Now that we’ve put together the Colorado driver’s license requirements, we’re going to focus on the Colorado driver’s license renewal.
And, as always, we’ll give you a complete guide. This means that we won’t leave any detail out.
We’ll give you everything you need to know. This way, you know exactly how to renew your driver’s license, when to renew it, and so much more.
So let’s get started!
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Colorado
You can renew your Colorado driver’s license in 3 ways — online, through the mail, or in person.
Let’s look at how to renew your driver’s license in these different ways.
How to Renew Online
Before renewing online, you must first check if you are eligible.
Here are the eligibility requirements:
- You have NOT renewed your license online for the last 2 renewal periods
- You are either a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an undocumented resident.
- Your driver’s license is still valid OR has not expired for over a year.
- Your name is the same as your driver’s license (you have not changed your name due to marriage, divorce, etc.)
- You have a valid SSN or ITIN on file with the department
- You have no bad checks on file and have a good payment record
- Your driver’s license photo is not older than 10 years
- You are NOT registered in the Address Confidentiality Program
- You are at least 21 years old
- All your outstanding tickets have been paid (if applicable)
- You don’t have any pending or final departmental action on your record
- You don’t have a required written or road test
- You hold a CDL and your current DOT medical card is on file with the department
- You hold a CDL and you DON’T have a HazMat endorsement
- You have a valid credit card
- You have an email address
- You passed an eye examination (must upload the document of proof)
- You are over 80 years old and have obtained a Confidential Eye Examination Report (DR 2402) from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, signed within the last 6 months.
If you can check all those boxes, then you can take part in online renewal.
Now, here are the steps to renewing your driver’s license online in Colorado:
- Go to mydmv.colorado.gov
- Select Driver/ID Services
- Click “renew a driver license/ID”
- Read the eligibility requirements (which we already listed here)
- Follow the prompts
- Pay the renewal fee of $30.87
- Print the receipt for a temporary license
- Receive your new driver’s license through the mail after 30 business days
This online process will only take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete!
Talk about convenience!
How to Renew Through Mail
To be eligible for mail renewal, you have to be able to check these boxes:
- The DMV mails you a renewal application before your license expires
- You DON’T need to change your name (marriage, divorce, etc)
- You DON’T need a new photo on your driver’s license
If so, then here are the steps to renewing your Colorado driver’s license through the mail:
- Print and fill up the renewal form DR 2746. If you are 80 years old or older, you need to print and fill up form DR 2330.
- Prepare a check or money order of $30.87 made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Don’t forget to write your driver’s license number on your check or money order.
- Send the application form and payment to:
State of Colorado Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 173345 Denver, CO 80217-3345
- Wait 4 weeks for your application to be processed. You will not receive a temporary license, so make sure to renew your license early on.
- Receive your new driver’s license through the mail within 4 weeks.
Here are some possible reasons for your application to be rejected:
- If you fail to record your license number in the box provided in the form
- If you did not include the correct fee
- If you fail to sign the application
- If you submitted an incomplete form
- If you are unable to demonstrate the lawful presence and you did not provide the required residency documents (see application form for details).
How to Renew In-Person
If you’re ineligible for online or mail renewal, you can always depend on in-person renewals.
And though it might be a bit more hassle, it’s still super easy.
Just follow these steps:
- Go to your local DMV office. You can also schedule an appointment online to avoid the lines.
- Submit the required documents
- Your driver’s license
- Proof of Colorado address (bill, rental or mortgage contract, etc). For an address change, you need 2 documents for your Colorado address.
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of lawful presence in the US (only if your driver’s license is already expired)
- Pass the vision test
- Pay the fee of $30.87
- Have your photo and signature taken
- Wait for your new driver’s license to be mailed to you within 30 business days. Again, you won’t have a temporary license, so you should renew early on.
What if you don’t receive your driver’s license within 30 days? You can check your license statute using the Colorado DMV’s online service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Colorado driver’s license renewal.
Do I need an appointment to renew my driver’s license in Colorado?
If you’re renewing in person, no. However, some offices require scheduling. So to be extra sure, you should just set a schedule online. This will make your time there shorter, anyway.
When does my driver’s license expire in Colorado?
Your Colorado driver’s license will expire every 5 years. As for the day, it always expires on your birthday.
However, if you were issued your driver’s license before you reached 21 years old, the first expiration will be 20 days after you turn 21.
Can I drive with an expired license in Colorado?
No. Colorado does not have a grace period for expired licenses. You will have to pay a penalty of $100 if you are caught driving with an expired license.
The penalty will be higher if your license was expired for more than one year. Plus, you can no longer renew it. You’ll have to get a new driver’s license.
Conclusion
So there you have it!
Your complete guide on Colorado driver’s license renewal.
If you are eligible, then online renewal is easily the best way to renew your driver’s license. I mean, you can renew it within a few minutes.
Another convenient way to renew your Colorado driver’s license is through the mail.
But if you are not eligible for both online and mail renewal, then you can always go for the trusty in-person way.
So if your Colorado driver’s license is about to expire, go and renew it now!
I mean, you already know all the steps!