How to Replace a Lost Driver’s License in Colorado

To replace a lost driver’s license in Colorado, book an appointment at a state driver’s license office, bring one proof of identity, confirm your address, and pay $12.30 for the duplicate.¹ The duplicate carries the same information and expiration date as your original. One thing to know upfront: duplicates are not available through the myDMV online portal, so you’re looking at either an office visit or, if you’re temporarily out of state with a REAL ID, a mailed request.

What to Bring

You need one proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, a certified U.S. birth certificate, or a permanent resident card all work. So does a previously issued Colorado license or ID card that expired less than ten years ago.²

Lost your ID documents along with your license? The DMV has a fallback. Bring the last four digits of your Social Security number, and staff will attempt to match your fingerprint against what’s already on file.¹

You’ll verify your current address with the technician at the counter. No separate address documents are required unless your address has actually changed since your last license was issued. If it has, bring proof of the new one: a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease.¹

How to Request the Duplicate

In Person

This is the standard route. Schedule an appointment through the Colorado DMV’s online appointment system and choose “Renew Colorado License/ID/Permit” as the appointment type. Walk-ins may be possible, but an appointment keeps the wait down.¹ At the office you’ll present your ID, confirm your address, pay the fee, and possibly have a new photo taken.

By Mail, Only If You’re Temporarily Out of State

If you’re living outside Colorado for school, military service, or a similar reason, you can request a duplicate by mail. You must hold a REAL ID-compliant credential to qualify. Fill out DR Form 2989, include your out-of-state mailing address, and send it in. The mail option is not available to holders of Temporarily Lawfully Present or Not Lawfully Present credentials.¹

Not Online

The myDMV portal handles renewals and registration but does not process duplicate driver’s licenses.¹ If your license is close to expiring anyway, an online renewal may serve you better than a duplicate, since renewing gives you a full new term instead of a copy that keeps your original expiration date.²

What It Costs

A first duplicate of a standard or REAL ID license is $12.30. A second duplicate during the same license period is $16.40. Commercial driver’s license duplicates follow the same schedule.³ Driver’s license offices accept credit and debit cards, cash, checks, and money orders.

After You Apply

If you apply in person, you leave with a temporary paper license that’s valid immediately. Keep it on you every time you drive until the permanent card arrives.⁴

The permanent card is mailed from a central production facility and should reach you within 30 days. If it doesn’t, the DMV directs you back to the replacement page to request another. You can track the card’s status at myDMV.Colorado.gov using the “Where is my driver license?” tool.⁴

Driving Legally While You Wait

Colorado law requires every driver to carry a valid license in immediate possession while operating a vehicle on any highway. Driving without it is a class B traffic infraction.⁵

There’s a practical safety net. If you’re cited for not having your license on you, the charge must be dismissed if you show a valid license or official duplicate to the court before your scheduled appearance.⁵ Your temporary paper license counts as a valid credential in the meantime.

If Your License Was Stolen

A stolen license carries your full name, date of birth, address, and license number, which is enough for someone to attempt fraud in your name. Take a few extra steps before or after your DMV visit.

File a report with your local police. The Colorado DMV recommends it,¹ and a report gives you leverage with creditors and credit bureaus if fraudulent accounts appear.⁶

File an identity theft report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 1-877-438-4338. The FTC generates an Identity Theft Report that proves to businesses that your identity was stolen and secures certain legal rights during recovery.⁷

If you believe your license number is being actively misused, Colorado will issue an entirely new number. You’ll need to complete an affidavit and bring an itemized police report to a driver’s license office. A case number alone won’t do; the DMV wants the full counter or police report.¹

Worth Deciding Before You Go

Upgrade to REAL ID

Federal REAL ID enforcement for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities took effect in May 2025.⁸ If your lost license was not REAL ID-compliant, replacing it with another non-compliant duplicate leaves you needing a passport at airport security.

A REAL ID-compliant license requires more documentation than a basic duplicate: proof of lawful presence, your Social Security number, and two proofs of Colorado residency.⁹ Gather those before your appointment if you want to make the switch in one trip.

Add a Veteran Designation

If you’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, a replacement visit is a convenient moment to add the “VETERAN” designation to your license. Bring a valid military ID card or your DD214 discharge form showing an honorable discharge. A photocopy or electronic version of the DD214 is acceptable.¹⁰

1
Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle. Replace Your Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Driver License/Permit/CDL/ID
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Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle. Renew Your Colorado Driver License, Permit, or ID Card
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Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle. State DMV Fees
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Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle. Standard Licenses and IDs – Section: Step 4: Receiving Your License, Permit, or ID
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FindLaw. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 Vehicles and Traffic 42-2-101
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Office for Victims of Crime. Steps for Victims of Identity Theft or Fraud
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Federal Trade Commission. Identity Theft Recovery Steps
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Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID
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Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle. REAL ID and Colorado
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Douglas County. Driver License for Active Duty Military and Veterans