Renew Your Colorado Driver License, Permit, or ID Card
Welcome to the official renewal page. We've simplified the process to get you on your way faster.
Credentials Eligible for Renewal
Credentials eligible for renewal for Colorado residents (other eligibility requirements may apply)
- Colorado driver license: If expired less than one year.
- Colorado identification card: If expired less than 10 years.
- Colorado Commercial Driver License (CDL): If expired less than one year and a valid DOT medical card is on file.
- Hazmat endorsement renewal: Requires a valid TSA hazmat clearance on file and a written Hazmat test taken at an office (appointment required).
- Colorado permit (driver and motorcycle only): If expired less than one year.
Colorado minor driver license to adult license (standard):- Renewed on or after the 21st birthday.
- The minor license expires 20 days after the 21st birthday.
- Colorado standard (non-lawfully present/undocumented and temporarily lawfully present) credentials:
- Standard driver license: If expired less than one year.
- Minor driver license to adult license: Renewed on or after the 21st birthday. Expiration is 3 years from issuance or 20 days after the 21st birthday, whichever comes first.
- Instruction permit: If expired less than one year. However, the permit expires 3 years from the date of issuance or the 21st birthday, whichever comes first.
- Identification cards: If expired less than 10 years.
Exception:
- Commercial learner permits (CLP) are not eligible for renewal. You must retake the commercial written tests in an office.
When to Renew
- Adult license: You may renew your adult driver license, permit, or ID card at any time before the expiration date - you shouldn't wait until it expires.
- Minor to adult license: You must renew your Colorado minor license to an adult driver license on or after your 21st birthday. Your minor license expires 20 days after your 21st birthday.
Renew Online
This is the fastest and easiest way to renew.
- Renew from home, 24/7.
- Get your new card mailed to you.
- Your printed receipt and your old/expired license or ID will serve as your temporary credential.
If you are 80 years of age or older, you can renew online but you are also required to upload a form signed by your optometrist/ophthalmologist attesting to an eye exam and results within the preceding 6 months.
Vision/Eye Exam Requirements:
- Vision Exam: You will need to upload a completed Optometrist/Ophthalmologist Statement (Form DR 2498) ONLINE RENEWALS ONLY. This form attests that you have had an eye exam within the preceding six months and provides the results.
- Find form DR 2498 Optometrist/Ophthalmologist Statement on the Forms Library webpage here.
- What if my vision changed, like I need glasses now but my old license doesn't say so?
- If your vision now requires corrective lenses and your current driver license doesn't reflect this (or vice versa), you must come into an office for your renewal. For instance, if you had cataract surgery and no longer need glasses to drive, you will need to come into a driver license office to get a new license.
- What if my online renewal was rejected?
- You will need to make an appointment (see below Renew In-Office). During your appointment, the driver’s license technician will administer an eye exam. You do not need to bring in the Optometrist/Ophthalmologist Statement (form DR 2498).
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Have a photo on file that is less than 10 years old.
- Have a license that has not expired for more than one year.
- Have no active or pending restriction actions on your license.
- Have no change in your name or vision.
- Have no special medical restrictions.
- Have no DUIs in the last 5 years.
- Have no valid ID card on file (if renewing a license, and vice versa).
- Have no requirement for written testing due to a point suspension.
Find more Mature Driver Resources here: Mature Driver Information Hub.
What are the most common requirements to renew my driver license or ID card online?
You must meet several requirements. The most common are:
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Have a photo on file that is less than 10 years old.
- Have a license that has not expired for more than one year.
- Have no active or pending restriction actions on your license.
- Have no change in your name or vision.
- Have no special medical restrictions.
- Have no DUIs in the last 5 years.
- Have no valid ID card on file (if renewing a license, and vice versa).
- Have no requirement for written testing due to a point suspension.
You can view the full list of eligibility requirements to renew online at myDMV Renew a DL/ID.
What are the most common reasons my online renewal of my driver license or ID card would be rejected?
The most common reasons for rejection include:
- Your license has expired for over one year.
- Your picture on file is 10 years old or older.
- Your vision has changed.
- Your license has been suspended.
What information do I need to provide for an online driver license or ID card renewal?
