For Colorado drivers, understanding the state’s regulations on expired driver’s licenses is important for staying compliant with the law and avoiding penalties. While many drivers wonder about the consequences of letting a license expire, it’s important to know the state’s specific rules regarding grace periods for both driving and renewal.
Colorado’s Policy on Driver’s License Grace Periods
Colorado law does not provide a grace period for driving with an expired license. Once the expiration date on the license has passed, it is no longer considered a valid authorization to operate a motor vehicle and driving is a violation of state law. The state does, however, make a distinction for renewal purposes.
A driver has up to one year after the expiration date to renew their license without having to retake the written and driving skills tests. This allowance is for the renewal process only and does not grant any legal permission to drive. If a license has been expired for more than one year, the individual must reapply as a new driver, which includes passing all required examinations again.
Penalties for Driving on an Expired License in Colorado
The consequences for driving with an expired license in Colorado vary based on the duration of the expiration. If a driver is stopped and their license has been expired for less than one year, the offense is a class B traffic infraction.1Colorado.Public.Law. C.R.S. 42-2-101 – Licenses for drivers required This results in a fine that can be up to $100.2Colorado.Public.Law. C.R.S. 42-4-1701 – Traffic offenses and infractions classified
If a license has been expired for one year or more, the situation becomes more serious. This is considered a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, with potential penalties that include fines and up to 90 days in jail, though the final sentence is at the discretion of the judge.
Information Needed for Colorado Driver’s License Renewal
To renew a Colorado driver’s license, you must provide specific documents. All applicants must also pass a vision screening. The required information includes:
- Proof of your full legal name, date of birth, identity, and lawful presence in the United States
- Two separate documents to prove your current physical Colorado address, such as utility bills or bank statements
- Your Social Security number
For online or mail-in renewals, applicants must attest that they have had an eye examination within the last year. Drivers 80 and older have different requirements and must submit a specific form signed by their eye doctor. The renewal fee is subject to change, so consulting the official Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for the current amount is recommended.
Steps to Renew Your Colorado Driver’s License
You can renew your license through several methods. For online renewal, visit the myDMV portal on the official state website, follow the prompts, and pay the fee. This option is available if your last renewal was done in person.
If renewing in person, you must schedule an appointment at a state driver license office. Bring your prepared documents and payment, and be ready to have a new photo taken. For those eligible, mail-in renewal requires completing the appropriate renewal form and sending it with payment. After submission by any method, you will receive a temporary license, with the permanent card arriving by mail.
Exemptions for Specific Colorado Drivers
Colorado law provides specific exemptions for certain individuals regarding license expiration. Active-duty military personnel serving outside of Colorado receive an automatic extension for their driver’s license. The license of a service member on active duty is extended for three years or until 90 days after their return to Colorado, whichever comes first.
To use this extension, military members simply need to carry their military ID with their expired Colorado license. Additionally, residents who are temporarily out-of-state for non-military reasons or are prevented by a disability may apply for a one-year extension before their license expires by paying a fee.