You cannot get a new license while your current one is suspended

Colorado's Department of Revenue will not issue you a new driver's license while your existing license is under suspension. The suspension stays attached to your driving record, and the system flags it before any new license can be processed. You have to resolve the suspension first — either wait it out until it expires on its own, or take the steps required to lift it early.

This applies even if you move to a different county or try to explore in person at a different office. The suspension is statewide and shows up in the same database no matter where you explore. You cannot work around it by getting a new license; you have to address the reason the suspension happened.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado will not issue a new license while a suspension is active on your record, regardless of which office you visit or whether you have moved.
  • The suspension must be lifted or expire before you can get a new license, and the path to lifting it depends on why your license was suspended.
  • Some suspensions lift automatically after a set time; others require you to pay fines, complete a program, or meet other conditions.
  • You can drive with a valid out-of-state license while your Colorado suspension is active, but once you become a Colorado resident again, you must resolve the suspension before getting a Colorado license.

How to find out what you need to do to lift your suspension

Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver's License Section directly at 303-205-5613. Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the exact reason for the suspension, when it expires if it is time-based, and what steps you must take to lift it early if that is an option.

You can also check your driving record online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. The record shows the suspension status and sometimes the reason, though a phone call usually gets you clearer information about what comes next. Do not wait — the sooner you know what is required, the sooner you can move forward.

Common reasons suspensions can be lifted early

If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, paying what you owe will usually lift it. Contact the court listed on your ticket or the Colorado Department of Revenue to find out the exact amount and where to send payment.

If your suspension is tied to a DUI or drug-related offense, you may need to complete a substance abuse education program or an alcohol treatment program before the suspension can be lifted. The Department of Revenue will direct you to approved providers in your area.

If your suspension resulted from too many points on your record, you typically have to wait out the suspension period — these do not lift early. However, some suspensions for medical reasons or administrative errors can be challenged or modified if you have new information.

What happens if you drive while suspended

Driving with a suspended license in Colorado is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor, and you can face jail time, additional fines, and a longer suspension. A second or subsequent offense within five years is also a misdemeanor with steeper penalties. The consequences compound quickly, so do not drive until your suspension is lifted.

If you are stopped and your license is suspended, your vehicle can be impounded, and you will face court charges separate from the original reason for the suspension. This makes your situation much harder to resolve.

Driving legally while your suspension is in place

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can use it to drive in Colorado while your Colorado license is suspended. This is legal as long as you are not a Colorado resident. Once you establish residency in Colorado again, you must resolve your suspension before you can get a Colorado license.

If you do not have an out-of-state license, you cannot legally drive. Public transportation, rideshare services, or asking someone else to drive are your options until the suspension is lifted.

The timeline for getting your license back after suspension is lifted

Once your suspension is lifted — either because the time period has ended or because you have completed the required steps — you can explore for a new license when ready. You will need to visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office in person, bring required documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number), and pay the license fee.

Processing usually takes a few minutes to a few hours if you are explore in person. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks. If your suspension was very recent, double-check with the Department of Revenue before you go to the office to make sure it has been fully cleared from the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

Colorado does not issue hardship or restricted licenses during a suspension. You cannot drive for work, school, or medical appointments — the suspension is a complete prohibition on driving. Your only legal option is to use another form of transportation or an out-of-state license if you have one.

What if I did not know my license was suspended?

Lack of knowledge does not prevent a suspension or lift the penalty for driving while suspended. Colorado mails suspension notices to the address on file with your license. If you moved and did not update your address, you may not have received the notice, but the suspension is still active. Contact the Department of Revenue when ready to find out the status and what you owe.

How long does a suspension usually last?

Suspension length varies widely depending on the reason. Administrative suspensions for unpaid fines or court costs can be lifted as soon as you pay. Point-based suspensions typically last three to twelve months. DUI-related suspensions are usually one to two years. The Department of Revenue will give you the exact timeline for your case.

Can I appeal my suspension?

Yes, you can request a hearing with the Department of Revenue if you believe the suspension was issued in error or if you have new information that changes your case. You must request the hearing within a certain timeframe — usually thirty days from the suspension notice. Contact the Driver's License Section to start the appeal process.

Do I have to take the written test again after my suspension is lifted?

No. Once your suspension is lifted, you can renew your license without retaking the written or road test, as long as your license has not expired. If your license expired during the suspension, you will need to pass the written test again but not the road test.