You will need:
- A valid email address.
- A valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
- Information from your previously issued license or ID, including the issue date and credential number. If you do not have this information, you will need to renew in person.
- If you are 80 or older, you will need to upload a signed Optometrist/Ophthalmologist Statement (form DR 2498) . The form can be found on Forms Library webpage here. This form attests that you have had an eye exam within the preceding six months and provides the results.
- If you are under 80, you will be asked to certify that you have had an eye exam within one year prior to the renewal.
If you do not have this information, you will need to renew in person.
Can I renew my Commercial Driver License (CDL) online?
Yes, provided you meet the eligibility requirements listed above and online at myDMV.
In addition to the regular eligibility license requirements above, you must have a valid DOT medical card on file. All DOT medical information is submitted directly to FMCSA’s National Registry “Registry” by the medical provider. The State of Colorado will receive the information electronically from the registry. This is the only allowable method of receiving Certified Medical Examiner Certificates. The medical provider will submit the information to the Registry within 24 business hours of the medical exam. If you have recently seen a provider, please wait 24-48 business hours, then you can confirm the information is posted on myDMV or by calling our customer service call center at 303-205-5613.
How much does it cost and what payment methods are accepted online?
Fees vary depending on the type of card (driver license, ID card, commercial driver license) and the renewal period. A small convenience fee applies. Payments methods include: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Find all state DMV fees here: state DMV fees.
Is the online renewal approved instantly?
No. Your application is reviewed by DMV staff for approval before the renewal is completed.If issues are identified during review, you will be notified via email with additional instructions, which may include the need to schedule an in-office appointment.
What do I use as my temporary license after I renew online?
Your printed receipt and your old/expired license or ID will serve as your temporary credential.
If I am over 60, can I renew my identification card online for free?
Yes, if you are over 60, you can renew your identification card for free online, by mail, or in the office. This does not apply to driver licenses.
Renew In-Person
Visit a DMV office in person. You must schedule an appointment to visit a STATE driver license office.
- Required if you are getting your first REAL ID.
- Required for name changes.
- An option for all other renewals.
- You will receive a paper temporary license or ID. You must carry the temporary credential AND your expired credential with you while operating a motor vehicle until your new physical card arrives in the mail.
Required Documents: What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Originals Only: No copies, photos, or laminated versions and no abbreviated, miniature, hospital or California abstract birth certificates.
- Certified Documents: Must be original or certified copies with an official court/county/city/state government seal or stamp (A notary public cannot certify).
- Important: A certified document is not a photocopy you make yourself. It must have an official court/county government/city .
- Content: Documents must contain full legal name, date of birth, date of issuance, country of issuance, and a photograph.
- Validity Period: Must be currently valid or 10 years from the listed expiration date (or issuance date if no expiration).
- English Only: If not in English, a complete, certified translation with a specific affirmation and the translator's unexpired driver’s license/ID number must be presented with the original document.
- The documents must include this affirmation typed or electronically printed on the same page as the translation, not on separate pieces of paper. “I, [insert translator’s full name], affirm that the foregoing is a complete and accurate translation from [insert foreign language] to the English language to the best of my ability. I further affirm that I am fully competent to translate from [insert foreign language] to the English language and that I am proficient in both languages.”
- The translated document must also include the number and state of issuance of the translator’s unexpired driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card. All translated documents and information will be included in the applicant’s permanent motor vehicle record. Applicants are responsible for all costs of translation.
- Names Must Match: Different names on documents (for example: due to marriage, divorce, or a court order) are not accepted. See required documents matrix above for details on what is acceptable proof of name changes or differences.
- If you are NOT changing anything on your card, all you need is your previous license, permit, or ID.
