How to find out right now

The fastest way to check your Colorado license status is to visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's online license status tool at dmv.colorado.gov. You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

If you don't have internet access or prefer to call, you can contact the Colorado DMV directly at 303-205-5613. Have your license number ready. The DMV can tell you the status and the reason for any suspension in one call.

You can also visit a Colorado DMV office in person. Bring your license or ID, and staff will look up your status on the spot. This is the slowest option but useful if you need to handle other license business at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Colorado DMV online tool at dmv.colorado.gov shows your license status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
  • A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid; you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted.
  • The DMV will tell you the specific reason for the suspension — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical condition — and what you must do to restore it.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, complete a court appearance, or submit medical clearance before the DMV will reinstate your license.
  • Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Colorado and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time.

What the status check will tell you

When you check your license status, Colorado's system will show one of several conditions. Active means your license is valid and you can drive. Suspended means your license is temporarily invalid for a specific reason — usually unpaid fines, a court order, or a medical issue. Revoked means the state has permanently cancelled your license, typically for serious violations like multiple DUIs. Cancelled means you voluntarily surrendered it or it expired and was not renewed.

If the system shows your license is suspended, it will also display the reason code. Common codes include "FTA" (failure to appear in court), "FTR" (failure to pay a fine or reinstatement fee), "Medical" (a medical condition reported to the DMV), or "Court Order" (a judge ordered the suspension). The reason tells you exactly what you need to fix.

Common reasons for Colorado suspensions

The most frequent cause of suspension is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine by the due date, or if you missed a court date, the court notifies the DMV and your license is suspended automatically.

Medical suspensions happen when a doctor, hospital, or law enforcement reports to the DMV that you have a condition that makes driving unsafe — a seizure disorder, severe vision loss, or a cognitive condition. You'll need medical clearance from a licensed physician before the DMV will reinstate your license.

Child support arrears also trigger suspension in Colorado. If you owe back child support, the state child support enforcement office can request that the DMV suspend your license. This suspension lifts once you bring your account current or set up a payment plan.

Administrative suspensions can result from refusing a breath test during a DUI stop, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or failing to maintain required insurance. Each has its own reinstatement process.

What you need to do to restore your license

The first step is to contact the agency that caused the suspension. If it was a traffic fine, call the court listed on your ticket. If it was child support, contact the Colorado Department of Human Services. If it was medical, you'll need to see a doctor and have them submit clearance to the DMV.

Once you've resolved the underlying issue — paid the fine, appeared in court, obtained medical clearance, or arranged a child support payment plan — you must request reinstatement from the Colorado DMV. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to whatever fine or cost caused the suspension. The fee varies depending on the reason but typically ranges from $95 to $150.

You can request reinstatement online at dmv.colorado.gov, by mail, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. Online is fastest; the DMV usually processes online requests within one business day. By mail or phone, allow three to five business days.

What happens if you drive on a suspended license

Driving on a suspended license in Colorado is a criminal offense. If you're stopped by police, you can be arrested on the spot. The penalties depend on whether it's your first offense and the reason for the suspension.

A first offense of driving with a suspended license is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $100 to $500. If your license was suspended for a DUI-related reason, the penalties are harsher — up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. A second or subsequent offense within five years can result in up to one year in jail.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license adds points to your driving record, can result in vehicle impoundment, and makes it harder to get your license reinstated. Your insurance company may also drop you or raise your rates significantly.

How long suspensions typically last

The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Traffic fine suspensions last until you pay the fine and reinstatement fee — there's no minimum time. Court-ordered suspensions usually last 30 days to one year, depending on what the judge ordered. Medical suspensions last until you obtain and submit medical clearance.

Child support suspensions remain in place until you bring your account current or enter a court-approved payment plan. Administrative suspensions for refusing a breath test last one year for a first refusal and two years for a second refusal within five years.

The key point: suspensions are not automatic. Once you fix the problem, you can request reinstatement when ready. You don't have to wait out a calendar period unless a judge specifically ordered a minimum suspension length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the DMV to request reinstatement if my license is suspended?

No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal, even to conduct license business. Use public transportation, ask someone else to drive, or handle your reinstatement request online, by phone, or by mail instead.

Will a suspension show up on a background check?

A suspension itself does not appear on a criminal background check. However, if you were arrested for driving on a suspended license, that arrest and any conviction will show up. Employers and landlords may also see the suspension if they check your driving record directly.

What if I disagree with the reason for my suspension?

You have the right to request a hearing with the DMV to contest the suspension. Contact the DMV at 303-205-5613 to request a hearing. You'll need to explain why you believe the suspension was issued in error. Bring documentation — court records, proof of payment, medical records — to support your case.

Does my suspension affect my vehicle registration?

A suspended driver's license does not automatically invalidate your vehicle registration. However, if the suspension was caused by failure to maintain insurance, your registration may also be suspended. Check your registration status at dmv.colorado.gov or call the DMV to confirm.

Can I get a hardship license while mine is suspended?

Colorado does not issue hardship or restricted licenses during a suspension. Your only option is to resolve the cause of the suspension and request full reinstatement. The exception is a DUI-related suspension, which may allow you to request a work permit after a waiting period — ask the DMV about this when you call.