What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
Yes, you can restore your suspended Colorado driver's license, but the path depends on why it was suspended. Colorado suspensions fall into two main categories: administrative (tied to driving violations, unpaid tickets, or insurance lapses) and criminal (tied to DUI or reckless driving convictions). Each requires different steps, different documents, and different fees. The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles reinstatement, and you cannot drive legally until the suspension is lifted.
The fastest restorations happen when you address the underlying cause when ready. If your suspension is due to an unpaid ticket, paying it and requesting reinstatement can take as little as one business day. If it is tied to a DUI conviction, you will need an alcohol evaluation, proof of completion of a treatment program, and a reinstatement fee — a process that typically takes weeks or months. Waiting does not make suspensions go away; Colorado does not automatically lift them after a set time unless the court or DMV has set an expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado suspensions are either administrative (tickets, insurance, points) or criminal (DUI, reckless driving), and each type requires different documents to restore.
- You must address the cause of the suspension — paying fines, completing a treatment program, or obtaining proof of insurance — before the DMV will reinstate your license.
- The Colorado DMV processes reinstatement requests by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office, and timelines range from one day to several weeks depending on the suspension type.
- Reinstatement fees vary: administrative suspensions typically cost $95 to $100, while DUI-related restorations cost $100 to $150 plus the cost of required programs.
- If you drive on a suspended license in Colorado, you face criminal charges, vehicle impound, and additional fines — even if you are close to reinstatement.
Administrative Suspensions: Unpaid Tickets, Points, and Insurance
Administrative suspensions are the most common type and are usually the easiest to reverse. These happen when you accumulate too many points on your driving record, fail to pay a traffic ticket, let your auto insurance lapse, or fail to appear in court for a traffic violation. Colorado uses a points system: 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months triggers a suspension. A single serious violation — like reckless driving or driving with a suspended license — can also cause an when ready suspension.
To restore an administrative suspension, you must first resolve the underlying issue. If the suspension is for unpaid tickets, contact the court that issued the ticket (usually the municipal or county court in the jurisdiction where you were cited) and pay the full amount owed, including any late fees. If the suspension is for points, you cannot remove points, but the suspension will be lifted once the points age off your record or you complete a defensive driving course, which removes up to four points. If the suspension is for a lapsed insurance policy, you must obtain a new policy and provide proof to the DMV.
Once you have resolved the cause, contact the Colorado DMV to request reinstatement. You can do this online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at any Driver Services office. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $95 to $100) and provide proof that the underlying issue has been resolved — a receipt showing the ticket was paid, a letter from your insurance company, or a court document showing the case was dismissed or resolved. Processing usually takes one to three business days if you submit in person or online, and five to seven business days by mail.
DUI and Criminal Suspensions: Evaluation, Treatment, and Court Requirements
Suspensions tied to DUI convictions or criminal traffic offenses are more complex and take longer to resolve. A DUI conviction in Colorado triggers a mandatory license suspension that cannot be shortened or waived. A first DUI offense results in a suspension of at least one year; a second or subsequent offense results in a longer suspension. You cannot restore your license until the suspension period has ended and you have completed all court-ordered requirements.
Before you can request reinstatement, you must obtain an alcohol evaluation from a Colorado-approved evaluator. This is a clinical assessment of your drinking habits and risk of reoffending. The evaluator will recommend a level of treatment — which might be a single education class, an outpatient program, or inpatient treatment. You must complete whatever treatment the evaluator recommends. You will also need to provide proof of completion to the DMV. These evaluations and programs are not free; costs vary but typically range from $300 to $2,000 depending on the level of treatment required.
You will also need to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle if the court ordered it. An IID is a breathalyzer connected to your car's ignition; you must blow into it to start the vehicle, and it records all results. Installation costs $100 to $200, and monthly monitoring costs $50 to $100. The court will specify how long you must use the device — typically six months to two years depending on the offense. Once the suspension period has ended, you have completed treatment, and the IID requirement is satisfied, you can request reinstatement by submitting the reinstatement fee ($100 to $150) and proof of completion of all requirements to the DMV.
How to Request Reinstatement: Online, Mail, or In Person
Colorado offers three ways to request license reinstatement. The fastest is in person at a Driver Services office, where staff can verify your documents and process the request the same day. You will need to bring your suspended license (or ID), proof that you have resolved the cause of the suspension, and payment for the reinstatement fee. If your suspension was for unpaid tickets, bring a receipt or court document showing payment. If it was for a DUI, bring the alcohol evaluation, proof of treatment completion, and proof that any IID requirement has been satisfied.
