Colorado's DUI License Suspension and Reinstatement Timeline

Colorado suspends your driver's license in two separate actions after a DUI arrest: an when ready administrative suspension from the Department of Revenue, and a court-ordered suspension if you are convicted. The administrative suspension begins 7 days after your arrest unless you request a hearing, and lasts 3 months for a first offense (longer if you refused a breath or blood test). The court suspension runs concurrently with the administrative one but may extend beyond it depending on sentencing.

You cannot drive during either suspension period. Reinstatement requires you to complete specific steps in order, and Colorado will not restore your license until all conditions are met. The process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks after you submit your reinstatement request, but only if you have already finished all court-ordered requirements.

The reinstatement process differs slightly depending on whether you are reinstating after an administrative suspension alone (if your case was dismissed or you won your hearing) or after a conviction. Both paths require proof that you have completed mandatory programs and paid all fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado suspends your license when ready (after 7 days) through the Department of Revenue, separate from any court suspension that follows a conviction.
  • You must complete a substance abuse treatment program, pay reinstatement fees, and provide proof of completion before the Department of Revenue will restore your license.
  • If you were convicted, you must also install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive, and keep it installed for a court-ordered period (typically 1 to 2 years for a first offense).
  • Reinstatement requests are submitted to the Department of Revenue's Driver's License Section, and you will receive written confirmation once your license is active again.

Steps to Reinstate After Administrative Suspension (No Conviction)

If your DUI case was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you won your administrative hearing, you still must complete reinstatement steps before you can drive again. The administrative suspension remains in effect until you formally request reinstatement.

First, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue Driver's License Section to confirm your suspension status and obtain a list of approved substance abuse treatment providers. You are required to complete a Level 1 substance abuse treatment program (the most basic level, typically 8 to 12 hours of education and assessment). This is mandatory even if your case did not result in conviction.

Once you have completed the treatment program, you will receive a certificate of completion from the provider. Gather this certificate, pay the reinstatement fee (currently $100, though this amount can change), and submit both to the Department of Revenue by mail or in person at a Driver's License office. Include a written request for reinstatement with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number.

The Department of Revenue will process your request and mail you a new license or a notice that your license has been reinstated in their system. You should receive confirmation within 4 to 6 weeks.

Steps to Reinstate After DUI Conviction

Reinstatement after a conviction is more involved because the court imposes additional requirements beyond the administrative suspension. You cannot begin the reinstatement process until you have completed all court-ordered conditions, including any jail time, probation requirements, and treatment programs.

The court will order you to complete a substance abuse treatment program; the level depends on your record and the circumstances of your offense. A first DUI typically requires a Level 1 program (8 to 12 hours), but a second or subsequent offense may require Level 2 (40 to 60 hours) or higher. You must also install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you own or regularly drive. This device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.

Before you request reinstatement, confirm with the court that you have satisfied all sentencing requirements. Then contact an approved ignition interlock provider to install the device and obtain proof of installation. You will need this proof when you submit your reinstatement request.

Submit to the Department of Revenue: your treatment completion certificate, proof of ignition interlock installation, the reinstatement fee ($100), and a written reinstatement request. The Department will verify that the interlock is installed and active before restoring your license. This verification can take an additional 2 to 3 weeks.

Ignition Interlock Device Requirements and Duration

Colorado requires an ignition interlock device for all DUI convictions. The device is a breathalyzer connected to your vehicle's ignition system; you must blow into it before the engine will start, and periodically while driving.

For a first DUI conviction, the court typically orders the device to remain installed for 1 year. For a second conviction within 5 years, the period is usually 2 years. For a third or subsequent conviction, the period is 3 years. These periods begin on the date of conviction, not the date of installation, so you must have the device installed as soon as possible after sentencing.

You are responsible for all costs associated with the device: installation (typically $50 to $100), monthly monitoring fees (usually $50 to $100), and removal. If you fail an interlock test (blow a positive result), the device records the violation and reports it to the court. Multiple violations can result in extended installation periods or additional penalties.

You must use an interlock provider on Colorado's approved list. The Department of Revenue maintains this list on its website. You cannot use an out-of-state provider or install a device yourself.

Substance Abuse Treatment Program Requirements

Colorado mandates substance abuse treatment for all DUI offenses, whether or not you are convicted. The program level is determined by the court (if convicted) or the Department of Revenue (if administrative suspension only).

