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 — Gather your documents

For an in-person renewal, bring:

Your current Colorado driver license.
Proof of identity (passport, certified birth certificate).
Proof of Colorado residency — utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address (most states require two documents).
Social Security card or W-2.
Payment for the renewal fee (cash, check, or card — varies by office).

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 license

You'll get a temporary paper license at the DMV that's valid for 30-60 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7-14 business days. If your renewal was online, expect 10-21 days mailing time.

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.
Walk-in waits can be 2-4 hours. Book an appointment online at any of Colorado's DMV offices.

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.

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