How to Renew Your Colorado Driver License

Step-by-step guide for renewing your Colorado license through CO DMV. Covers online, mail, and in-person options, fees, and what to bring.

Validity 5 years

Standard fee $30 Standard adult Class C renewal is $30.87.

Renew early Any time before expiration

After expiration Up to 1 year after expiration without retesting

Step 1 — Check if you can renew online

Adult (21+) standard DL/ID holders may renew online if photo on file is less than 10 years old, license has not been expired more than 1 year, no name/vision changes, no medical restrictions, no active restrictions, and no DUI in the last 5 years. Under-21 must renew in office.

Start your online renewal at CO DMV →

Step 2 — Check what to bring

A straightforward renewal usually needs your current Colorado licence and the fee. What else CO DMV asks for depends on whether you are also upgrading to REAL ID, changing your name or address, or renewing after a lapse — and those requirements differ by state. Check the current list on the CO DMV renewal page before you go.

Step 3 — Pay the renewal fee

CO DMV charges $30 for a standard non-commercial license renewal valid for 5 years. CDL and motorcycle endorsement renewals cost extra; check the official fee schedule for exact amounts.

Step 4 — Take a vision test (if required)

Drivers under 80 self-certify having had an eye exam within 1 year; drivers 80+ must upload a signed optometrist/ophthalmologist statement. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

Step 5 — Receive your new licence

Most agencies issue an interim credential you can drive on while the printed card is produced, then post the card separately. How long the interim lasts and how long the card takes are both set by CO DMV and published on its renewal page. Plan around the dates it gives rather than a general estimate.

REAL ID upgrade in Colorado

Colorado issues REAL ID-compliant licenses upon renewal at no separate fee; first-time REAL ID applicants must apply in person with required identity, SSN, and residency documents.

Common pitfalls

Don't forget address updates. If you moved since your last renewal, update the address before renewing — many states won't mail to a non-matching address.
REAL ID upgrade requires originals. Photocopies of your birth certificate or passport will be rejected. Bring the originals or certified copies.
Book ahead where you can. Walk-in waiting times vary by office and time of year and we do not track them, but an appointment removes the question — see the Colorado office list for locations and contact details.

Find your nearest Colorado office

Use our Colorado DMV office finder to locate the closest CO DMV location with addresses, hours, and turn-by-turn directions.