- If you do NOT have your previous card, you will need to bring one proof of identity document (such as a U.S. Passport, Certified U.S. Birth Certificate, or Permanent Resident Card). Here is a full list of what you can bring:
| Document Type | Expiration/Validity |
| Previously Issued Colorado Driver License/Instruction Permit/ID Card | Unexpired or Expired Less Than 10 Years |
| U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card | Unexpired or Expired Less Than 10 Years |
| Certified U.S. Birth Certificate | No abbreviated, miniature, hospital, or California abstract birth certificates. |
| Consular Report of Birth Abroad | N/A |
| Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship | N/A |
| Certified U.S. Adoption Order | N/A |
| Approved Refugee or Asylee I-94 without photo | Currently Valid |
| Permanent Resident Card (I-551) | Unexpired or Less Than 10 Years Expired with a Current, Original I-797 Extension Letter |
| Foreign Passport with Unexpired I-551 stamp | Unexpired |
| Valid I-94 Refugee/Approved Asylee with Foreign Passport, DHS Attached Photograph, or USCIS Travel Document | Valid |
| Out-of-State Driver License/Instruction Permit/ID Card | Transferred for a Colorado Credential Less than One Year Before (Will be hole-punched and canceled in your previous state) |
| Military ID/Common Access Card | Unexpired or Expired Less Than 10 Years |
| VA Card | Issued Within 20 years |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs or Tribal ID with Photo | Issued Within 20 years |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons or State Department of Corrections ID Card | N/A |
Commercial Drivers - Additional Requirements
If you are a CDL holder, additional requirements apply. You must have a valid DOT medical card on file. All DOT medical information is submitted directly to FMCSA's National Registry by the medical provider.
Additional information can be found on the CDL General Information page here.
- Your most recently issued Colorado driver license or permit.
- If you do NOT have that card, you will need to bring identity documents and one proof of your physical Colorado address (dated within the previous year) and must be in English.
- Here is the full list of acceptable documents:
- Find more information on the Standard Licenses and IDs page here.
- Your most recently issued Colorado driver license, permit, or ID.
- Your most recently issued unexpired lawful presence documents and/or extension letters.
- If you do NOT have your Colorado card, you will need to bring the identity and lawful presence documents and one proof of your physical Colorado address (dated within the previous year).
- Here is the full list of acceptable documents:
- Find more information on the Standard Licenses and IDs page here.
Appointment Questions
You must renew in an office if any of the following apply:
- Your license is expired for a year or more.
- Your picture on file is over 10 years old.
- You are applying for a name change.
- You have vision changes.
- You have a legal status change.
- You want to change your sex designation.
- Your license is suspended or otherwise invalid.
- You've had a DUI in the last 5 years.
- You are under 21.
- There is a problem with your driving eligibility in another state.
- You are a temporarily lawfully present customer.
- You are renewing a hazmat endorsement.
Yes, you must schedule an appointment to renew your license, permit, or ID in person at a STATE DMV office.
Note: Fourteen counties offer driver license services regardless of whether you reside in that county. Check the county website for hours, costs and services. Baca, Cheyenne, Douglas, El Paso, Grand, Kit Carson, Kiowa, Lake, Lincoln, Phillips, Saguache, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma counties. We cannot book an appointment with your county on this site. Some counties offer walk-in services, check with your specific county office first. Click here to find what services these counties provide, hours of operation and more: Driver License Office Locations.
You must bring certified documents that show any name changes since your last Colorado card was issued. Find out what you need to do here: Change or Manage Your Name on Your Credential.
- In most circumstances, you can verbally provide your address change. However, it is recommended to still bring two proofs of your new address in case they are needed.
- Skip the Trip: If you want to change your address on your driver’s license or ID card, you can do this online here: Add/change a driver license/ID address. You will not receive a new card. Once you complete this process, print a label (for example, a return address label) with your new address and affix it to the back of your license, permit or ID card.
- You do not have to visit a driver license office to change your address, unless you want your new address displayed on your license, permit or ID card.
- You can Skip the Trip: If you want to change your address on your driver’s license or ID card, you can do this online here: Add/change a driver license/ID address. You will not receive a new card. Once you complete this process, print a label (for example, a return address label) with your new address and affix it to the back of your license, permit or ID card.
- If you want to visit a driver license office, you will need an appointment and in most circumstances, you can verbally provide your address change. However, it is recommended to still bring two proofs of your new address in case they are needed.
Yes, all in-person applicants for a permit or driver license must pass a basic eye exam administered by a driver license technician.
- The Optometrist/Ophthalmologist form (DR 2498) is not needed or accepted at the in-person appointment. This form is only for ONLINE renewal for individuals 80 or older.
