Losing your driver license, permit, CDL, or ID, can be highly stressful, but following the right steps can make the process straightforward. Below is a guide to help you replace your credential or protect your identity, depending on your situation.
If you recently were issued a DL/Permit/CDL/ID at an office or online but have not received it within 30 days, you can:
- Check its status online using the where is my driver license/ID online tool
- Email the returned credential office at dor_dmv_dl_returned_credentials@state.co.us
- Call 303-305-5600 (press 1 then press 3)
- Return to the office that issued your credential
If the credential does not arrive, you are eligible for a replacement at no cost. You must visit a state Driver License Office in person between 30 and 90 days from the original issue date to qualify for this free replacement.
Note: If not claimed, the DMV destroys undeliverable credentials after 90 days from the date of issuance. Customers will then need to purchase a new credential at full price.
DL/Permit/CDL
If your driver's license/permit or CDL is lost or severely damaged, you have a couple of options for replacing it.
Get a Duplicate: You can request a duplicate credential for a lower fee by making an appointment at a driver license office or by mail (for eligible individuals). A duplicate is an exact copy of your original with the same information and expiration date. Duplicates cannot be ordered online.
- In office: Make an Appointment Online to Visit a Driver’s License Office: Schedule your office visit by visiting our appointment scheduling page here. Select "Renew Colorado License/ID/Permit” as your appointment type. At the appointment, you will need to:
- Attest to Loss/Theft: During your visit, you'll need to confirm that your credential was lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- Verify Your Address Information: When receiving a duplicate, you will be asked to verify your address is correct with the technician.
- Bring Proof of Identity: You will need an identity document, which can be found on the required documents page here. If you do not have proof documents, you will be asked to provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number and we will attempt to match your fingerprint.
- Pay a Fee: There's a fee for a duplicate license. Information about fees can be found on our Fees page here.
- By mail: A duplicate by mail may be requested by holders of a Real ID compliant credential who are temporarily out-of-state and provide an out-of-state mailing address (Exception: a duplicate of a Real ID compliant Commercial Driver License issued to a Temporarily Lawfully Present applicant must be requested in person. This is not available to Temporarily Present or Non-Lawfully Present individuals.) To request a duplicate by mail:
- Complete the Form: Fill out DR Form 2989 from our Forms Library here. The form should include your out-of-state address in order to be processed.
- Mail the Form and Fee (Check or Money Order) to:
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 173345
Denver, CO 80217-3345
- Renew Early Online: To skip the trip to the DMV, check myDMV here to see if you are eligible to simply renew your credential early. This requires paying the regular renewal fee but will extend the expiration date of your license or ID.
- Note: You cannot renew online if your license has expired for over a year.
Identification Card
If your Identification Card is gone or severely damaged, you have a couple of options for replacing it. Your credential will be processed as a renewal. You may be able to renew online at myDMV here. If you are unable to renew online, you will need to make an appointment for an office visit here.
The DMV does not place alerts on motor vehicle records, so if your ID is stolen or someone uses it to open unauthorized bank accounts or credit lines, you must take swift action to protect yourself.
- Contact Authorities First: Immediately file a report with your local law enforcement agency.
- Minimize Your Losses: Obtain a physical copy of your police report and keep strict documentation of any identity theft.
- Secure Your Accounts: Notify all of your creditors and close any accounts that might be compromised.
- Report the fraud: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (1-877-438-4338), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) for mail fraud (1-800-372-8347), and place fraud alerts with the three major credit agencies:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
- Other agencies to report and/or replace other lost, stolen, or fraudulently used documents:
- State or U.S. territory vital records sectionU.S. Department of State for U.S. citizens born abroad
- U.S. Department of State for Passports or 1-877-487-2778
- Social Security Administration. For SSA card replacement, call 1-800-772-1213
- For SSA fraud reporting, call 1-800-269-0271
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, call 1-800-375-5283
If you have reason to believe you have been a victim of identity theft or your personal identifying information has been compromised, and it has impacted your motor vehicle record (also known as your driver history record), you can contact MVIU to determine if your case meets the requirements for an investigation. If you have reason to believe that your Certificate of Title paperwork has been compromised and it has impacted your motor vehicle registration process you can contact MVIU to determine if your case meets the requirements for an investigation. Please contact MVIU at dor_investigationsunit@state.co.us. Learn more about protecting yourself and your vehicle from fraud here: Pump the Brakes on Fraud.
If you suspect your actual identification or driver's license number is actively being misused by someone else, you can apply to be issued a brand-new number. Warning: This process is irreversible, and once a new number is issued, your old credential will be immediately invalidated.
To request a new ID number, you must bring the following documents in person to a Colorado Driver License office (do not mail, fax, or email them):
- Itemized Police Report: You must bring a full counter or police report from your local law enforcement agency. The DMV will not accept just a case number.
- Notarized Affidavit: Download the Affidavit of Colorado Driver License or Identity Theft (DR 2153 Form), complete it, and have your signature notarized. Find it in our Forms Library here.
- Proof of Identity: Bring valid proof of your identity, such as a passport or a prior license.
- In-Person Appointment: Make an appointment online here (select the "Renewal" appointment type) to submit these documents.