How to Get and Renew a Colorado Driver’s License
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If you are a new Colorado resident or seeking to renew a Colorado driver's license or instruction permit, it pays to get organized ahead of time with the required documents and forms. The more prepared you are for Colorado license renewal and license registration, the easier the entire process will be.
Understand the eligibility criteria for obtaining a driver’s license
When it’s time for Colorado driver’s license renewal or an instruction permit, the Department of Motor Vehicles is your best bet. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s license renewal process is straightforward and offers a variety of options, from getting your license in person to online renewals and more.
Determine the type of license you need
The first step in driver’s license renewal in Colorado is to determine what type of license you need. The options include:
- Class A: This commercial driver’s license includes any vehicle or combination of vehicles except for a bus or motorcycle.
- Class B: Another commercial driver’s license. This option includes the ability for a single vehicle to tow one other vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.
- Class C: This basic commercial driver’s license allows the operation of any two-axle vehicle and the towing option of Class B.
- Class M: This class permits driving two- or three-wheeled motorcycles.
- Class R: R stands for regular, which is the license option most Colorado residents will have. This class allows drivers to operate a vehicle or scooter that does not fall into the other categories and includes cars, SUVs, and more.
- Class S: This is for vehicles that can carry 10 or more people.
Gather necessary documentation for application
Organize the following required items and documents ahead of your appointment to prevent issues:
- Your current Colorado driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card. The license must be valid, meaning it is current or expired for less than one year. If you have an expired license, you have to start the process again.
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of current Colorado address
- Credit card for fees
Explore the options for renewing your driver’s license
Coloradans have multiple options for renewing a driver’s license: You can visit the driver's license office if you prefer renewal in person. You can also explore online renewals and get your license by mail. Your renewed license will generally take 10–14 business days to arrive in the mail.
Online renewal process
The online option for a Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s license takes 10 to 15 minutes. Applicants must have had an eye exam within the past year and attest to doing so. In addition, online applicants age 80 or older must submit a statement known as DR2498 Optometrist/Ophthalmologist Statement for Individuals 80 Years of Age or Older Renewing Electronically signed within the last six months.
Be sure to print the receipt from the online renewal process, which will serve as a temporary license.
In-person renewal process
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in person at the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles. An appointment is required. At the in-person appointment, you will undergo a vision screening, a signature and fingerprint capture, a review of the document’s accuracy, and a photograph of your face.
By-mail renewal process
Coloradans age 79 and younger can renew a license by mail if their photo is on file and it complies with federal REAL ID requirements. Applications must be printed and completed in full, then signed and submitted with payment. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles advises four weeks for processing. The application should be mailed to the State of Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 173345, Denver, CO 80217-3345.
Those 80 and older can also renew by mail with a different form.
Anyone who requires a new photo or name change must visit an office in person.
Know the fees associated with license renewal
It costs $30.87 to renew a regular Colorado driver’s license or $17.08 for a commercial driver’s license. An instruction permit costs $18.52. The renewal fee can be paid by credit card or check. Cash is not accepted.
Learn about the Colorado Digital ID™
The Colorado Digital ID™ is a secure, electronic driver's license option that you can use to provide proof of identification, age, and address within state lines. This is a great paperless innovation, but not every organization or agency accepts this digital state ID yet, so it is still recommended that you have your physical license with you at all times. Likewise, the Colorado Digital ID is not yet authorized for out-of-state use, although that is anticipated soon.
Getting your Colorado driver’s license? Don’t forget your insurance!
If you’re getting your driver’s license for the first time, make sure you have Colorado car insurance before you get behind the wheel. From special licenses to first-time drivers, EverQuote has you covered. We offer a fast, free, and easy way to shop for car insurance and to get quotes for Colorado drivers.