online, by mail, or in person. Every license renewal will require a $30.87 fee and you’ll get your new license by mail in less than 30 business days.

Colorado
drivers may have the option to renew online, by mail, or in person.
You'll have to pass a vision test and pay the renewal fee of $30.87.
If you renew your license online or by mail, you should get your permanent license within 10 to 30 business days.
You have 30 days to renew your license after expiration. You'll pay $100 to renew if your license has been expired for more than 30 days but less than a year, and the penalties escalate from there.

How to renew your driver’s license in Colorado

Depending on your eligibility, you might be able to renew your license online, by mail, or in person.

Renew your license online

You can renew your Colorado license online as long as you fit the following criteria:

You’re a resident of Colorado (US citizen, permanent resident, or undocumented resident).

You’re over 21 years old.

You have a regular adult license or commercial driver's license that is less than one year expired.

You haven’t changed your name from what’s listed on your current license.

Your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is on file in the DMV.

You have a good payment record with the department with no bad checks or outstanding balances.

Your photograph is less than 10 years old.

You don’t need to pass or retake any driving tests.

You’ll also need a valid email address and credit card number to pay the $30.87 renewal fee. When you’re ready, you can start the process on the

Colorado DMV portal

. When you renew online, the printed receipt and your expired license together will serve as your temporary license until your new one comes in.

Colorado drivers under 80 years old who renew online will need to prove they’ve passed an eye exam within a year of the renewal. Drivers over 80 will need a signed document from an eye doctor confirming the driver has passed an eye exam within the six months prior to renewal.

Renew your license by mail

The criteria for renewing your license by mail is the same as renewing online. You’ll need to fill out

the proper form

, enclose a check or money order for the $30.87 fee, and mail it to the following address:

State of Colorado

Department of Revenue

Division of Motor Vehicles

PO Box 173345

Denver, CO 80217-3345

You’ll also have the option to register to vote and register as an organ donor. It’s important to follow the application directions exactly to avoid it being rejected.

Renew your license in person

If you don’t qualify to renew online or by mail, you’ll have to

schedule an appointment

and visit the DMV in person. Here’s what you need to bring:

Your current license (even if it’s expired)

Social security number (or tax identification number)

Proof of your Colorado residential address

Renewal fee of $30.87

You can also expect to be required to pass a vision test, provide your signature, be fingerprinted, and have your photo taken at the driver’s license office.

If your license has expired for more than one year, you’ll have to retake your written exam and driver’s test, then purchase a new driver’s license.

When to renew your driver’s license in Colorado

Every driver’s license has an expiration date on the front of the card. In Colorado, the date is listed to the right of your customer identification number and under your issued date.

Colorado drivers can renew their driver’s license any time before the expiration date listed. If your email address is on file, you’ll receive a

renewal reminder email

45 days before your license expires.

MORE:

Colorado minimum car insurance laws

How long does it take to renew a Colorado driver’s license?

If you’ve renewed online or by mail, you can expect to get your permanent license within 10 to 14 business days, but it can take up to 30 business days.

If you haven’t received your new permanent license and it’s been more than 30 days, you can check your status online through the

DMV’s online portal

MORE:

Driving without a license: What are the penalties?

FAQs

Is there a grace period for Colorado driver's license renewal?

You’ll have 30 days after your expiration date to get your license renewed. If your license has been expired for less than one year, however, you’ll only face a $100 fine. Penalties get more serious after one year.

Can I renew my Colorado driver’s license online?

If you meet

Colorado’s criteria

and have a valid credit card, you can renew your driver’s license online.

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