What happens when your license is suspended in Denver
A suspended driver's license in Denver means the Colorado Department of Revenue has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle during the suspension period, and driving anyway can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and jail time. The suspension is not permanent — it ends on a specific date or when you complete certain requirements — but you need to know exactly what triggered it and what you must do to restore your driving privileges.
Denver suspensions come from several sources: the Colorado court system (usually for unpaid traffic fines or criminal convictions), the Department of Revenue (usually for DUI-related offenses or accumulating too many points), or the Colorado Department of Human Services (usually for unpaid child support). Each source has different rules for how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to end it.
Key Takeaways
- You can check the status of your suspension through the Colorado Department of Revenue's online system or by calling their Driver's License Section in Denver.
- The reason for your suspension determines what you must do to restore your license — paying fines, completing a DUI course, or resolving child support arrears.
- Driving on a suspended license in Colorado is a criminal offense that can result in jail time, additional fines, and a longer suspension period.
- Some suspensions can be lifted when ready once you meet the requirements; others require you to wait out a mandatory suspension period before you can take action.
- Denver residents can request a limited driving permit in some cases, which allows you to drive to work, school, or court-ordered programs during the suspension.
Finding out why your license is suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. The Colorado Department of Revenue maintains the official record. You can check online through their website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth, or you can call the Driver's License Section directly at the Denver office.
Write down the exact reason listed — for example, "unpaid traffic fine," "DUI conviction," "accumulation of points," or "child support arrears." This reason determines your next steps. If the website or phone line does not give you enough detail, you can visit the Department of Revenue office in person at 1881 Pierce Street, Denver, Colorado 80202, and ask to see your driving record. Bring your ID.
Suspensions caused by unpaid fines or court orders
If your license was suspended because of an unpaid traffic fine or other court-ordered debt, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the Denver District Court or the specific court that issued the fine — the suspension notice should tell you which court. You can pay online through the court's website, by phone, or in person at the courthouse.
Once the court receives your payment and processes it (usually within one to three business days), they notify the Colorado Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue then lifts the suspension, but you may need to wait a few days for the change to appear in their system. Do not drive until you have confirmation from the Department of Revenue that the suspension is over.
Suspensions related to DUI or drug offenses
A DUI conviction or drug-related driving offense triggers a mandatory suspension period set by Colorado law. You cannot shorten this period by paying a fine. The suspension typically lasts from three months to three years, depending on whether it is your first offense and the specific charges.
Before your suspension ends, you must complete a substance abuse course approved by the Colorado Department of Revenue. The course is usually eight to twelve hours long and covers alcohol and drug education. You can take it while your license is still suspended. Once you finish the course, you receive a certificate. When the mandatory suspension period ends, you submit the certificate to the Department of Revenue along with a reinstatement fee (currently $95 in Colorado, though this can change). The Department of Revenue will then restore your license.
If you are unsure which course to take, the Department of Revenue website lists approved providers in the Denver area. Some courses are offered online; others are in-person.
Suspensions caused by accumulating too many points
Colorado uses a points system for traffic violations. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your license is suspended for a minimum of three months. Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation.
You cannot remove points or shorten the suspension period, but you can take a defensive driving course before the suspension ends. Completing an approved course removes up to three points from your record and may reduce your car insurance rates. After the mandatory suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement by paying the reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue.
Requesting a limited driving permit in Denver
Colorado law allows you to request a limited driving permit during certain suspensions. A limited permit lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs like DUI classes. You cannot use it for any other purpose, and you must carry the permit with you whenever you drive.
Not all suspensions may have access to for a limited permit. DUI-related suspensions and suspensions for unpaid child support typically do not. Suspensions for unpaid fines or accumulated points may may have access to, depending on the circumstances. To request a limited permit, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue directly. They will tell you whether you are may be able to access and what documents you need to submit. The process usually takes one to two weeks.
What to do if you are caught driving on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Colorado is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor that can result in up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $100 to $500, and an additional suspension of at least six months. A second offense within five years is a felony. If you are stopped, be honest with the officer and provide your ID. Do not attempt to drive away.
If you are arrested, you have the right to speak with a lawyer. Many people in this situation benefit from legal information, especially if they have prior convictions or if the suspension was already long. Contact the Public Defender's Office in Denver if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Reinstating your license after the suspension ends
Once you have met all the requirements for your specific suspension — paid fines, completed a course, waited out the mandatory period — you must formally request reinstatement from the Colorado Department of Revenue. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is currently $95 in Colorado.
Submit any required documents with your reinstatement request: a certificate of completion for a substance abuse course, proof of payment for fines, or a letter from child support enforcement confirming arrears are resolved. The Department of Revenue processes reinstatement requests within five to ten business days. Once approved, your license is restored and you can drive legally again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension usually last in Denver?
It depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines end as soon as you pay. DUI suspensions last three months to three years. Point-based suspensions last at least three months. Child support suspensions last until arrears are resolved. Check your suspension notice or contact the Department of Revenue for your specific timeline.
Can I get a temporary license to drive to work during my suspension?
You may be able to request a limited driving permit, which allows driving to work, school, or court-ordered programs. Not all suspension types may have access to. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to learn about you are may be able to access and what documents you need to submit.
What if I do not know which court issued my fine?
Call the Colorado Department of Revenue and provide your driver's license number. They can tell you which court or agency caused the suspension. You can also visit the Department of Revenue office in Denver in person and ask them to look it up for you.
Do I have to take a substance abuse course if my suspension is not DUI-related?
No. A substance abuse course is required only for DUI and drug-related driving offenses. For other suspensions, you straightforward wait out the suspension period and pay the reinstatement fee. However, taking a defensive driving course can help with point-based suspensions.
How much does it cost to reinstate my license?
The reinstatement fee in Colorado is currently $95. Some suspensions may also require you to pay fines, court costs, or fees for courses. Contact the Department of Revenue or the court that issued your suspension to find out the total cost.