Driver's License Renewal In Colorado
If your Colorado driver's license has expired, you might not think it's a big deal, but think again. Driving with an expired license is illegal, and being pulled over by an officer for any infraction will only aggravate your situation. Don't take that risk; renew your driver's license as soon as possible, and you can renew an adult Colorado driver's license anytime.
A Colorado driver's license renewal allows the state's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), overseen by the state Department of Revenue (DOR), to ensure that all motorists in the state have up-to-date information on their driving credentials. In contrast to many other states, requesting a DMV license renewal in Colorado is similar to requesting a replacement credential. Some prerequisites for renewing a driver's license include proving your identity and state residency.
Eligibility For Renewal
To renew a driver's license in Colorado, you must already have a valid one. To obtain a driver's license in Colorado, you must be at least 16 years old. Usually, two documents proving your state residency are required during a DOR license renewal, but the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act make an exception.
You can obtain a license without these documents but it will not be REAL ID-compliant. This means that beginning in September 2020. You cannot use this credential to board a domestic flight in the United States.
Required Documents
You must bring certain documents to the Colorado DMV to complete your license renewal. The following is a complete list of the required documents:
- Your Current CO Driver's License
- Social Security Number Verification
- Proof of current Colorado address
- Proof of US citizenship or legal presence in the United States
- Method of payment
License Renewal Options
Most of the time, you can renew your credential online through the state Department of Revenue. However, remember that some applicants will not be eligible for this online procedure and will have to request a renewal in person instead.
For example, you will not be able to renew your driver's license online more than twice a row. On the other hand, applicants between the ages of 60 and 65 are exempt and may renew online as often as they wish. In contrast, if you are a licensed driver over 21, you must renew your license in person to obtain an adult driver's license.
In Person
All Colorado residents have the option of renewing their licenses in person. Certain groups of people, however, must visit their local DMV to complete the process.
If any of the following conditions apply to you, you must renew your license in person:
- You are upgrading from a minor to an adult driver's license.
- You are over the age of 65.
- You have an SB251 license.
- You do not have an SSN on file with the DMV.
- Your given name has changed.
- You must retake the written or driving test.
- You have already completed two online renewals in a row.
- You want to have a new ID photo taken.
To complete an in-person renewal, follow these steps:
- Make an appointment with your local Colorado DMV.
- Bring all required documentation.
- Pass the vision test
- Pay the $26 renewal fee ($80 for the SB251 license) in cash, check, or credit card.
- Have your photograph and fingerprints taken.
- You will receive your license within 30 days.
By Mail
Drivers who are eligible for mail-in renewal will receive notification of their eligibility. You may renew your Colorado driver's license by mail every other renewal period. To check your eligibility, go to the Colorado DMV website.
Follow these 5 steps to renew your license by mail:
- Check your eligibility or confirm that you have received a DMV notification.
- Fill out this license renewal form.
- Include a $26 renewal fee ($80 for SB251 license) by check or money order with your 9-digit DL number.
- Send your completed application and payment to the following address:
Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 173345
Denver, CO 80217-3345
- Allow eight weeks for your application to be processed and your license mailed.
Online
If you are not required to renew in person and completed your previous renewal at a Colorado DMV center, you will be able to renew online. Furthermore, ensure that you meet the following requirements:
- You are over the age of 21.
- All outstanding tickets must be paid.
- It would be best if you had no pending convictions on your driving record.
- There is no need to take a knowledge or road test.
Once you've determined your eligibility for online renewal, go to the Colorado DMV website and follow the instructions to renew your license online. You must have a credit card to pay your new license's $26 fees (plus administrative costs).
Fees
The fees listed below apply to some of the most common renewal procedures:
- The renewal fee for a driver's license is $28.
- If you do not have documentation proving your residency, renewing your license will cost you $33.
- Veterans and active-duty service members can free extend their three-year expiration date.
- Civilians must pay $6.50 to extend their expiration date by one year.
How About An Expired License?
Renewal of an expired license is not ideal, but it is required in a few specific cases. After their license expires, Colorado drivers have a 30-day grace period. You must retake your written and road exams a year after your license expires.
For information on CDL & Motorcycle license renewal, click on the links below:
