Colorado Drivers License Replacement

Ordering a replacement driver’s license in Colorado is necessary for any lost, damaged or stolen driving credential. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recommends that all drivers replace a driver’s license as soon as possible after discovering that their document is missing or severely damaged.

Motorists who do not replace a lost driver’s license in CO in a timely manner can face issues for driving without a license or not being able to provide a primary form of photo ID for daily tasks. Furthermore, licensees replacing driver’s license credentials must pay attention to the age requirements listed for each replacement method. Residents may learn how to replace driver’s license credentials in Colorado by reading the sections below.

When is a replacement drivers license required in Colorado?

Colorado motorists must carry a valid copy of a driver’s license while operating a vehicle. Otherwise, they may face the consequences of driving without a license. In the event of a damaged, stolen or lost CO driver’s license, residents must request duplicate credentials in order to ensure that their driving privileges are maintained.

Additionally, licensees must replace a driver’s license after a legal name change. Motorists who move to a new address can apply for a duplicate driver’s license as necessary, but this is not a requirement from the DMV.

Residents who need a replacement driving license in Colorado must examine the age restrictions established by the DMV in order to identify whether they are eligible for a replacement or must renew their credentials. For instance, only minors who are younger than 21 years of age may replace driver’s license cards or learner’s permits in Colorado.

Conversely, adults who are 21 years of age or older and have lost a driver’s license must renew their credentials instead and pay the applicable renewal fees. As such, the new copy of your driver’s license will show a new expiration date. Even if the motorist finds the misplaced license at a later date, the old credential will no longer be valid.

How to Replace Your Drivers License Online in Colorado

You may request a CO driver’s license copy online if you are 21 years of age or older and meet certain eligibility requirements established by the DMV. Overall, this online replacement method renews your driving credentials per DMV regulations. You may check your eligibility for an online duplicate driver’s license renewal using the tool provided by the DMV.

In order to file this online request, you must:

Have a valid driving license that has not been expired for more than one year.
Be a citizen or a legal permanent resident of the U.S.
Have your correct name and Social Security Number (SSN) on file with the DMV.
Have a good driving record with the CO DMV, without any outstanding traffic citations or pending payments.
Have a record of a professional eye examination within the last three years.

In order to file the CO DMV duplicate license request online and renew your license, you must have a valid email address and a credit card to make the necessary payments. You must follow the prompts, pay the applicable fees and wait for your new license to arrive by mail between 10 and 14 business days. Furthermore, if you are younger than 21 years of age, you are not eligible to replace a driver’s license online.

How to Replace Your Drivers License by Mail in Colorado

Certain motorists may obtain a replacement driver’s license in Colorado by mail after checking their eligibility at the state’s DMV website. In order to replace a driver’s license by mail, residents must be 21 years of age or older. Then, they must enter their full name, date of birth, the last four digits of their SSNs and the Colorado Customer Identifier number found on their licenses.

Lastly, applicants must follow the prompts to determine their eligibility to get a copy of a driver’s license by mail and complete the replacement process as directed.

How to Replace Your Colorado Drivers License in Person

Requesting a Colorado driver’s license replacement can be done in person at a DMV service office. To do so, you must bring proof of your SSN, proof of current address and an acceptable payment for any applicable fees. You must also bring your old driving credential, if it is still in your possession.

When you get a copy of a driver’s license in person, you must provide your signature and fingerprint, take a new photograph and pass a vision screening.

Furthermore, you will be asked to verbally provide your SSN, name and date of birth, if necessary. As a general rule, you may request a duplicate CO driver’s license if you are younger than 21 years of age and pay the appropriate DMV fees. If you are older than 21 years of age, you must replace a driver’s license by renewing your documents instead.

Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Colorado

The DMV allows drivers to obtain a copy of a driver’s license from an out-of-state location if they are eligible to make the request online or by mail. Thus, you may obtain a replacement driver’s license in Colorado by mail or online if you are 21 years of age or older.

On the other hand, if you are younger than 21 years of age or a current military member station outside of CO, you can request your duplicate driver’s license by mail by filling out the appropriate application form provided online by the DMV. If you are eligible to request a replacement credential through this method, you must submit the form, provide documentation and pay the applicable fees.

How to Report a Missing Drivers License in Colorado

If you need to request a CO driving license replacement after theft, you can report it to your local law enforcement agency and get a police report. When applying for a duplicate driver’s license in CO, complete the Affidavit of Colorado Driver’s License or ID Theft (Form DR 2153) and submit it with the police report at your local DMV office to receive new personal identification number.