What You Need to Do to Get Your Colorado License Back
Reinstating a suspended or revoked Colorado driver's license means following specific steps set by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The exact process depends on why your license was suspended or revoked — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or another reason. You cannot straightforward renew; you must first clear the reason for the suspension, then submit a reinstatement request with the required documents and fees.
The Colorado DMV will not reinstate your license until the underlying issue is resolved. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines, you must pay them. If it was due to a DUI, you may need to complete alcohol education or install an ignition interlock device. Once that is done, you contact the DMV, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide proof that the condition has been met.
Key Takeaways
- Your license cannot be reinstated until you resolve the reason it was suspended — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or meeting other specific requirements.
- The Colorado DMV charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on the reason for suspension, typically between $95 and $150.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through the Colorado DMV website if your suspension reason qualifies.
- Some suspensions have a mandatory waiting period before reinstatement is even possible, so check your suspension notice for the earliest reinstatement date.
- If your license was revoked rather than suspended, the process is more complex and may require a hearing or additional steps beyond standard reinstatement.
Identify Why Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
Your suspension or revocation notice from the Colorado DMV states the reason clearly. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months, DUI or DWAI (driving while ability impaired) conviction, failure to appear in court, failure to maintain required insurance, or failure to pay child support. Each reason has different reinstatement requirements.
If you no longer have your notice, you can contact the Colorado DMV directly to find out why your license was suspended. Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 or visit a local DMV office with your driver's license number or Social Security number. The DMV can tell you the exact reason, the date the suspension began, and whether there is a mandatory waiting period before you can request reinstatement.
Clear the Underlying Issue
Before the DMV will reinstate your license, you must resolve whatever caused the suspension. If the reason was unpaid fines or court costs, pay them in full to the court or collection agency listed on your notice. If the reason was failure to maintain insurance, obtain a Colorado auto insurance policy and provide proof to the DMV. If the reason was accumulating points, you may straightforward need to wait for points to age off your record — points typically drop off after a certain period — though you still must request reinstatement.
For DUI or DWAI suspensions, the requirements are more involved. You may need to complete an alcohol education program approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, or both. The specific requirement depends on whether it was a first offense and the blood alcohol content at the time of arrest. Once you complete the required program or install the device, keep documentation of completion — you will need to provide it with your reinstatement request.
If your suspension was due to failure to appear in court or failure to pay child support, contact the court or the child support enforcement agency to resolve the issue. Once the court confirms the matter is resolved, request a clearance letter or confirmation that you can provide to the DMV.
Check for Mandatory Waiting Periods
Some suspensions include a mandatory waiting period during which reinstatement is not possible, even if you have resolved the underlying issue. Your suspension notice will state whether a waiting period applies and when it ends. For example, a suspension for accumulating points may have a waiting period of 30 days, while a DUI suspension may have a waiting period of several months depending on the circumstances.
Do not submit a reinstatement request before the waiting period ends — the DMV will deny it. If you are unsure whether your waiting period has passed, contact the DMV before you prepare your request. This prevents you from paying the reinstatement fee only to have your request rejected and have to resubmit later.
Gather Required Documents and Pay the Reinstatement Fee
The documents you need depend on the reason for your suspension. In all cases, you will need proof that the underlying issue has been resolved. This might be a receipt showing fines paid, a letter from the court confirming the matter is closed, proof of insurance, a certificate of completion from an alcohol education program, or documentation of ignition interlock device installation.
The Colorado DMV reinstatement fee ranges from $95 to $150 depending on the reason for suspension. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit your request. If you are requesting reinstatement by mail, include a check or money order. If you are requesting in person or online, you can pay by card or cash at the time of request.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request
You have three options for submitting your reinstatement request to the Colorado DMV: by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through the Colorado DMV website. The online option is available for some suspension reasons but not all — check the DMV website to see if your situation qualifies for online reinstatement.
If you are mailing your request, send it to the Colorado DMV at 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Include your completed reinstatement form (available on the DMV website), proof that the underlying issue is resolved, the reinstatement fee, and a copy of your driver's license or ID. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive, so allow extra time for processing.
If you are requesting in person, visit any Colorado DMV office with your documents, proof of resolution, and the reinstatement fee. Bring your current ID and be prepared to wait. In-person requests are often processed faster than mail requests, sometimes on the same day if everything is in order.
If you are requesting online, log into your account on the Colorado DMV website, select the reinstatement option, upload your proof documents, and pay the fee by credit card. Online requests typically receive a response within five to seven business days.
Understand the Difference Between Suspension and Revocation
A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can request reinstatement. A revocation is more serious and typically permanent or long-term. Revocations are usually imposed for serious violations like multiple DUI convictions, driving with a suspended license, or habitual traffic offender status.
If your license was revoked rather than suspended, the reinstatement process is more complex. You may need to request a hearing before the DMV, demonstrate that you are a safe driver, and meet additional requirements beyond those for a suspension. Some revocations cannot be reinstated for a minimum number of years. If your notice says "revocation," contact the DMV when ready to understand your specific situation and what steps are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I request reinstatement?
Processing time depends on how you submit your request. Mail requests typically take two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives them. In-person requests may be processed the same day if your documents are complete. Online requests usually receive a response within five to seven business days. The DMV may contact you if additional information is needed, which can extend the timeline.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Colorado and can result in additional fines, jail time, and further suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the DMV that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
The Colorado DMV does not waive reinstatement fees, but you can contact your local DMV office to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some offices may allow you to pay in installments. If the fee is a barrier, ask the DMV directly what options exist in your situation.
Do I need to take a written or road test to get my license back?
For most suspensions, you do not need to retake any test — reinstatement straightforward restores your existing license. However, if your suspension was due to medical reasons or if the DMV has reason to believe your driving ability is impaired, you may be required to pass a written or road test. The DMV will notify you if this applies to your case.
What happens if my reinstatement request is denied?
The DMV will send you a written explanation of why your request was denied. Common reasons include incomplete documents, unpaid fines still outstanding, or the waiting period not yet expired. Once you address the issue, you can submit another request. If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to request a hearing before the DMV.