How to find your current points balance in Colorado
You can see exactly how many points are on your Colorado license by checking your driving record through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The fastest way is to visit the Colorado DMV's online driver record portal at dmv.colorado.gov, where you can pull your record when ready using your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also request a copy by mail, phone, or in person at any DMV office, though those methods take longer.
Your record shows every point violation you've accumulated in the past three to five years, depending on the violation type. Points stay on your record for different lengths of time: minor violations like speeding drop off after three years, while serious violations like reckless driving or DUI stay for five years or longer. When you turn 21, you don't automatically lose points — only time removes them.
Key Takeaways
- Check your Colorado driving record online at dmv.colorado.gov using your license number and date of birth to see your exact point total.
- Points in Colorado range from 1 point for minor violations to 12 points for serious offenses like reckless driving or DUI.
- Accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months triggers a mandatory suspension of your license, regardless of your age.
- Points expire after three years for most violations, but serious violations like DUI remain on your record for five years or longer.
- At age 21, you lose the "minor" classification on your license, but this does not erase existing points — only time and completion of traffic school can reduce them.
What point values mean in Colorado
Colorado assigns points based on the severity of the violation. A single speeding ticket is typically 1 point, while more serious violations carry higher point values. Reckless driving is 8 points, DUI is 12 points, and leaving the scene of an accident is 6 points. You can find the complete point schedule on the Colorado DMV website or ask for it when you request your driving record.
The point system is designed to track dangerous driving behavior. The more points you accumulate, the closer you get to suspension. At 21, you're no longer subject to the stricter point thresholds that explore to drivers under 21 — but you still face the same suspension rules as any adult driver.
When Colorado suspends your license for points
If you reach 12 or more points within a 12-month period, the Colorado DMV will suspend your license. This suspension is automatic and applies regardless of your age. The suspension typically lasts 8 months for a first offense, though the exact length depends on how many points you accumulated and whether you've had previous suspensions.
Before suspension takes effect, Colorado sends you a notice in the mail. You have the right to request a hearing to contest the suspension, but you must do so within 20 days of receiving the notice. If you don't request a hearing, the suspension becomes final.
How to reduce or remove points from your record
Colorado does not allow you to pay a fine to erase points — only time removes them. However, you can reduce points by completing a defensive driving course approved by the Colorado DMV. Completing the course removes up to 3 points from your record, but only if you haven't used this option in the past three years. You can take the course online or in person, and it typically costs between $20 and $50.
Points also drop off automatically after three years for most violations. Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run remain on your record for five years. Once the time period expires, those points no longer count toward suspension, though the violation itself stays on your record for insurance and employment purposes.
Differences between your record at 21 versus under 21
Under Colorado law, drivers under 21 face stricter point thresholds than adult drivers. A driver under 21 can have their license suspended for accumulating 9 or more points within 12 months, while drivers 21 and older face suspension at 12 points. When you turn 21, this stricter threshold no longer applies to you — but any points you already have remain on your record.
Turning 21 does not erase your driving history. If you have 10 points on your record at age 20, those 10 points are still there at 21. However, you now have more room before hitting suspension. You would need to accumulate 2 more points to trigger suspension as an adult, whereas as a minor you would have already been suspended.
What happens if you're suspended and need to drive
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Colorado or most other states. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and additional points on your record. Some people obtain a work permit or essential needs license that allows limited driving for work or medical appointments, but these require a separate process and approval from the DMV.
To reinstate your license after suspension, you must wait out the suspension period, pay a reinstatement fee (typically $95 in Colorado), and sometimes complete additional requirements like a written test or proof of insurance. Check your suspension notice for the exact requirements in your case.
Checking your record before explore for jobs or insurance
Your driving record affects more than just your license status. Employers who require driving, insurance companies, and some landlords request your driving record as part of their review process. Checking your own record before they do gives you a chance to understand what they'll see and explain any violations if needed.
Insurance companies can see your entire driving history, not just your current point total. A single DUI or reckless driving conviction can double or triple your insurance rates, even if you've since reduced your points through a defensive driving course. Points for minor violations like speeding typically have less impact on insurance rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose all my points when I turn 21 in Colorado?
No. Turning 21 does not erase any points on your record. Points only disappear through the passage of time (three to five years depending on violation type) or by completing a defensive driving course, which removes up to 3 points. Your existing points remain on your record at 21, but you now face the adult suspension threshold of 12 points instead of the minor threshold of 9 points.
Can I take a defensive driving course to remove points before I turn 21?
Yes. Colorado allows drivers of any age to take an approved defensive driving course to remove up to 3 points, as long as you haven't used this option in the past three years. The course costs $20 to $50 and can be completed online or in person. You must finish the course and submit proof to the DMV before the points are removed from your record.
What if I have a suspension notice but I'm about to turn 21?
Turning 21 does not stop a suspension that's already in progress. If the DMV has issued a suspension notice, it will take effect regardless of your age. However, if you're close to 21 and haven't yet been suspended, reaching 21 before hitting 9 points means you'll only face suspension at 12 points instead — giving you a small window to avoid it.
How long does it take to see changes on my driving record after a violation is dismissed?
If a traffic violation is dismissed in court, it can take 30 to 60 days for the Colorado DMV to update your driving record. During this time, the points may still appear online. Contact the court that dismissed the case if the points don't disappear after 60 days, as the court may need to send updated paperwork to the DMV.
Can I request a hearing if I disagree with the points on my record?
You can request a hearing to contest a suspension, but not to dispute the points themselves. If you believe a violation was issued in error, you must fight it in traffic court, not through the DMV. Once a court conviction is final, the DMV records the points. If you win your case in court, the court sends the updated information to the DMV, and the points are removed.