What you need to do to get your Colorado license back
To reinstate a suspended or revoked Colorado driver's license, you must first clear the reason for the suspension — usually by paying fines, completing a required program, or serving a waiting period. Then you submit a reinstatement request to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pay the reinstatement fee, and pass any required tests. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended or revoked.
Colorado suspensions fall into two main categories: administrative (usually tied to unpaid tickets, child support, or insurance lapses) and criminal (usually tied to DUI or reckless driving convictions). Each has different requirements before the DMV will consider reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period — before the DMV will reinstate your license.
- The Colorado DMV charges a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension type, typically between $100 and $150.
- Some suspensions require proof of financial responsibility (an SR22 form) before reinstatement is possible.
- You can check your suspension status and reinstatement requirements on the Colorado DMV website or by calling their customer service line.
- If your license was revoked rather than suspended, reinstatement may require a written exam, driving test, or both.
How to find out why your Colorado license is suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know exactly what triggered the suspension. The Colorado DMV maintains a record of every active suspension on your driving record, and you can view it yourself.
Visit the Colorado DMV website and use their online license status tool, or call the DMV customer service line at 303-205-5600. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DMV will tell you the suspension type, the date it began, and what you must do to clear it. Write down or print this information — you will need it to move forward.
Common suspension reasons in Colorado include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, DUI conviction, and reckless driving. Each has different reinstatement requirements.
Clearing administrative suspensions (fines, insurance, child support)
Administrative suspensions are the most common type. These are triggered by non-criminal violations: unpaid tickets, a lapsed insurance policy, or a failure to pay court-ordered child support.
To clear an administrative suspension, you must pay what you owe. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay the full amount, including any penalties or collection fees. If it is due to a lapsed insurance policy, you must obtain a new auto insurance policy and provide proof to the DMV. If it is due to child support, contact the Colorado Department of Human Services to confirm the debt is paid or a payment plan is in place.
Once you have resolved the underlying debt, the DMV will automatically lift the suspension within one to three business days. You do not need to file a separate reinstatement request for administrative suspensions — the system updates on its own. You can verify the suspension has been lifted by checking your license status online again.
Reinstatement after a DUI or reckless driving suspension
Criminal suspensions — those tied to DUI, reckless driving, or other serious traffic violations — require more steps than administrative suspensions.
If your license was suspended due to a DUI conviction, you must complete a court-ordered alcohol education or treatment program before reinstatement is possible. The court will specify which program and how many hours you must complete. Once you finish, the program provider will send proof of completion to the court and the DMV. You will also need to obtain an SR22 form from your auto insurance company, which proves you carry the minimum required liability coverage. Without the SR22, the DMV will not reinstate your license even if you completed the program.
For reckless driving suspensions, the requirements vary depending on the court's order. Some courts require a defensive driving course; others do not. Check your court documents or contact the court that handled your case to confirm what is required.
Obtaining an SR22 form and what it costs
An SR22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry auto insurance. Colorado requires an SR22 for reinstatement after a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or certain other violations. Without it, your license will not be reinstated even if you have paid all fines and completed all programs.
Contact your auto insurance company and ask them to file an SR22 on your behalf. If you do not have an active insurance policy, you will need to purchase one first — most insurers will not file an SR22 unless you are actively insured with them. The SR22 itself is usually free, but the insurance policy will cost more than standard coverage because you are now classified as high-risk. Rates vary widely by insurer and your driving history, but expect to pay 50 to 100 percent more than you would for standard coverage.
Once your insurer files the SR22, the DMV receives it electronically. You do not need to deliver it yourself. The filing typically takes one to three business days.
Submitting your reinstatement request and paying the fee
After you have cleared the underlying reason for suspension, you must formally request reinstatement from the Colorado DMV. You can do this in person, by mail, or online depending on your suspension type.
For most administrative suspensions, reinstatement happens automatically once the debt is paid, and no request is needed. For DUI and reckless driving suspensions, you must submit a reinstatement request. Visit the Colorado DMV website to read the reinstatement form, or visit a local DMV office to request one in person. Include proof that you have completed all required programs and proof of your SR22 filing.
The reinstatement fee in Colorado ranges from $100 to $150 depending on the suspension type. Pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement request. The DMV will process your request within one to two weeks. Once approved, your license will be reinstated and you can resume driving legally.
What happens if your license was revoked instead of suspended
A revocation is more serious than a suspension. While a suspension is temporary and automatic, a revocation means your license has been permanently cancelled and you must earn it back.
Revocations typically result from multiple DUI convictions, a felony conviction involving a vehicle, or habitual traffic offender status (usually three major violations within seven years). To reinstate a revoked license, you must wait out a mandatory waiting period set by the court — often one to three years — and then pass both a written knowledge test and a driving test. You will also need an SR22 form.
Contact the Colorado DMV to confirm your waiting period and the exact requirements for your situation. Once the waiting period has passed, you can schedule your tests through the DMV. Passing both tests is required before reinstatement is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Colorado reinstatement take?
Automatic reinstatement for administrative suspensions usually takes one to three business days after the underlying debt is paid. For DUI and reckless driving suspensions, the DMV typically processes a reinstatement request within one to two weeks after you submit it with proof of program completion and an SR22 form.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is pending?
No. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal in Colorado and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. Wait until the DMV confirms your reinstatement is complete before driving.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
The Colorado DMV does not waive reinstatement fees, but some courts allow payment plans for fines. Contact the court that issued your original citation to ask about a payment plan. Once fines are paid, you can then pay the reinstatement fee separately.
Do I need a new photo ID after reinstatement?
No. Your existing driver's license remains valid after reinstatement. You do not need to renew your photo or pay for a new card unless your license is expiring soon for other reasons.
What if I move out of Colorado after my license is suspended?
Your Colorado suspension remains active even if you move. If you obtain a license in another state, Colorado's suspension may be reported to the National Driver Register, and other states may honor the suspension. To avoid complications, clear your Colorado suspension before obtaining a license elsewhere.