What you need to do to get your Colorado license back
To reinstate your Colorado driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked — the reason determines what you have to do and how much it costs. Colorado suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, failure to appear in court, and other violations. You cannot straightforward renew; you have to go through a formal reinstatement process with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The basic steps are: contact the DMV to learn the reason for suspension, pay any fines or fees owed, complete any required programs (such as a DUI education course), and then submit a reinstatement request. The DMV will tell you exactly what applies to your case. Processing typically takes one to three weeks after you submit everything.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Colorado DMV first to find out the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked, because each reason has different requirements.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay suspension fees, outstanding fines, and court costs before the DMV will process your request.
- If your suspension was DUI-related, you will need to complete an alcohol education program and may need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
- You can check your license status and suspension reason online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling their customer service line.
- After reinstatement is approved, you may need to pass a written test, vision test, or both, depending on how long your license was suspended.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can move forward, you need the specific reason. The Colorado DMV website has a license status check tool where you can enter your driver's license number and date of birth to see if your license is suspended or revoked and why. This takes a few minutes and gives you the answer when ready.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 (Denver area) or 1-888-692-3683 (statewide). Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DMV staff will tell you the reason, what you owe, and what steps you must take to reinstate.
Common suspension reasons in Colorado include: accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months, failing to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered restitution, failing to appear in court, driving under the influence (DUI), driving with a suspended license, and child support arrears. Each has its own reinstatement path.
Paying fines, fees, and court costs
Nearly every reinstatement requires you to pay money. This includes the original traffic fine or citation amount, any court costs, and a reinstatement fee charged by the Colorado DMV. The reinstatement fee is typically $95 to $100, but varies depending on the reason for suspension. Some suspensions also carry additional administrative fees.
You can pay online through the Colorado DMV website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. If you owe court-ordered restitution or child support, you must pay those through the court or the appropriate agency — the DMV cannot process reinstatement until those debts are cleared. Ask the DMV or the court which payment method they accept and whether they need proof of payment before you submit your reinstatement request.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court that issued the fine to ask about payment plans. Some Colorado courts allow you to pay in installments, which may let you begin the reinstatement process sooner.
DUI-related suspensions and required programs
If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, you must complete an alcohol education program before reinstatement. Colorado requires either a 12-hour Level 1 program or a 48-hour Level 2 program, depending on your case. The court or DMV will specify which one you need.
You must take the course from a provider approved by the Colorado Department of Human Services. The DMV website lists all approved providers by county. Courses typically cost $300 to $500 and take several weeks to complete. You will receive a certificate of completion, which you must submit to the DMV as part of your reinstatement request.
If your DUI suspension is for a second or subsequent offense within seven years, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The device costs money to install and monitor, and you must keep it in your vehicle for a set period — often six months to two years. The court order will specify the duration.
Submitting your reinstatement request to the DMV
Once you have paid all fines and fees and completed any required programs, you are ready to submit your reinstatement request. You can do this online through the Colorado DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online is fastest — you upload proof of payment and any certificates of completion, and the DMV reviews it within one to three weeks.
If you submit by mail, send your request to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Include a copy of your driver's license, proof of payment for all fines and fees, any course completion certificates, and a letter stating that you are requesting reinstatement. Keep copies of everything you send.
The DMV will send you a letter confirming whether your reinstatement was approved or denied. If approved, your license status will be updated in their system, and you may be able to print a temporary license online while you wait for your new physical license to arrive by mail.
Tests you may need to pass after reinstatement
Depending on how long your license was suspended and the reason for suspension, you may need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, or both before your reinstatement is final. The DMV will tell you in the approval letter whether tests are required.
If you need to take a written test, it covers Colorado traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You take it at a DMV office by appointment.
A vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. It is quick and happens at the DMV office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye care professional and may need to provide a vision report before reinstatement is complete.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
If the DMV denies your reinstatement request, they will explain why in a letter. Common reasons include incomplete payment, missing documentation, or failure to complete a required program. Read the letter carefully to understand what is missing.
Contact the DMV to ask what you need to do to fix the problem. In many cases, you can resubmit once you provide the missing item or complete the missing step. If you believe the denial was made in error, you have the right to request a hearing before a DMV hearing officer. The denial letter will explain how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit my reinstatement request?
Processing typically takes one to three weeks after the DMV receives your complete reinstatement request. If you submit online, you may receive approval within one to two weeks. If you submit by mail, add time for the mail to arrive. Once approved, your physical license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV approves your reinstatement and updates their system. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Colorado and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait for written approval before driving.
Do I have to retake the driving test to get my license back?
Not always. You may only need to pass a written test or vision test, depending on the reason and length of your suspension. The DMV will tell you in your approval letter or when you submit your reinstatement request. If you do need to take a road test, you will schedule it at a DMV office.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many Colorado courts allow installment payments, which may let you begin reinstatement sooner. Some fines can also be reduced or waived in hardship cases — ask the court clerk what options are available to you.
Will my license be reinstated automatically after I complete everything, or do I have to do something else?
You must submit a formal reinstatement request to the DMV. Completing programs and paying fines is not enough by itself. The DMV will not reinstate your license until you submit the request and they approve it. Submit online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.