You will receive a copy of form DR 2402 Confidential Eye Examination Report for your optometrist to complete. You must bring the completed form to your rescheduled appointment. The form can be found on the Forms Library page here.
- Colorado law requires fingerprints for all applicants
- A new photo is required for all in-office credential issuances. Please observe the following:
- No eyeglasses (eye patches are allowed).
- Your neck and shoulders must be visible (no obstructing hair or clothing).
- No hats or headwear (except for religious reasons).
- Avoid bulky clothing (such as hoodies and jackets).
Fees vary depending on the type of card (driver license, ID card, commercial driver license) and the renewal period. Find the fees here: State DMV fees. If you renew online, there is a small convenience fee.
Renew by Mail
- The same eligibility requirements as an online renewal apply to mail renewals. View those requirements here.
- Not sure if you're eligible? Check your eligibility to renew by mail here.
- Non-Lawfully Present (NLP) and Temporarily Lawfully Present (TLP) customers are not eligible to renew by mail.
- Please be sure to fill out the renewal application completely (form listed below by age):
- Applicant is 79 years old or younger: DR 2746 Driver License Renewal by Mail.
- Applicant is 80 years old or older: DR 2330 Driver License Renewal Application.
- Both forms can be found on the Forms Library webpage here.
- Your application will be rejected if you fail to enclose your check, fail to sign your application, or fail to complete all required fields.
- Please allow 4 weeks to process your application.
- If you wish to change your name or have a new photograph taken, you must visit a driver’s license office.
- Make a check or money order payable to: Colorado Department of Revenue. Please write your 9-digit driver’s license or ID number on your check or money order.
- Please do not send cash! Send completed application and payment to:
- State of Colorado
Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 173345
Denver, CO 80217-3345
- State of Colorado
Fees vary depending on the type of card (driver license, ID card, commercial driver license) and the renewal period. Find more information on the fees page here: State DMV fees.
Receiving Your New DL/ID
Delivery time: Credentials typically arrive in 10-14 business days, but can take up to 30 days.
Check status: If you have not received your new license after 30 days
- Check the status using the online service
- Email the Returned Credential Office at dor_dmv_dl_returned_credentials@state.co.us.
- Call 303-205-5600, press 1, then press 3.
You can get a free replacement at an office if your credential does not arrive after 30 days. You must request it no later than 90 days from the date of issuance. Find out more on the Replace Your Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Driver's License/Permit/CDL or ID page.
General Renewal Questions
If you want to change your address on your driver’s license or ID card, you can do this online here: Add/change a driver license/ID address. You will not receive a new card. Once you complete this process, print a label (for example, a return address label) with your new address and affix it to the back of your license, permit or ID card.
Note: You cannot change your mailing address to an out of state address online.
You can add veteran status during an in-person renewal.
- You must schedule an appointment.
- Bring your DD-214 (or equivalent) showing an honorable discharge. There is no additional fee for this service.
For more information, view the Active Duty Military and Veterans page here.
You can check your credential’s delivery status using the online service here.
If you have not received your new license or ID after 30 days, check its status:
- Online via the “Where is my driver license/ID?” page.
- Email the Returned Credential Office at dor_dmv_dl_returned_credentials@state.co.us.
- Call 303-205-5600 (press 1, then press 3.)
- Return to the office that issued your credential (You do not need an appointment for this)
You can get a free replacement at an office if your credential does not arrive after 30 days. You must request it no later than 90 days from the date of issuance. Find out more here: Replace Your Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Driver License/Permit/CDL/ID.
To find out more about Motorcycle endorsements and renewals, click here.
To find out more about CDL endorsements and renewals, click here.
You can find information about the DUI Process, Obtaining Driving Records, Letters of Clearance, Reinstating After Suspension, Revocation, Cancellation, Denial, Drivers, SR-22 Insurance, Interlock and more here: Driver Records, License Suspensions, and Reinstatement Information.
Vehicle title and registration, license plates, handicap placards, and other vehicle-related information, click here.
You must make an appointment to get a duplicate driver license or ID card. It is not available online. Find out more on the Replace Your Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Driver License/Permit/CDL/ID web page.