A Level 1 program is 8 to 12 hours of education and assessment, typically completed in one or two sessions. It covers alcohol and drug effects, DUI laws, and risk factors. A Level 2 program is 40 to 60 hours and includes individual or group counseling in addition to education. Higher levels involve more intensive counseling and may require ongoing treatment.

You must attend a program run by a provider licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services. The provider will assess your substance use history and may recommend a higher level of treatment than the court or Department of Revenue ordered. You are responsible for paying the program fee, which varies by provider but typically ranges from $200 to $500 for Level 1.

Upon completion, the provider issues a certificate with your name, the program level, the dates attended, and the provider's signature. Keep this certificate; you will need it to submit with your reinstatement request.

Fees and Payment Information

The reinstatement fee charged by the Colorado Department of Revenue is $100. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid before your license is restored, even if you later win an appeal or have your conviction overturned.

In addition to the reinstatement fee, you will pay for the substance abuse treatment program (typically $200 to $500 for Level 1), ignition interlock installation and monitoring (installation $50 to $100, monthly monitoring $50 to $100), and any court-ordered fines or restitution. The total cost of reinstatement after a DUI conviction can range from $800 to $2,000 or more, depending on the level of treatment required and the length of the interlock period.

Payment methods vary by provider and the Department of Revenue. Most accept cash, check, or credit card. Some treatment providers and interlock companies offer payment plans. Contact the specific provider or the Department of Revenue to confirm payment options.

Submitting Your Reinstatement Request to the Department of Revenue

You must submit your reinstatement request in writing to the Colorado Department of Revenue Driver's License Section. You can mail your request or deliver it in person to a Driver's License office.

Include the following documents: your treatment completion certificate, proof of ignition interlock installation (if convicted), the reinstatement fee ($100 check or money order made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue), and a letter stating your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and request for reinstatement.

Mail your request to: Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver's License Section, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Or visit a local Driver's License office with your documents and fee in person. Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, or you may receive when ready confirmation if you explore in person.

Once the Department receives your request, it will verify that your treatment is complete and, if applicable, that your ignition interlock is installed and active. You will receive written confirmation by mail when your license has been reinstated. Your license will be active in their system on that date, and you may drive when ready.

Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement

The most common mistake is submitting a reinstatement request before completing all court-ordered requirements. If you are still on probation, have not finished treatment, or have not installed the interlock device, the Department of Revenue will deny your request and return your documents. Confirm with the court that all sentencing conditions are satisfied before you submit anything.

Another frequent error is using a treatment provider not licensed by Colorado. Some people complete programs in other states or through private counselors and assume the certificate will be accepted. Colorado only recognizes programs run by providers on its approved list. Verify the provider's license before you enroll.

Failing to install the ignition interlock device before requesting reinstatement will also delay the process. The Department of Revenue will not restore your license until it confirms the device is installed and active. Do not wait until after reinstatement to install it; you must have it in place first.

Finally, submitting incomplete paperwork—missing the treatment certificate, forgetting the reinstatement fee, or omitting proof of interlock installation—will cause the Department to return your request. Double-check that you have included every required document before you mail or deliver your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a restricted license while my suspension is in effect?

No. Colorado does not issue restricted licenses for DUI suspensions. You cannot drive at all during the suspension period, even to work or medical appointments. Once your license is reinstated, you can drive normally (unless the court imposed other restrictions as part of sentencing).

What happens if I drive while suspended?

Driving with a suspended license in Colorado is a separate criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor with fines up to $300 and possible jail time. A second or subsequent offense within 5 years is a felony. You will also face additional suspension time and higher reinstatement fees.

How long does the ignition interlock device stay in my car?

The device remains installed for the period ordered by the court: typically 1 year for a first offense, 2 years for a second offense within 5 years, and 3 years for a third or subsequent offense. The clock starts on your conviction date, not your installation date. Once the period ends, you must have the device removed by an approved provider and submit proof of removal to the court.

Can I transfer my license from another state instead of going through reinstatement?

No. Colorado will not issue a new license to someone with an active DUI suspension, even if you hold a valid license from another state. You must complete the full reinstatement process in Colorado before you can drive there legally.

What if I cannot afford the treatment program or interlock fees?

Some treatment providers offer sliding-scale fees based on income, and some interlock companies offer payment plans. Contact the Department of Revenue for a list of providers that may offer reduced-cost services. You can also ask the court about fee waivers or reductions if you demonstrate financial hardship, though this must be requested during sentencing or in a separate motion to the court.