How to learn about your Colorado license is suspended right now
You can check your Colorado driver's license status yourself in about two minutes using the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online portal, without calling or visiting an office. Go to dmv.colorado.gov, select "Check Driver License Status," enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
If you do not have internet access, you can call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time) and provide your license number. The staff member will look up your status and explain what caused it and what you need to do next.
A third option is to visit a DMV office in person with your license or ID. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location. You can find the office nearest you on the DMV website.
Key Takeaways
- The Colorado DMV online status checker at dmv.colorado.gov is the fastest way to learn whether your license is suspended, and it takes about two minutes.
- Common reasons for suspension in Colorado include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspension after a DUI arrest.
- You will need to resolve the underlying reason for suspension before the DMV will restore your license, which may involve paying fines, completing a court requirement, or submitting medical clearance.
- Once you have resolved the cause, you can request reinstatement through the DMV online portal, by mail, or in person, and the process usually takes one to two weeks.
Common reasons your Colorado license might be suspended
Colorado suspends licenses for several specific reasons, and knowing which one applies to you determines what you have to do to get it back. The most common cause is unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines — if you received a ticket, were convicted, and did not pay the fine by the important date, the court reports you to the DMV and your license is suspended automatically.
Failure to appear in court is another frequent trigger. If you received a ticket and did not show up on your court date, the judge can order a suspension. Similarly, if you were ordered to pay child support and fell behind, the state child support enforcement agency can request a suspension through the DMV.
Medical suspension is different from the others: if you were arrested for DUI (driving under the influence), Colorado suspends your license when ready, even before any court case, as a safety measure. This suspension lasts a set number of days depending on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused a breath test.
Less common reasons include accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failure to maintain car insurance, or failure to pay a previous reinstatement fee.
What the status checker will tell you
When you look up your license status online, the system shows you one of four outcomes: active (your license is valid), suspended (you cannot legally drive), revoked (your license was cancelled and you must reapply), or cancelled (usually because you moved out of state or did not renew). If your status is suspended or revoked, the system typically displays the reason — for example, "Suspended: Failure to Pay Fine" or "Suspended: Failure to Appear."
The online system does not always show the exact amount you owe or the specific court case number, so if you need those details, call the DMV or visit in person. The staff can pull up your full record and tell you exactly what needs to be resolved.
Steps to get your license reinstated after suspension
The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended. If the cause was unpaid fines, you must pay the fine in full to the court that issued the ticket. You can usually do this online through the court's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Once the court receives payment, it notifies the DMV, and your suspension is lifted within one to three business days.
If you failed to appear in court, you must contact the court, explain your absence, and either reschedule your court date or resolve the case. Once the court case is closed or you have completed what the judge ordered, the court sends notice to the DMV and your suspension ends.
For child support suspension, you must contact the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Early Care and Learning (which handles child support enforcement) or the agency listed on your suspension notice. You may be able to set up a payment plan rather than paying the full amount at once. Once you are current or have an approved plan in place, the agency notifies the DMV.
For DUI-related medical suspension, you cannot drive during the suspension period no matter what you do — it is automatic and time-based. However, you may be able to request a work permit that allows you to drive to and from work or school during the suspension. After the suspension period ends, you must request reinstatement through the DMV.
How to request reinstatement through the DMV
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension (paid the fine, appeared in court, or completed the required action), you can request reinstatement. The fastest method is through the DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov — look for "Request License Reinstatement" and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number and may need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension but is typically between $100 and $150.
You can also request reinstatement by mail by sending a letter to the Colorado DMV with your name, license number, and proof that you have resolved the suspension cause (such as a court receipt showing payment). Mail requests take longer — usually two to three weeks — compared to online requests, which are processed within one to two weeks.
If you prefer to handle it in person, visit any DMV office with your license and proof of resolution. Bring documentation such as a court receipt, child support payment confirmation, or a letter from the court stating the case is closed.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Colorado is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is a misdemeanor and can result in fines up to $300, jail time up to 10 days, or both. A second offense within five years carries higher penalties, including fines up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. These penalties are separate from whatever caused the suspension in the first place.
If you are stopped by police and your license is suspended, your vehicle can be impounded, which adds towing and storage fees on top of fines and possible jail time. For this reason, it is important to check your status and resolve any suspension before driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension usually last in Colorado?
The length depends on the reason. Unpaid fine suspensions last until you pay; failure to appear suspensions last until you resolve the court case; medical DUI suspensions last a set number of days (typically 7 to 30 days for a first offense, longer for repeat offenses). Child support suspensions end when you become current or have an approved payment plan.
Can I get a work permit to drive during suspension?
Yes, but only for certain types of suspension. DUI-related medical suspensions may may have access to for a work permit that allows driving to work, school, or court. Other suspension types generally do not may have access to. Contact the DMV to ask whether your suspension type allows a work permit.
What if I do not know why my license is suspended?
Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 with your license number ready. The staff will look up your record and explain the reason, the amount owed (if applicable), and what you need to do. You can also visit a DMV office in person for the same information.
Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee even if I already paid the original fine?
Yes. The reinstatement fee is separate from the original fine or court cost. It typically ranges from $100 to $150 depending on the suspension reason. You must pay both the original obligation and the reinstatement fee to restore your license.
How do I know if my reinstatement request was approved?
If you requested reinstatement online, you will receive an email confirmation. If you mailed your request, the DMV will send you a letter. You can also check your status again on the DMV website — once approved, your status will change from suspended to active. This usually takes one to two weeks after you submit your request.