Colorado License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Colorado
You renew your license through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Colorado licenses last 5 years from the issue date. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the DMV renewal portal.
- In person — go to a DMV office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
- By mail — follow the steps on your renewal notice.
- Mobile app — renew using the DMV mobile app.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Try the CO DMV site or myColorado app. Can you renew online?
- Gather documents — Have your license, SSN, and payment ready. Want REAL ID? Bring ID and address docs.
- Complete the application — Open the myColorado app or DMV site. Check your info. Then submit.
- Pay the fee — Pay $30.87 by credit card, debit card, or e-check.
- Receive your license — Get a temp card right away. Your new one comes in 2 to 3 weeks.
Colorado Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $30.87 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $16.80 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $4.39 |
| Name change | $30.87 |
| Digital license (myColorado) | No charge |
| Valid for | 5 years |
It's $30.87 for 5 years. REAL ID is the same price. There's no late fee.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Colorado driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Proof of Colorado residency (for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired more than 1 year
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- You have no restrictions requiring an in-person visit
- You did not renew online last time (you must alternate)
You must go in person every other time. Can't do online twice in a row.
Go to DMV online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Colorado License Expires
CO has no grace period. Driving expired is a traffic ticket.
- Before expiry — Up to 1 year before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 1 year after expiry without retaking tests
- Long-lapsed penalty — Expired over 1 year? Retake the written test. Retake the road test too. Over 10 years? Start over as a new driver.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Colorado. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at each in-person visit. Online? You self-certify your vision.
- In-person visits — You must go in person every other time. Can't do online twice in a row.
- Wait time — Online renewals take 1 to 3 days. Your card comes by mail in 2 to 3 weeks.
Common Colorado License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not knowing about the myColorado app
CO has a free app for a digital license. You can renew through it too. Most people don't know about it.
Letting your license expire beyond 1 year
Over 1 year late? Retake the written and road tests. Over 10 years? Start over as a new driver.
Trying to renew online twice in a row
CO makes you swap each time. Did you go online last time? Then go in person next.
Forgetting to update your address before renewing
Did you move? Fix your address online first. A wrong one can delay your card.
REAL ID Info for Colorado
CO offers REAL ID at no extra cost. Bring your birth cert or passport. Add your SSN card. Show proof of CO address.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
Senior & Age Rules
Drivers 61 and up renew every 5 years. CO doesn't need extra tests for seniors.
What Makes Colorado Different
CO has a free digital license via the myColorado app. Police accept it statewide.
You can renew via the myColorado app. Few states let you renew by phone.
CO makes you swap online and in-person each time. CA and TX do this too.