one that rewards traffic school enrollment.

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