What You Need to Do to Get Your Colorado License Back
Reinstatement in Colorado depends on why your license was suspended or revoked. The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles reinstatement, and the process, fees, and requirements differ based on the reason for the suspension. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period; others require you to take specific steps and pay reinstatement fees before you can drive legally again.
The first step is finding out the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked. You can check your status through the Colorado DMV website or by calling their customer service line. Once you know the reason, you can determine what actions are required — which might include paying fines, completing a substance abuse course, paying reinstatement fees, or providing proof of insurance.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado suspensions fall into different categories — administrative (unpaid tickets or child support), DUI-related, and medical — and each has its own reinstatement path.
- You must contact the Colorado DMV to confirm the reason for your suspension and what steps are required before you can reinstate.
- Most reinstatements require a fee paid to the DMV, ranging from $95 to $150 depending on the suspension type.
- Some suspensions, such as those for unpaid tickets or child support, lift automatically once the underlying debt is resolved, but you still need to notify the DMV.
- DUI-related suspensions typically require completion of a substance abuse course and proof of insurance before reinstatement is possible.
How to Check Your License Status and Suspension Reason
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know exactly why it was suspended. The Colorado DMV provides several ways to find this information. You can check your status online through the Colorado DMV website by entering your driver license number and date of birth. This tool will show whether your license is currently suspended or revoked and, in most cases, the reason.
If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613. Have your driver license number and date of birth ready. The DMV staff can tell you the specific reason for the suspension, what you need to do to resolve it, and the reinstatement fee amount. Some suspensions have multiple requirements — for example, a DUI suspension might require both a substance abuse course and proof of insurance — so getting the complete list from the DMV is essential.
You can also visit a DMV office in person. Bring your driver license or ID and ask to speak with a representative about your suspension. They can print out a detailed record of what needs to be done before you can reinstate.
Administrative Suspensions: Unpaid Tickets and Child Support
Administrative suspensions are the most common type in Colorado. These occur when you have unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid court fines, or unpaid child support obligations. The Colorado DMV does not issue the suspension itself — the court or child support enforcement agency does — but the DMV enforces it by preventing license renewal or reinstatement.
To reinstate after an administrative suspension, you must resolve the underlying debt. If the suspension is for unpaid tickets or fines, you need to pay the court or contact the court to set up a payment plan. If it is for child support, you must work with the Colorado Department of Human Services or the court-ordered payment agency. Once the debt is paid or a payment plan is in place, the court or agency will notify the DMV, and your suspension will be lifted.
After the underlying issue is resolved, you still need to notify the DMV that you are ready to reinstate. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. There is typically a reinstatement fee of around $95 to $100. The DMV will process your reinstatement once payment is received, and you can then renew your license if it has also expired.
DUI and Alcohol-Related Suspensions
DUI convictions and alcohol-related driving offenses trigger mandatory license suspensions in Colorado. The length of the suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test. A first DUI conviction typically results in a suspension of at least four months; refusal suspensions are often longer.
Before you can reinstate after a DUI suspension, Colorado requires completion of a substance abuse course. The DMV maintains a list of approved providers. You must enroll in and complete the course, then provide proof of completion to the DMV. You will also need to show proof of insurance — Colorado requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, and this is especially scrutinized after a DUI.
Once you have completed the substance abuse course and obtained proof of insurance, you can pay the reinstatement fee (typically $95 to $150 for DUI-related suspensions) and submit your reinstatement request to the DMV. Processing usually takes one to two weeks. Some DUI suspensions also require an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle before you can drive; the DMV will tell you if this applies to your case.
Medical Suspensions and Vision-Related Reinstatement
Colorado can suspend a license for medical reasons — usually when a doctor reports a condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or when you fail a vision screening at renewal. Medical suspensions are less common than administrative or DUI suspensions, but they require specific steps to resolve.
If your suspension is medical, you will need to obtain a medical clearance from a licensed physician. The DMV will specify what type of evaluation is needed. Once you have the clearance, submit it to the DMV along with your reinstatement request and fee. The DMV will review the medical documentation and, if it supports reinstatement, will lift the suspension.
For vision-related suspensions, you may need to pass a vision test at a DMV office or provide documentation from an eye care professional showing that your vision meets Colorado's standards. The reinstatement fee for medical suspensions is typically $95 to $100.
Reinstatement Fees and Payment Methods
Colorado charges a reinstatement fee for most license suspensions. The fee typically ranges from $95 to $150, depending on the type of suspension. Administrative suspensions usually cost around $95 to $100; DUI-related suspensions may be higher, sometimes reaching $150. The DMV will tell you the exact fee when you check your suspension status.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the Colorado DMV website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online and phone payments are the fastest — you can often complete reinstatement the same day. If you pay by mail, include your check or money order with your reinstatement request and allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. In-person payment at a DMV office is also when ready.
Some people can request a fee waiver or reduction if they are experiencing financial hardship, though this is not automatic. Contact the DMV directly to ask about hardship options for your specific situation.
Steps to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
Once you have resolved the underlying issue (paid fines, completed a course, obtained medical clearance, or whatever your suspension requires), you are ready to submit your reinstatement request. Here is the typical order of steps:
- Confirm with the DMV that all requirements are met (fines paid, course completed, insurance obtained, etc.).
- Pay the reinstatement fee through your chosen method: online, phone, mail, or in person.
- Submit your reinstatement request, either online through the DMV website, by phone at 303-205-5613, or in person at a DMV office.
- Wait for the DMV to process your request — this usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.
- Once approved, your suspension is lifted and you can drive legally again.
- If your license has also expired, you will need to renew it separately.
The online method is typically the fastest. You can check the Colorado DMV website for the exact steps and links for online reinstatement. If you have questions during the process, call the DMV customer service line.
What Happens If Your License Has Also Expired
If your license was suspended and has also expired during that time, reinstatement and renewal are separate processes. You must first reinstate the suspended license, then renew it. Some people can do both at the same time through the DMV website or in person, but the fees are separate — reinstatement fee plus renewal fee.
A standard Colorado driver license renewal costs around $30 to $35, depending on whether you renew for four or eight years. If you need to reinstate and renew, budget for both fees. The DMV can tell you the total cost when you check your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my license after I submit my request?
Processing time is typically 1 to 2 weeks after the DMV receives your complete reinstatement request and payment. Online submissions are usually faster than mail. If you submit in person at a DMV office, you may receive confirmation the same day, though the official reinstatement still takes a few days to appear in the system.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally while your license is suspended, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request and paid the fee. You must wait for the DMV to officially lift the suspension. Driving on a suspended license can result in additional fines and criminal charges.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Colorado DMV directly to ask about hardship options. While fee waivers are not automatic, the DMV may be able to work with you on payment plans or reductions in specific circumstances. Call 303-205-5613 to discuss your situation.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to reinstate my license?
For most administrative and DUI suspensions, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — reinstatement is a fee-based process once requirements are met. However, if your suspension was medical or vision-related, you may need to pass a vision test or provide medical clearance. The DMV will specify what is required for your case.
What if I was suspended in another state — can I reinstate in Colorado?
If you hold a Colorado license and were suspended in another state, Colorado may recognize that suspension through the Interstate Compact on Driver Licenses. You will need to resolve the issue in the state where the suspension occurred before Colorado will reinstate your license. Contact the DMV in the state where you were suspended first.