What Changed in Colorado's Suspension Laws in 2021
Colorado passed significant changes to its license suspension system in 2021, mainly through House Bill 21-1032, which took effect on July 1, 2021. The law made it easier for people with suspended licenses to get back on the road by lowering reinstatement fees, creating a new payment plan option, and reducing the mandatory waiting periods for certain types of suspensions. The changes do not erase past suspensions or automatically restore your license — you still have to take action — but they made the path to reinstatement less expensive and more flexible than it was before.
The law focused on three main areas: the cost of getting your license back, the time you have to wait, and what happens if you cannot pay the full fee upfront. If your license was suspended before July 1, 2021, you may be able to use the new rules when you seek reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado lowered reinstatement fees in 2021, reducing the standard fee from $100 to $70 for most suspensions, and created a payment plan option for people who cannot pay in full.
- Mandatory waiting periods for certain suspensions were shortened, meaning you may be able to reinstate your license sooner than under the old rules.
- The new law applies when you reinstate, not retroactively — if you already paid a higher fee before July 1, 2021, you cannot get a refund.
- You still need to meet all other reinstatement requirements, such as paying court fines, completing required courses, or obtaining an SR-22 certificate if your suspension was for a traffic safety violation.
- Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver Services Bureau to confirm your suspension reason and find out which new rules explore to your specific case.
How Reinstatement Fees Changed
Before July 1, 2021, Colorado charged a $100 reinstatement fee for most license suspensions. The 2021 law reduced this to $70 for standard reinstatements. This applies to suspensions for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or administrative violations — not suspensions tied to impaired driving or serious criminal convictions, which have separate fee structures.
More importantly, the law created a payment plan option. If you cannot pay the $70 fee in one payment, you can now arrange to pay it in installments through the Colorado Department of Revenue. This means you do not have to save up the full amount before you can begin the reinstatement process. The exact payment plan terms depend on your situation, so you will need to contact Driver Services to set one up.
If your license was suspended before July 1, 2021, and you already paid the old $100 fee, the law does not provide refunds. The new fee structure applies only to reinstatements that happen on or after July 1, 2021.
Waiting Periods That Got Shorter
Colorado had mandatory waiting periods before you could reinstate your license — the time you had to wait from the suspension date before you were even allowed to explore. The 2021 law shortened these periods for certain suspension types, though not all.
For example, suspensions related to unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court had waiting periods that were reduced. However, suspensions for impaired driving (DUI or DWAI) and serious traffic safety violations still have longer mandatory waiting periods that were not changed by this law. The exact waiting period for your suspension depends on why your license was suspended in the first place.
To find out your specific waiting period, you need to contact the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver Services Bureau, or check your suspension notice. Do not assume the new shorter periods explore to you — confirm with the state first.
Suspensions That Still Require an SR-22 Certificate
If your license was suspended because of a traffic safety violation — such as a DUI, DWAI, reckless driving, or certain at-fault accidents — you will still need to obtain an SR-22 certificate before you can reinstate. The 2021 law did not change this requirement. An SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum required liability coverage.
You cannot get an SR-22 until you have purchased an auto insurance policy that meets Colorado's minimum liability limits. Once you have the policy, your insurance agent can file the SR-22 for you, usually at no extra charge beyond your regular premium. The SR-22 requirement typically lasts three years from the date of reinstatement, though this can vary depending on your violation.
The cost of the SR-22 itself is usually $15 to $25, but the real expense is the higher insurance premium you will pay while the SR-22 is active. Insurance companies charge significantly more for drivers with traffic safety violations on their record. Shop around with multiple insurers — rates vary widely, and some companies specialize in high-risk drivers.
Court Fines and Other Reinstatement Requirements
Lowering the reinstatement fee was only part of the 2021 changes. You still have to pay any court fines or restitution related to your suspension before your license can be restored. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines. If you were suspended for a criminal conviction, you must pay any restitution ordered by the court. The state will not reinstate your license until these debts are cleared.
You may also be required to complete a driver improvement course, a substance abuse treatment program, or other education depending on why your license was suspended. These requirements do not change with the 2021 law — they are separate from the reinstatement fee and waiting period.
Before you start the reinstatement process, get a full list of what you owe and what you need to complete. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver Services Bureau, or the court that issued your suspension. Knowing the complete picture upfront saves time and prevents delays.
How to Start the Reinstatement Process Under the New Rules
To reinstate your license under Colorado's 2021 rules, start by contacting the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver Services Bureau. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. Have your driver's license number and suspension notice ready when you call.
Ask them to confirm three things: the reason for your suspension, your mandatory waiting period, and the total amount you owe (reinstatement fee, court fines, restitution, and any other costs). This conversation will tell you whether you are may be able to access to reinstate now or whether you still have to wait.
If you are may be able to access, ask about the payment plan option if you cannot pay the full amount upfront. Once you have a plan in place, pay what you owe, gather any required documents (like proof of insurance or an SR-22 certificate), and submit your reinstatement request. Processing times vary, but you should expect to wait one to two weeks for the state to process your reinstatement and mail you a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2021 law automatically reinstate my license?
No. The law lowered fees and waiting periods, but you still have to request reinstatement and meet all requirements. Your license will not come back on its own. You must contact the Colorado Department of Revenue and complete the reinstatement process.
Can I get a refund if I already paid the old $100 fee before July 2021?
No. The new fee structure applies only to reinstatements processed on or after July 1, 2021. Fees paid before that date are not refunded.
What if I still owe court fines or restitution?
You must pay those debts before your license can be reinstated. The lower reinstatement fee does not cover court fines. Contact the court or the Colorado Department of Revenue to find out the total amount you owe.
Do I need an SR-22 if my suspension was for unpaid traffic fines?
Not necessarily. SR-22 is required only for traffic safety violations like DUI, DWAI, or reckless driving. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or failure to appear, you may not need an SR-22. Confirm with the Colorado Department of Revenue based on your specific suspension reason.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the Colorado Department of Revenue receives your completed reinstatement request and payment. Your new license will be mailed to you. During this time, you cannot legally drive, even if you have submitted everything.