What Colorado requires to get your license back
To reinstate your Colorado driver's license, you must first understand why it was suspended or revoked. Colorado suspends licenses for different reasons — unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or failure to appear in court — and each reason has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward renew; you must follow the specific steps tied to why your license was taken.
The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all reinstatements. Before you can drive legally again, you must resolve the underlying issue, pay any required fees, and in some cases pass a written or driving test. The process typically takes two to four weeks once you submit everything, though it can be faster if you handle it in person at a DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Colorado DMV to find out the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked, because each reason requires different steps to fix.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee (usually between $100 and $200) plus any unpaid fines or court costs tied to the suspension.
- If your license was suspended for DUI, you will need an alcohol evaluation and may be required to install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is possible.
- You can start the reinstatement process online through the Colorado DMV website, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.
- After reinstatement, your driving record will still show the suspension, and insurance companies may charge higher rates for three to five years.
Finding out why your Colorado license was suspended
Your first step is to contact the Colorado DMV directly to learn the specific reason for your suspension. You can call the DMV at 303-205-5613, visit dmv.colorado.gov, or go to a local DMV office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
The DMV will tell you whether your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, point accumulation, a failure to appear in court, or another reason. This matters because it determines what you must do next. For example, if you were suspended for unpaid fines, you need to pay those fines. If you were suspended for a DUI, you need an alcohol evaluation. Knowing the reason prevents you from wasting time on the wrong steps.
Ask the DMV representative for a written summary of what you owe and what documents you need to submit. Some DMV offices will mail this to you; others will email it. Having this in writing makes the next steps much clearer.
Paying reinstatement fees and outstanding fines
Colorado charges a reinstatement fee that typically ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the reason for suspension. On top of that, you must pay any unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or child support arrears that led to the suspension. The DMV will not process your reinstatement until all of these are paid.
You can pay online through the Colorado DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. If you pay online, the DMV usually processes the payment within one business day. If you pay by mail, allow at least two weeks for processing. Paying in person at an office is the fastest option — you can often complete your reinstatement the same day.
Keep a record of your payment, including the confirmation number or receipt. If your reinstatement is delayed, you will need proof that you paid.
DUI suspensions and alcohol evaluations
If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction, reinstatement involves more steps than other suspension types. Colorado requires you to complete an alcohol evaluation from a licensed provider before the DMV will consider reinstatement. This evaluation is not a test you pass or fail; it is an assessment that determines whether you need treatment and what level of treatment is recommended.
You must find a provider on the Colorado Department of Human Services list of approved evaluators. The evaluation typically costs between $300 and $600 and takes one to two hours. After the evaluation, the provider sends the results directly to the DMV. You do not submit it yourself.
Depending on the evaluation results and the severity of your DUI, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Installation costs around $100 to $200, and monthly monitoring fees run $50 to $100. You must have the device installed and report it to the DMV before your license is reinstated.
Reinstatement for point accumulation and traffic violations
If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many points on your driving record, you do not need an evaluation or special test. However, you must pay the reinstatement fee and any unpaid fines. Some drivers in this situation are required to complete a driver improvement course, which is a classroom or online class about safe driving. Colorado DMV will tell you if this is required for your case.
A driver improvement course typically costs $30 to $50 and takes four to eight hours to complete. You can take it online or in person at various locations across Colorado. Once you finish, you receive a certificate that you submit to the DMV along with your reinstatement fee and payment for any outstanding fines.
How to submit your reinstatement request
You have three ways to submit your reinstatement request: online, by mail, or in person. The fastest method is in person at a Colorado DMV office, where you can often complete the entire process in one visit if all your documents are ready.
To reinstate online, visit dmv.colorado.gov, navigate to the reinstatement section, and follow the prompts. You will need to upload proof of payment, any required evaluations or certificates, and your driver's license number. Online processing typically takes two to four weeks.
To reinstate by mail, send your reinstatement fee, proof of payment for outstanding fines, and any required documents (such as an alcohol evaluation or driver improvement certificate) to the Colorado DMV at the address listed on their website. Include a cover letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason for reinstatement. Mail processing takes three to four weeks.
To reinstate in person, visit your nearest Colorado DMV office with your payment, proof of payment for fines, and any required documents. Bring your identification and be prepared to wait. In-person reinstatement is usually completed the same day or within a few business days.
What happens after your license is reinstated
Once the DMV approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new driver's license in the mail within one to two weeks. Your driving record will show that your license was suspended and then reinstated, and this information remains on your record for several years. Insurance companies can see this history, and many will charge you higher rates for three to five years after reinstatement.
If your suspension was for a DUI and you have an ignition interlock device, you must keep it installed for the period required by Colorado law — typically one to three years depending on the circumstances. You are responsible for monthly monitoring fees and maintenance. Tampering with or removing the device is illegal and will result in criminal charges.
Your reinstatement is not permanent if you continue to violate traffic laws or fail to pay fines. If you accumulate points again or miss a court date, your license can be suspended a second time. Avoid this by paying all fines on time, following traffic laws, and keeping your insurance current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my reinstatement is approved?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Colorado and can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time. You must wait until the DMV officially reinstates your license before you drive. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons before reinstatement is complete, ask the DMV about a temporary restricted license, which is available in some cases.
How much does reinstatement cost in Colorado?
The reinstatement fee is typically $100 to $200, but you must also pay any unpaid traffic fines, court costs, and other fees that caused the suspension. If you had a DUI, add the cost of an alcohol evaluation ($300 to $600) and possibly an ignition interlock installation ($100 to $200). Total costs vary widely depending on your situation.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines at once?
Contact the Colorado DMV or the court that issued the fines to ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. You may also be able to request a fee waiver if you demonstrate financial hardship, though this is not may provide. Ask the DMV about your options before giving up.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
Not in most cases. Reinstatement does not require a new driving test unless your license was suspended for a very serious reason, such as multiple DUI convictions. The DMV will tell you if a test is required. If one is required, you must pass both the written and road tests before reinstatement is final.
How long does reinstatement take?
In-person reinstatement at a DMV office can be completed the same day or within a few business days. Online and mail reinstatement typically take two to four weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly you submit all required documents and how busy the DMV is at the time.