You can also request reinstatement online through the Colorado DMV website if your suspension was administrative and you have resolved the underlying issue. You will upload proof of resolution and pay the reinstatement fee by credit or debit card. Processing typically takes one to three business days. By mail, you send the same documents and a check or money order to the address listed on your suspension notice. Mail processing takes five to seven business days, and the DMV will mail your reinstated license to you.
Do not assume your license is reinstated until you receive written confirmation from the DMV or until you can verify reinstatement on the DMV website. Some people receive a temporary driving permit in person, which allows them to drive while waiting for the physical license to arrive by mail. Ask the DMV staff whether you are may be able to access for a temporary permit when you submit your reinstatement request.
Costs and Timelines for Different Suspension Types
| Suspension Type | Cause | Reinstatement Fee | Other Costs | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative (unpaid ticket) | Failure to pay traffic fine | $95–$100 | Ticket fine (varies) | 1–3 days (in person); 5–7 days (mail) |
| Administrative (points) | Too many points on record | $95–$100 | Defensive driving course: $20–$50 | 1–3 days (after course completion) |
| Administrative (insurance lapse) | No proof of auto insurance | $95–$100 | New insurance policy (varies) | 1–3 days (after insurance obtained) |
| DUI (first offense) | DUI conviction | $100–$150 | Alcohol evaluation: $300–$500; treatment program: $500–$2,000; IID: $100–$200 installation + $50–$100/month | 12+ months (after suspension period ends and all requirements met) |
| DUI (second or subsequent) | DUI conviction | $100–$150 | Alcohol evaluation: $300–$500; treatment program: $500–$2,000; IID: $100–$200 installation + $50–$100/month | 24+ months (after suspension period ends and all requirements met) |
What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License
Driving on a suspended license in Colorado is a criminal offense, not just a civil violation. If you are stopped while your license is suspended, you will be cited for driving under suspension, which carries a fine of $130 to $650 and possible jail time (up to 90 days for a first offense). Your vehicle will be impounded, and you will have to pay impound and storage fees to retrieve it — typically $150 to $300 for towing plus $30 to $50 per day for storage. A second or subsequent offense carries steeper penalties, including longer jail time and higher fines.
Even if you are close to reinstatement, do not drive. The criminal charge will stay on your record and can affect employment, housing, and insurance rates. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, ask the DMV whether you are may be able to access for a temporary permit or a hardship license, which allows limited driving for work or medical purposes. Hardship licenses are available in some cases but require a court petition and are not automatic.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most common mistake is paying a ticket to the wrong entity. If you received a ticket from a state trooper on the highway, you pay the state court; if you received it from a local police officer, you pay the municipal or county court. Paying the wrong court means the DMV will not see the payment, and your suspension will remain active. Always verify which court issued the ticket before you pay.
Another frequent error is submitting incomplete documents. If you are requesting reinstatement after a DUI, the DMV needs the original alcohol evaluation and proof of treatment completion — not just a letter saying you attended. If you are missing even one document, the DMV will deny your request and you will have to resubmit. Call the DMV before you submit to confirm what documents you need.
People also sometimes assume that a suspension expires automatically after a certain time. Colorado does not work that way. Unless the court or DMV has set an expiration date on the suspension, it remains in effect indefinitely until you request reinstatement and meet all requirements. Check your suspension notice to see whether an expiration date is listed; if not, contact the DMV to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Hardship licenses are available in Colorado but only in limited circumstances and only if you petition the court. You must show that the suspension causes undue hardship — typically meaning you cannot get to work, medical appointments, or school. The court decides whether to grant the petition. Contact the court that issued your suspension notice to ask about the process and whether you are likely to be approved.
How do I know if my license is actually reinstated?
After you submit your reinstatement request, you can check the status on the Colorado DMV website by entering your driver's license number. You can also call the DMV at 303-205-5613. Do not assume your license is reinstated until you see written confirmation or can verify it online. If you received a temporary permit in person, that is valid for driving until your physical license arrives.
What if I completed treatment for a DUI but the DMV says I still owe something?
Contact the DMV directly to ask what document is missing. Common issues include the alcohol evaluation not being on file, the treatment program not being on the approved list, or an IID requirement not being satisfied. The DMV can tell you exactly what you need to submit. Do not resubmit the same documents; ask what is actually missing first.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if the suspension was a mistake?
If the DMV made an error and suspended your license in error, you may be able to request a fee waiver. Contact the DMV to explain the situation and ask whether you may have access to. If the suspension was correct but you have now resolved the issue, you will need to pay the reinstatement fee regardless.
Can I request reinstatement before the suspension period ends?
For administrative suspensions, yes — you can request reinstatement as soon as you have resolved the underlying cause. For DUI suspensions, no — you must wait until the mandatory suspension period has ended. The suspension notice will tell you the end date. You cannot request reinstatement before that date, even if you have completed all other requirements.