What Suspension Means and How to Restore Your License

A suspended license in Colorado means you cannot legally drive until you complete specific steps to restore it. The state will not automatically return your driving privileges — you must take action. The reason for suspension (unpaid tickets, DUI conviction, medical issues, or failure to pay child support, among others) determines what you need to do and how long the process takes.

The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all suspensions and restorations. Before you can drive again, you must find out why your license was suspended, complete any required conditions, and then request reinstatement through the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact the Colorado DMV to learn the specific reason your license was suspended, because different reasons require different steps to restore it.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay fines, fees, or court costs before the DMV will consider reinstatement.
  • Some suspensions require you to complete a driver improvement course, substance abuse treatment, or other programs before you can drive again.
  • The reinstatement fee in Colorado is typically $95, but you may owe additional fees depending on why your license was suspended.
  • You can check your suspension status and begin the reinstatement process online through the Colorado DMV website or by visiting a local office in person.

Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended

The first step is to contact the Colorado DMV directly to learn the exact reason for your suspension. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 or visit the Colorado DMV website and log into your account to view your driving record. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to look up your status.

Common reasons for suspension in Colorado include unpaid traffic citations, failure to appear in court, DUI or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) conviction, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the state, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Each reason has its own set of requirements before reinstatement is possible.

Write down the reason and any case numbers or court information the DMV provides. You will need this information to complete the next steps.

Paying Fines, Fees, and Court Costs

Most suspensions require you to pay money before the DMV will restore your license. This may include the original traffic fine, court costs, late fees, and the DMV reinstatement fee. The amount varies widely depending on the violation and how long your license has been suspended.

If your suspension is due to unpaid tickets or court fines, contact the court that issued the citation. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment by phone, mail, or in person. If your suspension is related to child support, contact the Colorado Department of Human Services. Once you pay, ask for written confirmation — you will need to show this to the DMV.

The DMV reinstatement fee itself is typically $95 in Colorado, but this is separate from any fines or court costs you owe. You pay the reinstatement fee when you submit your reinstatement request.

Completing Required Programs or Conditions

Depending on the reason for suspension, you may need to complete additional requirements before reinstatement. For DUI or DWAI suspensions, Colorado requires you to complete a substance abuse treatment program or educational course. The DMV will provide a list of approved programs in your area.

If your suspension is due to medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder or vision problems — you may need to provide a letter from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive. Some suspensions require you to pass a written or road test again before your license is restored.

Contact the DMV to confirm what programs or documents you need. Do not pay for or enroll in a program until you have verified it is approved by the state, as some private courses are not recognized by Colorado.

Submitting Your Reinstatement Request

Once you have paid all fines and completed all required programs, you can request reinstatement. You have three options: online through the Colorado DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.

To reinstate online, log into your DMV account, select the reinstatement option, pay the $95 fee by credit card or debit card, and submit. The DMV will process your request and notify you by mail or email within 5 to 10 business days.

To reinstate by mail, complete the reinstatement form (available on the Colorado DMV website), include copies of proof that you paid fines and completed programs, and mail it with a check or money order for $95 to the address listed on the form. To reinstate in person, visit any Colorado DMV office with your driver's license, proof of payment, and proof of completed programs.

What Happens After You Submit Your Request

After the DMV receives your reinstatement request and payment, they will review your file to confirm all conditions have been met. This typically takes 5 to 10 business days. If everything is in order, the DMV will mail you a new license or send you a notice that your suspension has been lifted and your original license is valid again.

If the DMV finds that you have not met all requirements, they will send you a letter explaining what is still needed. Do not attempt to drive until you receive written confirmation that your suspension has been removed.

If your suspension was due to accumulating too many traffic points, the DMV may require you to wait a certain period before reinstatement is possible. Ask the DMV about any waiting periods when you first contact them.

Reinstating a License Suspended for Unpaid Child Support

If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you cannot reinstate it through the DMV alone. You must contact the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, to arrange a payment plan or bring your account current.

Once you have made arrangements with child support enforcement, they will notify the DMV that you are in compliance. The DMV will then lift the suspension. This process may take longer than other types of reinstatement because two state agencies must coordinate.

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 additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. There is no emergency exception. If you need to drive, you must complete the reinstatement process first.

How long does reinstatement usually take?

If you submit your request online or in person and all requirements are met, reinstatement typically takes 5 to 10 business days. By mail, it may take 2 to 3 weeks because of processing time. If you are missing documents or have not completed required programs, it will take longer.

What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines at once?

Contact the court that issued the citation and ask about a payment plan. Many Colorado courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have an agreement in place, the court may notify the DMV that you are in compliance, which can allow reinstatement even if you have not paid the full amount.

Do I need to retake the written or road test to get my license back?

Not always. Most suspensions do not require a new test. However, if your suspension was due to medical reasons or a serious violation, the DMV may require you to pass a written or road test. The DMV will tell you if this is required when you contact them about reinstatement.

What if I moved out of Colorado — can I still reinstate my license?

Yes. You can reinstate your Colorado license by mail or online even if you no longer live in the state. However, if you have moved to another state and want to drive there, you will eventually need to obtain a license from that state. Contact your new state's DMV for their requirements.