What you need to do to get your Colorado Springs license back
To reinstate your driver's license in Colorado Springs, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked — the reason determines what you do next. Colorado suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or not carrying insurance. Each reason has its own reinstatement path, and some require you to pay fees, complete a course, or file an SR22 form (proof of insurance) before the Colorado Department of Revenue will restore your driving privileges.
The fastest way to start is to contact the Colorado Springs branch of the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or check your suspension letter — it usually lists the exact reason and what you need to do. You cannot reinstate online in most cases; you will need to visit in person or mail documents, depending on the reason.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension letter from the Colorado Department of Revenue states the reason for suspension and lists the specific steps required for reinstatement.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the Colorado DMV, which varies by suspension type but typically ranges from $95 to $150.
- If your license was suspended for driving without insurance, you must file an SR22 form with your insurance company and submit proof to the DMV before reinstatement.
- DUI-related suspensions require completion of a substance abuse course and an evaluation before the DMV will consider reinstatement.
- You must visit the Colorado Springs DMV office in person or mail your documents; online reinstatement is not available for most suspension types.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Your suspension letter is the document that tells you everything you need to know. It will have arrived by mail when your license was first suspended, and it includes the reason, the effective date, and the steps required to get your license back. If you cannot find the letter, you can call the Colorado Springs DMV at their local office or visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website to look up your record.
Common suspension reasons in Colorado include accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months (a point system based on traffic violations), failing to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered fine, failing to appear in court, driving without insurance, and DUI or DWAI (driving while ability impaired) convictions. Each has different reinstatement requirements, so knowing the exact reason is essential before you take any action.
Paying the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines
Colorado charges a reinstatement fee when you restore your license. The fee depends on the type of suspension: a standard suspension typically costs $95 to $150 to reinstate, while a DUI-related suspension costs more. You must pay this fee to the Colorado Department of Revenue before your license is restored.
If your suspension was caused by unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines, you must also pay those amounts in full. Contact the court that issued the fine or the Colorado Springs Municipal Court to confirm the exact amount owed. Once you have paid both the fines and the reinstatement fee, you can proceed with the next step — either filing an SR22 (if required) or visiting the DMV in person.
Filing an SR22 if your suspension was for driving without insurance
If your license was suspended because you were caught driving without insurance, Colorado requires you to file an SR22 form before reinstatement. An SR22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you now carry auto insurance. You cannot file it yourself; your insurance company must file it on your behalf with the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Contact an insurance company and purchase a policy that meets Colorado's minimum requirements: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 property damage. Once your policy is active, ask your insurance agent to file the SR22 when ready. The DMV will receive it electronically, and you can then proceed to the DMV office to complete reinstatement. Keep a copy of the SR22 receipt for your records.
Completing a substance abuse course for DUI suspensions
If your license was suspended due to a DUI or DWAI conviction, you must complete a substance abuse education course before the DMV will consider reinstatement. Colorado requires this course for all DUI convictions, and you must finish it before you can even request reinstatement. The course is typically four to eight hours long and covers the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving.
You can take the course through a Colorado-approved provider — your suspension letter will list approved providers in the Colorado Springs area, or you can search the Colorado Department of Revenue website for a list. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Bring this certificate with you when you visit the DMV to reinstate your license. Some DUI suspensions also require a substance abuse evaluation; your suspension letter will specify if this applies to you.
Visiting the Colorado Springs DMV office to reinstate
Once you have completed all the requirements — paid fees, filed an SR22 if needed, completed any required courses — you must visit the Colorado Springs DMV office in person to finalize reinstatement. Bring your suspension letter, proof of payment for the reinstatement fee, your driver's license (if you still have it), and any certificates or documents required by your specific suspension type.
The Colorado Springs DMV office is located at 1391 North Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. Hours vary, so check the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you go. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during business hours. Bring all required documents in one visit to avoid making multiple trips. The DMV staff will review your paperwork, confirm that all requirements have been met, and process your reinstatement on the spot if everything is in order.
What happens if your reinstatement is denied
If the DMV denies your reinstatement request, it means one or more requirements were not met. Common reasons include incomplete payment of fines, an SR22 that was not filed correctly, or a substance abuse course certificate that was not submitted. The DMV will tell you in writing what is missing and what you need to do to reapply.
If you believe the denial was an error, you have the right to request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Your suspension letter or the denial notice will explain how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so. Contact the Colorado Springs DMV office or the Department of Revenue's hearing section for instructions on filing an appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take after I submit everything?
If you visit the DMV office in person with all required documents, reinstatement is usually processed the same day. If you mail your documents, allow two to four weeks for processing. The timeline depends on whether your documents are complete and whether the DMV needs to verify information with other agencies.
Can I drive before my license is officially reinstated?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Colorado and can result in additional charges, fines, and a longer suspension. You must wait until the DMV confirms your reinstatement before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Colorado Springs DMV office to ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. Some situations may may have access to for a reduced fee or installment arrangement, though this is not may provide. You will need to explain your situation in writing and provide supporting documents.
Do I need a new driver's license photo after reinstatement?
No. If your license was only suspended and not revoked, you can use your existing license once it is reinstated. If your license was revoked or has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it and may need a new photo.
What if my suspension was for accumulating too many points?
Point-based suspensions typically require you to pay the reinstatement fee and wait out a mandatory suspension period (usually 30 days for a first offense). Once the waiting period is over and you have paid the fee, you can visit the DMV to reinstate. Some point suspensions also require a defensive driving course; check your suspension letter to confirm.