How to reinstate your Colorado driver's license
To reinstate your Colorado driver's license after suspension, you must contact the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pay any reinstatement fees, and meet the specific requirements that caused your suspension in the first place. The process differs depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, DUI-related issues, medical reasons, or other violations. Most people start by calling the DMV at 303-205-5600 or visiting a local DMV office to find out exactly what their suspension requires.
The reinstatement fee itself is typically $95, but you may owe additional money depending on your situation — unpaid fines, court costs, or fees related to the reason for suspension. Some suspensions require you to complete a course or provide documentation (like a medical clearance) before the DMV will even accept your reinstatement request. Knowing what you owe and what you need to provide before you go in saves a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 or visit in person to learn the exact requirements for your suspension.
- You will need to pay a $95 reinstatement fee plus any outstanding fines, court costs, or suspension-related fees.
- Some suspensions require proof of completion of a course, medical clearance, or other documentation before reinstatement is possible.
- Once you meet all requirements and pay all fees, the DMV can reinstate your license the same day or within a few business days.
Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines and court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic tickets or court-ordered fines, you must pay those amounts in full before the DMV will reinstate you. The DMV does not collect the fines themselves — you pay the court or the agency that issued the ticket. Once you have proof of payment, you can then pay the $95 reinstatement fee to the DMV.
You can find out how much you owe by calling the court that handled your case or by contacting the DMV directly. Some courts allow payment by phone or online; others require you to appear in person or mail a check. Ask the court whether they will send proof of payment directly to the DMV or whether you need to bring it yourself.
Suspensions related to DUI or alcohol-related violations
DUI-related suspensions in Colorado are more complex and often require additional steps beyond paying fees. Depending on whether this is your first offense and the circumstances of your case, you may need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle, complete a substance abuse course, or provide proof of insurance before reinstatement.
The Colorado DMV will tell you exactly which requirements explore to your case when you contact them. Some people must wait a mandatory suspension period before they can even request reinstatement. If an IID is required, you will need to have it installed by a certified provider, pass an initial test, and maintain it for a set period — usually at least six months to two years depending on your offense.
Suspensions for medical reasons or unsafe driving
If your license was suspended because the DMV received a medical report suggesting you are unsafe to drive, or because you failed a vision or medical exam, you will need to provide updated medical documentation before reinstatement. This might mean getting a letter from your doctor, passing a new vision test, or undergoing a driving evaluation.
Contact the DMV to find out exactly what medical proof they need. Some suspensions of this type require you to visit a DMV office in person for a new vision screening or written exam. The DMV can tell you whether you need a specific form filled out by a doctor or whether a general letter describing your current medical status is sufficient.
The reinstatement process and timeline
Once you have gathered all required documents and paid all fees, you can request reinstatement by visiting a Colorado DMV office, calling 303-205-5600, or using the online services at dmv.colorado.gov if your suspension type allows it. Not all suspensions can be handled online, so confirm with the DMV first.
If you visit in person, bring your driver's license (if you still have it), proof of payment for any fines or fees, and any required documentation such as medical clearance or course completion certificates. The DMV typically processes reinstatement requests the same day if everything is in order, though some cases take a few business days if additional verification is needed.
What to do if you cannot meet reinstatement requirements right away
If you owe fines but cannot pay them all at once, contact the court that issued them to ask about payment plans. Many Colorado courts allow you to pay in installments, and some will notify the DMV once you have made a certain number of payments or reached a payment agreement. This does not reinstate your license when ready, but it may stop additional penalties from accumulating.
If your suspension requires a course or medical documentation you have not yet obtained, start that process as soon as possible. Courses can take weeks to complete, and scheduling a medical evaluation may also have a wait. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can meet the requirement and move toward reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a reinstatement request pending?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Colorado and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and a longer suspension. You must wait until the DMV confirms your reinstatement before driving.
What if I lost my original driver's license?
You can still request reinstatement without it. Bring a photo ID such as a passport or state ID to the DMV office. If you need a replacement license after reinstatement, you can request one at the same time.
Do I have to visit a DMV office in person?
Not always. Some reinstatement requests can be handled by phone or online at dmv.colorado.gov. Call the DMV first to confirm whether your suspension type allows remote processing.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit everything?
If all documents are complete and fees are paid, reinstatement usually happens the same day or within two to three business days. Some cases requiring additional verification may take longer.
What if I was suspended in another state but now live in Colorado?
Contact the Colorado DMV and the state where you were suspended. Colorado may recognize the suspension, and you may need to resolve the original issue before Colorado will reinstate you.