How Colorado's Department of Revenue Handles License Reinstatement
The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the only office that can reinstate your suspended or revoked driver's license. You cannot reinstate through any other state agency, county office, or online service — you must contact the DMV directly, either in person or by mail, and meet the specific conditions that caused your suspension.
The reinstatement process depends entirely on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires different steps than a suspension for failing a drug test or accumulating too many points. The DMV will not reinstate you until you have satisfied the exact requirement listed on your suspension notice.
Colorado does not offer online reinstatement for most suspension types, though you can call the DMV to confirm your status and learn what documents you need before you visit in person or mail your request.
Key Takeaways
- The Colorado DMV is the only office that reinstates licenses, and you must contact them directly — no other state agency or online service can do it for you.
- Your suspension notice tells you the exact reason for the suspension and what you must do to have it lifted before the DMV will reinstate you.
- Common reinstatement requirements include paying fines, completing a substance abuse course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period.
- You can reinstate in person at any DMV office, by mail, or by phone for some suspension types — call ahead to confirm which method applies to your situation.
- Reinstatement fees vary by suspension type and typically range from $95 to $150, in addition to any fines or course costs you owe.
Finding Your Suspension Reason on Your Notice
Your suspension notice is the document you received from the DMV when your license was suspended. It lists the reason code and the specific requirement you must meet. If you no longer have the notice, you can contact the DMV to request a copy or ask them to read the suspension details over the phone.
Common suspension reasons in Colorado include unpaid traffic fines, accumulation of points (usually 12 or more in 12 months), driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI), failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, and medical or vision issues. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.
Write down the suspension code and reason before you contact the DMV. This speeds up the conversation and ensures you understand exactly what you need to do.
Reinstatement Requirements by Suspension Type
Unpaid fines or court costs: You must pay the full amount owed to the court or the DMV, depending on what the notice specifies. Once payment is confirmed, the DMV can reinstate you when ready or within one business day.
Point accumulation: You must wait out a mandatory suspension period, which is usually 30 days for a first suspension. After the waiting period ends, you can contact the DMV to reinstate. No additional course or payment is required unless you also owe fines.
DUI or DWAI: You must complete a substance abuse course approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, install an ignition interlock device (if required by the court), and pay the reinstatement fee. The course typically takes four to eight weeks. Some DUI suspensions also have a mandatory waiting period before you can reinstate.
Failure to appear in court: You must resolve the underlying case by appearing in court or working with the court to dismiss or resolve the charge. Once the court notifies the DMV that the case is resolved, you can reinstate.
Child support arrears: The Colorado Department of Human Services must notify the DMV that your child support account is current or that you have entered a payment plan. You cannot reinstate until this notification is received.
Medical or vision issues: You may need to pass a medical exam, vision test, or both, depending on the reason for suspension. The DMV will tell you which exam is required when you contact them.
Steps to Reinstate Your License
Step 1: Gather your suspension notice and any documents proving you have met the requirement. If you paid a fine, keep your receipt or bank confirmation. If you completed a course, keep your certificate. If you waited out a suspension period, note the date it ended.
Step 2: Contact the Colorado DMV to confirm your suspension is may be able to access for reinstatement. Call 303-205-5600 (Denver area) or 1-888-406-1911 (toll-free). Have your driver's license number and suspension notice ready. Ask the DMV which documents you need to bring and whether you can reinstate by mail or must visit in person.
Step 3: Pay the reinstatement fee. Fees range from $95 to $150 depending on the suspension type. Some suspensions require additional fees — for example, a DUI reinstatement includes a $100 substance abuse course fee on top of the base reinstatement fee. Ask the DMV for the exact total before you visit or mail your request.
Step 4: Submit your reinstatement request in person, by mail, or by phone. In-person reinstatement is fastest — you can walk out with a reinstated license the same day if all documents are in order. By mail, allow 5 to 10 business days. By phone, reinstatement is available only for certain suspension types; the DMV will tell you if yours qualifies.
Step 5: Receive your reinstated license. If you reinstate in person, you will receive a new physical license when ready. If you reinstate by mail, the DMV will mail your license to the address on file. If you reinstate by phone, the DMV will mail your license and send you a confirmation number.
Where to Find Colorado DMV Offices and Contact Information
Colorado has DMV offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and several other cities. You can find the full list and hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website under "DMV Locations."
For mail-in reinstatement, send your request and documents to the address provided by the DMV when you call. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee and any other costs. Do not send cash.
If you are unsure whether to visit in person or mail your request, call the DMV first. They can tell you which method is faster for your specific suspension type and whether any documents must be notarized or certified.
What Happens If You Drive with a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended license in Colorado is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor with a fine of $300 to $1,000 and possible jail time. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $600 to $1,500 and up to 120 days in jail. A third offense is a felony.
If you are stopped while your license is suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, and you may face additional charges. Even if you have already started the reinstatement process, you are not legally allowed to drive until the DMV confirms your license is reinstated.
If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, ask the DMV whether a temporary driving permit is available for your suspension type. Some suspensions allow a work permit that lets you drive to and from your job only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Colorado?
In-person reinstatement takes one business day or less if all your documents are in order. Mail-in reinstatement takes 5 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your request. Phone reinstatement, when available, takes 5 to 7 business days for your license to arrive by mail.
Can I get a temporary driving permit while my license is suspended?
Some suspension types allow a work permit or restricted license that lets you drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Call the DMV to ask whether a permit is available for your suspension reason. If one is available, you must request it separately from reinstatement.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right away?
The DMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court. Once you begin payments, contact the DMV to ask whether they will reinstate your license while you pay the fine in installments.
Do I need to take a written or road test to reinstate my license?
No written or road test is required for most suspensions. However, if your suspension was due to a medical or vision issue, you may need to pass a vision test or medical exam before reinstatement. The DMV will tell you if a test is required when you contact them.
What if my suspension was for a DUI — do I have to install an ignition interlock device?
An ignition interlock device is required only if the court ordered it as part of your DUI sentence. The DMV will tell you whether one is required when you call. If it is, you must have it installed before you can reinstate, and you must keep it installed for the period the court specified.