colorado drivers license renewal - CO

Renew your Colorado drivers license now and avoid going to the DMV. Get all the forms, rules and steps required for your CO drivers license renewal. Colorado residents may select between a few different renewal options. For instance, the most convenient method is to renew online. If you prefer to renew by mail, that is your second best alternative. If for some instance you do not qualify for these methods, you may always appear in person. Just visit a driver license office and make sure to prepare all required documentation. We can help you prepare for your online, by mail or in person renewal. Quickly sign up with us, and we'll do the hard work for you. You'll get a checklist, and any necessary applications, guidelines and steps.

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Colorado Drivers License Renewal Information

Expiration Date

Your license in the Centennial State will expire every five (5) years if you are over twenty (21) years of age. If you were issued the license when you were younger than twenty one, it will expire twenty (20) days after you turn 21. The expiration will always fall on your birth day (if you are older than 21). To confirm your expiration date, double check your physical license, as it will always show the date. 

Renewal Notice

The CO DMV may send you a renewal reminder. However, this notice is not required to renew, so don't worry if you do not receive one. Reasons for not receiving one could be that the DMV is simply not mailing out notices at the moment. But in order to make sure that future important notices get sent to you, please keep your newest address on file. Colorado address changes must be promptly updated with the DMV. 

When To Renew

There are no rules restricting your renewal date in the state of Colorado as long as you are twenty two (22) years and older. At your convenience, you may use any one of the renewal methods as early as you wish. The only exception is for drivers that do not have an adult license (under 21). In that case, you must wait until after you turn 21 to renew your license. Since you are given sufficient preparation time, there should be no reason to allow your license to expire. If however, that does occur, please read the section below. 

Expired Colorado License

Expired license holders should never drive a motor vehicle. Law enforcement will give you a ticket if you are pulled over. Having an expired license will also cause other consequences upon renewal. For instance, if you allow your license to lapse for more than one (1) year, your only renewal option is to go in person because you will be required to retake the knowledge and road test. If you discarded your expired license or lost it, you'll need to show the same documents as a new applicant. 

If you are a driver that is currently serving a suspension of your driving privileges, you will not be able to renew in this state, nor in any other state until you serve your suspension period. You must reinstate your license after meeting the conditions. If you would like to find out when you will be able to drive again, please contact the DMV via the following form. There are some DMV offices that are set up to reinstate your license if your suspension was due to unpaid tickets, or child support violations, or because of accumulation of points. 

In the unfortunate scenario that your insurance company decides to increase your monthly rates, do shop around. Discounts are likely to be had if you compare rates with the many insurance companies. That's why we've set up our Free Insurance Guide.

Renew Colorado Drivers License Online

As long as you meet the requirements below, you will be able to conveniently renew online. If you get any type of error screen, this means that you likely did not meet the conditions. Let's discuss those:

Requirements to Renew Online

• You cannot use this method if you have gone over your expiration date by more than one (1) year. 
• If you are not between the ages of twenty one (21) and sixty five (65), you cannot renew online.
• CDL (commercial driver licenses) are not allowed to renew online. 
• Online (or mail) renewal is not allowed consecutively. If your last renewal was done online or by mail, you cannot repeat it this time.
• Name changes may not be done (address changes are allowed). If your name is different from the one stored in the DMV database, you will not be allowed to use the online site and must do the name change and renewal in person.
• If you are legally in the U.S. due to an immigration status, you must go in person with your proof of legal status documents. 
• If you do not have a SSN (social security number) you cannot use this option. 
• If you must satisfy a medical condition, you will not be allowed to use this option. 
• If you are required to take a driving test, you will not be allowed to use this option. 
• If the DMV is waiting to enforce an action on your driving record, you will not be allowed to continue with this method. 
• Drivers with outstanding judgments, or warrants, or non sufficient funds checks with the DMV, will not be allowed to continue with this method.
• A credit card is required to make payment. You must also have an email address.

STEPS

1. Visit the CO DMV online site to begin.
   • The first online page will ask for your driver license number, birth date and last 4 digits of SSN.
   • The next step will require you to answer questions in order to confirm that you may renew online.
   • You'll then be asked to enter a mailing address. You also have the option of changing your address at this point.
   • You may also register to vote in Colorado.
2. The final step is to pay the $21.00 renewal Fee. The only credit cards allowed are American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
3. You will be mailed a receipt. Your license will arrive in the mail in no more than one (1) month.

