What Suspension Means and How to Get Your License Back
A suspended license in Colorado means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privileges. You cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The good news: suspension is not permanent. To reinstate your license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete whatever requirement Colorado set for that reason — usually paying a fine, completing a course, or serving a waiting period — and finally submit a reinstatement request to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The reinstatement process itself is straightforward once you know what caused the suspension. Most suspensions fall into a few categories: unpaid traffic tickets or fines, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failure to maintain car insurance. Each has a different path back to a valid license.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Colorado DMV or the court that issued the suspension to learn the exact reason your license was suspended.
- Different suspension reasons require different steps — some require paying fines, others require completing a substance abuse course or waiting a set number of days.
- You can reinstate your license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office, depending on the reason for suspension.
- Reinstatement fees in Colorado typically range from $95 to $150, though the exact amount depends on the suspension type.
- Once you submit your reinstatement request and all required documents, the DMV usually processes it within one to two weeks.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused it. The DMV sent you a notice when the suspension took effect — check your mail, including any certified letters. That notice will state the reason and any conditions you must meet before reinstatement.
If you cannot find the notice or need more details, contact the Colorado DMV directly. Call the DMV's Driver License Section at 303-205-5600 (Denver area) or toll-free at 1-888-406-1911. Have your driver's license number ready. The DMV can tell you the suspension reason, the reinstatement fee, and exactly what you need to do next.
If the suspension is related to a court case — such as a DUI or unpaid traffic ticket — the court that issued it may also contact you. In those cases, you may need to contact the specific court district or the district attorney's office to confirm all requirements have been met before the DMV will reinstate you.
Common Reasons for Suspension and What to Do
Unpaid Fines or Traffic Tickets: If you owe money to the court or DMV, you must pay the full amount before reinstatement. You can pay by phone, mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website. Once payment is confirmed, you can request reinstatement when ready.
Too Many Points on Your Driving Record: Colorado uses a points system — accumulate too many points in a set time period and your license is suspended. The suspension is automatic and lasts a minimum number of days (usually 30 to 90 days depending on your record). You cannot shorten this waiting period, but once it ends, you can request reinstatement by paying the reinstatement fee.
DUI Conviction: A DUI suspension is more complex. You must complete a substance abuse course (usually 12 to 16 hours), pay fines, and serve a mandatory suspension period. Some DUI suspensions allow you to request a work permit — a limited license that lets you drive to work, school, or treatment — while the full suspension is still in effect. Ask the court or DMV whether you are may be able to access for a work permit.
Failure to Maintain Insurance: If your license was suspended because your car insurance lapsed, you must show proof of current insurance before reinstatement. You can obtain an SR-22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) from your insurance company, which proves you have coverage. Submit this to the DMV along with your reinstatement request.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
Colorado offers three ways to request reinstatement: by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The method available to you depends on your suspension reason.
Online Reinstatement: Visit the Colorado DMV website and use the online reinstatement system. This works for most suspensions related to points, unpaid fines (if you have paid them), or insurance lapses. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method for the reinstatement fee. Processing usually takes three to five business days.
By Mail: Complete the reinstatement form (available on the DMV website or by calling the DMV), include proof that you have met all requirements (payment receipt, course completion certificate, insurance proof), and mail it to the Colorado DMV along with the reinstatement fee. Mail processing takes one to two weeks.
In Person: Visit any Colorado DMV office with your completed reinstatement form, proof of meeting all requirements, and payment. You will receive confirmation on the spot, though your license will not be physically reissued until you renew it or request a replacement. In-person service is fastest if you need your license quickly.
Reinstatement Fees and What They Cover
Colorado charges a reinstatement fee for most suspensions. The fee typically ranges from $95 to $150, depending on the suspension type. A suspension due to points or unpaid fines usually costs $95 to $100. A DUI-related suspension or an insurance-related suspension may cost up to $150.
The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or course fees you may owe. For example, if you were suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, you must pay the ticket fine and the reinstatement fee. If you were suspended for a DUI, you must pay court fines, substance abuse course fees, and the reinstatement fee.
Payment methods include credit card, debit card, check, or money order. If paying by mail, include a check or money order with your reinstatement request. If paying online or in person, you can use a card.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
Once the DMV receives your reinstatement request and confirms you have met all requirements, your suspension is lifted. You do not need to retake the written or road test — your license straightforward becomes valid again.
If you submitted online or by mail, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks. If you submitted in person, you receive confirmation when ready. Your physical license card does not change; your current license straightforward becomes active again.
If the DMV finds that you have not met all requirements — for example, your payment did not clear or your course certificate is missing — they will contact you by mail to explain what is still needed. This can delay reinstatement by another week or two, so make sure all documents are complete and accurate before you submit.
If Your Reinstatement Request Is Denied
The DMV may deny your reinstatement request if you have not completed all required steps. Common reasons include incomplete payment, missing course certificates, or expired insurance proof. The denial letter will explain what is missing and how to fix it.
If you believe the denial is an error — for example, you paid a fine but the DMV shows it as unpaid — contact the DMV when ready with proof of payment. Bring documentation to a DMV office or mail copies to the address on your denial letter. The DMV can usually resolve payment disputes within a few days.
If your suspension was issued by a court (such as for a DUI), and you believe the court's decision was wrong, you may have the right to appeal to the court. Contact the court that issued the suspension for information about the appeal process. This is separate from the DMV reinstatement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have an emergency?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Colorado and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. Even in an emergency, you must find another way to get where you need to go — call a taxi, rideshare service, or ask someone else to drive.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Online reinstatement takes three to five business days. Mail reinstatement takes one to two weeks. In-person reinstatement is confirmed the same day, though your physical license card does not change. Processing times may be longer during busy periods at the DMV.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I was not at fault for the suspension?
Yes. The reinstatement fee is a standard charge to restore your driving privileges, regardless of the reason for suspension. It is separate from any fines or penalties related to the violation that caused the suspension.
What is a work permit, and can I get one while my license is suspended?
A work permit (also called a restricted license or limited license) allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or substance abuse treatment while your license is suspended. You are not may be able to access for a work permit for all suspension types — mainly DUI suspensions and some point-related suspensions. Ask the court or DMV whether you may have access to.
If I move out of Colorado, do I still need to reinstate my license?
If you move to another state, you will eventually need to obtain a license from that state. However, Colorado's suspension remains on your record. When you explore for a license in your new state, they will likely see the Colorado suspension and may deny your process until the suspension is lifted. It is best to reinstate your Colorado license before moving or explore for a new state license.