Colorado reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

Colorado does not charge a single "suspension fee." Instead, you pay a reinstatement fee when you want your license back, and the amount depends on the reason for the suspension. Most suspensions cost between $100 and $150 to reinstate, but some cost more. You also have to resolve the underlying problem — paying a fine, completing a course, or waiting out a waiting period — before the reinstatement fee will even be accepted.

The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles reinstatement. You cannot straightforward pay online; you must go to a DMV office in person or mail in your request with payment and supporting documents. The process typically takes one to two weeks once the DMV receives your paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement fees in Colorado range from $100 to $150 for most suspensions, with some reaching $200 or more depending on the reason.
  • You must resolve the cause of suspension — such as paying a traffic fine or completing a DUI course — before you can pay the reinstatement fee.
  • The Colorado DMV requires you to visit an office in person or mail in your request; there is no online reinstatement option.
  • After you submit payment and documents, expect one to two weeks for processing before your license is restored.

Common suspension reasons and their reinstatement costs

A suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court costs typically costs $100 to reinstate. If you were suspended for accumulating too many points on your driving record, the reinstatement fee is also $100. These are the most common reasons for suspension in Colorado.

A suspension related to a DUI or DWAI (driving while ability impaired) conviction costs more — usually $150 to $200. Before you can reinstate, you must complete a substance abuse course approved by the Colorado Division of Behavioral Health, and you may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Some DUI suspensions also require a waiting period before reinstatement is even possible.

Suspensions for failing to pay child support or other court-ordered obligations also cost $100 to $150 to reinstate, but only after you have made arrangements with the court or the agency involved. A suspension for medical reasons (such as failing a vision test) may cost less or nothing, depending on whether you can provide proof that the medical issue has been resolved.

What you need to bring or send to the DMV

If you go to a DMV office in person, bring your current ID, proof that you have resolved the cause of suspension, and payment for the reinstatement fee. Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, or credit card — but policies vary slightly by office, so call ahead to confirm.

If you mail in your reinstatement request, send a completed process for Reinstatement form (available on the Colorado DMV website), a copy of your ID, proof of resolution, and a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. Include a note with your name, driver's license number, and phone number so the DMV can contact you if there are questions. Mail to the address listed on the form — it varies depending on the reason for suspension.

Proof of resolution looks different for each suspension type. For unpaid fines, bring a receipt or court document showing payment. For a DUI suspension, bring a certificate of completion from the substance abuse course. For a points suspension, you may straightforward need to wait the required time and provide nothing else.

How long reinstatement takes

If you explore in person at a DMV office, you may walk out with a temporary license the same day, though this depends on the office and the reason for suspension. A permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

If you mail in your request, processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Do not count on a faster timeline; mail delivery itself can add several days. If the DMV finds an error in your paperwork, they will contact you to correct it, which delays the process further.

You cannot drive legally until your license is reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Colorado, even if you are on your way to the DMV to fix it.

What happens if you cannot pay the reinstatement fee right away

The Colorado DMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. You must pay the full amount before your license is restored. If you cannot pay when ready, your suspension remains in effect.

Some counties and cities offer financial information programs for people facing fines or fees related to traffic violations, though these are not common. Contact your county clerk's office or local legal aid organization to ask whether such a program exists in your area. You can also ask the court that imposed the original fine whether it will reduce or waive the fee based on financial hardship.

Reinstating a license suspended in another state

If your license was suspended in another state but you now live in Colorado, you will need to clear that suspension before Colorado will issue you a new license. Contact the DMV in the state where the suspension occurred and follow their reinstatement process. Once that state lifts the suspension, you can explore for a Colorado license.

If you are unsure which state suspended your license, the Colorado DMV can look it up for you. Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 or visit a local office with your ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Colorado, even if you are driving to the DMV office to reinstate it. Arrange a ride with someone else, use public transportation, or explore by mail instead.

What if I lost my reinstatement paperwork or do not know why I was suspended?

Call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 or visit a local office with your ID. Staff can tell you the reason for suspension, the amount owed, and what documents you need to reinstate. This service is free.

Do I have to take a driving test to get my license back?

Not for most suspensions. You straightforward pay the fee and provide proof the cause has been resolved. However, if your suspension was for a medical reason, the DMV may require you to pass a vision or medical exam before reinstatement.

What if the DMV says I still owe money from the original fine?

You must pay the original fine or court costs before the reinstatement fee will be accepted. If you dispute the amount or cannot pay, contact the court that issued the fine to discuss your options. Some courts will set up a payment plan or reduce the amount based on hardship.

How much does it cost if my license is revoked instead of suspended?

Revocation is permanent or long-term and typically follows a serious offense like a second DUI. Reinstatement after revocation costs $200 to $300 and requires additional steps, such as a hearing or proof of rehabilitation. Contact the Colorado DMV for the specific cost and process for your situation.