Check your Colorado license status online or by phone

You can find out whether your Colorado driver's license is suspended through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by phone, or in person. The online method is fastest — you enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system tells you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

If you prefer not to check online, you can call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time). A staff member will look up your status and explain what happened and what you need to do next. You can also visit a DMV office in person with your ID, though this takes longer than the other two methods.

Knowing your status matters because driving on a suspended license is illegal in Colorado and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you discover your license is suspended, the next step is understanding why — the reason determines what you must do to get it back.

Key Takeaways

  • The Colorado DMV website lets you check your license status when ready by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.
  • You can also call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 during business hours to have a staff member look up your status over the phone.
  • Common reasons for suspension in Colorado include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, and accumulating too many points on your driving record.
  • Once you know why your license is suspended, you will need to complete specific steps — such as paying fines, completing a DUI course, or resolving a child support issue — before you can request reinstatement.

How to use the Colorado DMV online lookup tool

Go to the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov) and look for the "Check Your Driving Record" or "License Status" option in the main menu. You will need your Colorado driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information exactly as they appear on your license.

The system will display your current status within seconds. If your license is active, you will see that clearly. If it is suspended, the page will show the suspension type and often the reason — for example, "suspended for unpaid fines" or "suspended for failure to appear in court." Write down or screenshot this information, as you will need it to know what steps to take next.

If the system does not recognize your information, double-check that you entered your license number and birth date correctly. If you still cannot access your record online, call the DMV or visit an office in person.

Common reasons your Colorado license might be suspended

Colorado suspends licenses for several specific reasons. Unpaid traffic fines are the most common — if you receive a ticket and do not pay the fine or fail to appear in court, the DMV will suspend your license. DUI or DWAI convictions (driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired) result in automatic suspension; the length depends on whether it is your first offense and your blood alcohol content at the time.

Accumulating too many points on your driving record also triggers suspension. Colorado uses a point system where moving violations add points — for example, a speeding ticket adds three points, and a reckless driving conviction adds eight points. If you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for at least three months.

Other suspension reasons include failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, unpaid court costs, or failure to complete a required DUI education program. Some suspensions are also administrative — for example, if you do not renew your license before it expires, your driving privileges are suspended until you renew.

What to do after you find out your license is suspended

Your next step depends on the reason for suspension. If it is unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay what you owe to the court or the agency listed on your suspension notice. Contact the court or the Colorado DMV to confirm the exact amount and where to send payment.

If your suspension is due to a DUI or DWAI, you will need to complete a substance abuse education program (usually a 12-hour course) and may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. You cannot request reinstatement until you have finished the program and provided proof to the DMV.

If your suspension is for accumulating points, you must wait out the suspension period — typically three months for a first suspension. During this time, you cannot legally drive. Once the suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement by contacting the DMV.

For any suspension, you will eventually need to submit a reinstatement request to the Colorado DMV. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by suspension type), providing proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, and sometimes passing a written test or vision screening. The DMV will tell you exactly what is required when you contact them.

Reinstatement fees and timelines in Colorado

Colorado charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges after a suspension. The fee amount depends on the reason for suspension and typically ranges from $100 to $150, though some suspensions cost more. You must pay this fee in addition to resolving the underlying issue — for example, paying unpaid fines or completing a DUI course.

The timeline for reinstatement varies. If your suspension is for unpaid fines, you can often request reinstatement when ready after paying. If it is for points accumulation, you must wait out the suspension period first. DUI-related suspensions have mandatory waiting periods that depend on your offense history — a first DUI suspension is typically at least one year.

After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, the DMV usually processes it within one to two weeks. You will receive written confirmation when your license is reinstated. Until you receive that confirmation, you should not drive.

Driving with a suspended license in Colorado: penalties

Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Colorado. A first offense is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine of $300 to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $500 to $1,500 and up to 120 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense is a felony.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license also extends your suspension. The DMV will add additional time to your suspension period, making it even longer before you can drive legally again. If you are caught, you may also face vehicle impoundment and higher insurance rates once your license is reinstated.

If you need to drive during a suspension — for example, to get to work or medical appointments — you may be able to request a work permit or essential needs license from the Colorado DMV. These allow limited driving for specific purposes. Contact the DMV to ask whether you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn about my license is suspended?

If you use the online lookup tool on the Colorado DMV website, you will know your status within seconds. If you call the DMV, a staff member can tell you over the phone during business hours. Visiting an office in person may take longer depending on wait times.

Can I drive to the DMV office to check my license status?

No. If your license is suspended, driving is illegal, even to the DMV. Use the online tool or call instead. If you must visit an office in person, arrange a ride with someone else or use public transportation.

What if I disagree with the suspension?

You have the right to request a hearing with the Colorado DMV to challenge the suspension. Contact the DMV office that issued the suspension notice for information about how to request a hearing and what evidence you can present.

Will my suspension show up on a background check?

A suspended license may appear on background checks depending on what the check covers. Employers, landlords, and insurance companies may see it. This is another reason to resolve the suspension as soon as possible.

Do I need to retake the written test to get my license back after suspension?

Not always. For most suspensions, you only need to pay the reinstatement fee and resolve the underlying issue. However, the DMV may require a vision screening or written test depending on the reason for suspension and how long it lasted. The DMV will tell you what is required when you contact them about reinstatement.