Note: For questions regarding your transaction, please call 303-205-5613 or 303-205-5940 (TDD).

Colorado Drivers License Renew by Mail

This is another one of the "convenience" methods for processing your renewal (when are you located in the state of Colorado). If you are outside of Colorado, please see the section below for out-of-state renewal. If you are in the military, please read the military section.

Requirements to Renew By Mail

• You must be older than than twenty one (21). In other words you must have an adult Colorado driver's license.
• CDL (commercial driver licenses) are not allowed to renew via mail.
• Mail renewal is not allowed consecutively. If your last renewal was done online or by mail, you cannot do it by mail this time.
• You must not owe any money to the CO DMV. Your driving record will be checked to verify this.
•  You will not be able to change your name or change your picture.

STEPS

1. Begin by visiting the following DMV page.
2. You will need to enter your driver license number, name, and birth date. 
3. If you are eligible, you will be given permission to download and print your renew by mail application.
4. The final step is to pay the $21.00 renewal Fee. 
5. Follow the instructions in the packet and mail both the check and application to the address listed.
6. Your new license will arrive in the mail in no more than one (1) month.

Out of State Renewal By Mail

If you are away (in the U.S. or over seas) from the state of Colorado when your license expires, you may request an extension sticker to place on your driving license. This extension will allow you to drive for twelve (12) more months. There is a cost and you must qualify for it. Please keep reading for more info:

Requirements to get an Extension

• You cannot request an extension if your license has been expired for more than twelve (12) months. 
• You must be out of state or overseas (out of country) in order to qualify for the extension. 
• Your license must be expiring within the next ninety (90) days.
• You can only order the extension one (1) time. However, the exception is when you are overseas (away from country). In this event, you may order another extension but it must be ordered ninety (90) days or less, before the expiration of your first extension.

STEPS

1. Request and download the following DR2989 extension form. You will need to fill out your name, mailing address (out of state or out of country), birth date and drivers license num.
2. Sign the application. 
3. Include payment for $3.00 cost of the extension. It should be made out to Colorado Department of Revenue.
4. Mail your forms together with payment to the address on the form or the following address:

   Department of Revenue
   Division of Motor Vehicles, Rm 136
   Denver, CO 80261-0016

5. The extension sticker will be valid for twelve (12) months. It will be mailed to your out of state mailing address. 

Colorado Drivers License Renewal for Military Drivers

Colorado thanks all of our residents that are serving in the military. That's why the DMV can give you an additional three (3) year extension on your license, so that you don't have to worry while you're on active duty. Your dependents are also allowed to apply for this extension. There is no cost.

Requirements 

• You are currently serving the military outside the state of Colorado.

Renewal Steps for U.S. Military Drivers Extension By Mail

1. Fill out and print the following DR2989 extension form. You may complete it online. You will need to input your name, mailing address (out of state or out of country), birth date, drivers license number and signature.
2. Additionally, your Commanding Officer will have to create a letter that explains your current position.
3. This extension is free.
4. Mail your forms (or call 303-205-5613) to the address on the form: 

   Driver Control Section
   Colorado Department of Revenue
   Room 164 - ROS
   Denver, CO 80261-0016

5. The extension sticker will be valid for three (3) years. It will be mailed to your out of state address. 

Renew Colorado Drivers License In Person

You may appear in person at any office at your earliest convenience. However, if you have a minors driver's license, you cannot renew until after you turn 21. 

Requirements to Renew In Person

• You must have a social security number.
• Your license must not be suspended or revoked or cancelled. 

STEPS

1. Due to the new secured license rules, you must bring your current drivers license (required) and bring your proof of Colorado address. Read section below for list of actual documents. 
2. Lookup the directions and hours of a driver license office in your area.
3. Hand over your current license.
4. Pass an eye exam. 
5. Unless your license has been expired for over twelve (12) months, no further tests are needed.
6. Bring the correct amount to pay for the $21.00 renewal Fee. The only forms of payment allowed are checks or cash. 
7. Your fingerprint will be recorded and stored.
8. Your picture will be taken and stored.
9. The offices do not print the new federally secured drivers licenses on the spot. Instead, the office will give you a temporary license. Your final card will be sent by mail and will arrive in one (1) month. Until then, please use the temporary license.

Note: If after 4 weeks you have not received your license, please return to the office where you renewed your license, and ask for an update.