What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Colorado

To reinstate your Colorado driver license after suspension or revocation, you must first contact the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are required before you can drive again. The reinstatement process depends entirely on why your license was taken away — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or failure to pay child support or court fines.

Colorado does not have a single reinstatement process form that works for all suspension types. Instead, you must address the underlying cause first. This might mean paying fines, completing a substance abuse course, serving a waiting period, or providing proof that you have resolved the issue that led to the suspension. Only after you have met those requirements can you request reinstatement from the DMV.

The DMV will not reinstate your license automatically. You must contact them directly, provide proof that you have satisfied all conditions, and pay a reinstatement fee. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension, but typically ranges from $100 to $150. Processing usually takes one to two weeks after the DMV receives your completed request and payment.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Colorado DMV first to learn the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked, because the reinstatement path differs for each reason.
  • You must resolve the underlying cause — paying fines, completing a DUI course, waiting out a suspension period, or satisfying court orders — before the DMV will consider reinstatement.
  • The reinstatement fee in Colorado ranges from $100 to $150 depending on the suspension type, and you must pay this fee when you request reinstatement.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks after the DMV receives your completed request, proof of resolution, and payment.
  • You can contact the Colorado DMV by phone at 303-205-5600 or visit a local office in person to begin the reinstatement process.

Suspension for Unpaid Traffic Fines or Court Costs

If your Colorado license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket, court fine, or court cost, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement is possible. The court that issued the fine will have sent you notice of the suspension, usually by mail. You can contact that court directly to confirm the exact amount due, or you can call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 and provide your driver's license number to learn which court holds your case.

Once you have paid the fine or cost in full, request a letter or receipt from the court showing that the debt is cleared. Bring this proof to a Colorado DMV office or mail it to the DMV along with your reinstatement request and the $100 to $150 reinstatement fee. The DMV will verify payment with the court before processing your reinstatement.

Suspension for Accumulating Too Many Points

Colorado suspends licenses when a driver accumulates 12 or more points within a 12-month period, or 18 or more points within a 24-month period. Points are assigned based on traffic violations — for example, a speeding ticket adds 1 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving, and a reckless driving conviction adds 8 points.

If you were suspended for points, you must wait out a mandatory suspension period. For a first suspension, the waiting period is typically three months. During this time, you cannot drive legally in Colorado or any other state. After the waiting period ends, contact the Colorado DMV to request reinstatement. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee and may be required to pass a written knowledge test or driving test, depending on how long your license was suspended.

To avoid another suspension after reinstatement, avoid traffic violations for at least 12 months. Points drop off your record after 24 months from the date of the violation, so staying clean during that window is important.

Suspension for DUI or DWAI Conviction

A DUI (driving under the influence) or DWAI (driving while ability impaired) conviction in Colorado results in an automatic license suspension or revocation. The length of the suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test.

For a first DUI or DWAI conviction, your license is typically revoked for one year. Before you can request reinstatement, you must complete a substance abuse course approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This course usually takes 12 weeks and costs between $300 and $500. You must also install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you own or regularly drive — this device prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The device costs $50 to $100 per month to lease and maintain.

After completing the course and installing the interlock device, contact the Colorado DMV with proof of completion and the reinstatement fee. The DMV will issue you a license restricted to vehicles equipped with an interlock device. You must maintain the device for at least six months to one year, depending on the court's order. Once that period ends and you have a clean driving record, you can petition the court to remove the interlock requirement.

Suspension for Failure to Pay Child Support or Court-Ordered Fines

Colorado suspends driver licenses for people who fall behind on child support payments or who owe court-ordered fines related to criminal cases. The Colorado Department of Human Services or the court handling your case will notify you of the suspension.

To reinstate your license, you must bring your child support payments current or make a payment arrangement with the Department of Human Services, or you must pay the court-ordered fine in full. Contact the agency or court listed in your suspension notice to confirm the amount owed and to arrange payment. Once you have paid or arranged a payment plan, request a letter confirming your status and bring it to the DMV along with your reinstatement request and fee.

How to Request Reinstatement After Meeting Requirements

After you have resolved the issue that caused your suspension — whether that means paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period — you can request reinstatement in three ways: by phone, by mail, or in person at a Colorado DMV office.

By phone: Call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600. Have your driver's license number ready, and be prepared to provide proof that you have met all reinstatement requirements. The DMV staff can tell you whether your case is ready for reinstatement and what documents you need to send or bring in.

By mail: Send a letter to the Colorado DMV requesting reinstatement, along with proof that you have satisfied all conditions (such as a paid receipt, course completion certificate, or court letter), your reinstatement fee of $100 to $150, and a copy of your driver's license or identification. Mail to: Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Services, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214.

In person: Visit any Colorado DMV office with your proof of resolution, reinstatement fee, and identification. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted. DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations offer extended hours on certain days. Check the DMV website for the office nearest you.

Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement

Many people contact the DMV without first resolving the underlying cause of their suspension. The DMV cannot reinstate your license until you have met all conditions — paying fines, completing courses, or waiting out suspension periods. Contacting the DMV before you are ready will only delay the process because you will have to contact them again once you have completed the required steps.

Another common mistake is sending incomplete proof of resolution. If you paid a fine, the DMV needs a receipt or letter from the court showing the payment was received. If you completed a substance abuse course, you need an official completion certificate from the course provider, not just a personal note. Photocopies are often rejected; bring originals or certified copies whenever possible.

Finally, do not assume your reinstatement is automatic after you have met the requirements. You must actively request reinstatement from the DMV. Some people pay their fines or complete their courses and then wait months, thinking their license will be restored on its own. It will not. Contact the DMV to start the reinstatement process as soon as you have satisfied all conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my license back after I request reinstatement?

Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the DMV receives your completed reinstatement request, proof that you have met all conditions, and your reinstatement fee. If you explore by mail, add time for postal delivery. If you explore in person at a DMV office, you may receive your license the same day or within a few days.

Can I drive before my license is officially reinstated?

No. Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Colorado is illegal and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. You must wait until the DMV has processed your reinstatement request and issued you a new license.

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 whether a payment plan is available. Some offices may allow you to pay the fee in installments. Call 303-205-5600 to discuss your situation.

Do I have to take a driving test to get my license back?

Not always. For suspensions due to unpaid fines or child support, you typically do not need to take a test. For suspensions due to points or DUI, the DMV may require a written knowledge test or a driving test, depending on how long your license was suspended and the reason for the suspension. The DMV will tell you whether a test is required when you request reinstatement.

What if my license was suspended in another state but I live in Colorado?

Colorado recognizes suspensions from other states through the Interstate Compact. You must resolve the issue in the state where the suspension occurred before Colorado will reinstate your license. Contact the DMV in that state to learn what steps are required, then contact the Colorado DMV once the out-of-state suspension is lifted.