How Colorado's Department of Revenue Reinstates Suspended Licenses
Colorado's Department of Revenue handles license reinstatement through a formal process that depends on why your license was suspended in the first place. You cannot straightforward renew; you must first resolve the underlying issue — whether that's unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, medical suspension, or failure to pay child support — then submit a reinstatement request with proof that the problem is resolved. The Department of Revenue will not reinstate your license until they have verified this proof.
The reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks after you submit your request, though it can take longer if the Department needs to verify information with another agency. During this time, your license remains suspended and driving is illegal. You will need to know the reason for your suspension before you start, because each reason has different requirements and different fees.
Key Takeaways
- You must first resolve the reason your license was suspended — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or clearing a child support debt — before the Department of Revenue will consider reinstatement.
- The reinstatement fee in Colorado is $95, plus any additional fees tied to your specific suspension reason, such as a DUI reinstatement surcharge.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, in person at a Department of Revenue office, or through their online portal if your suspension reason qualifies.
- The Department will verify that your suspension reason has been resolved before processing your reinstatement, which typically takes two to four weeks.
- If your license was suspended for a medical reason, you will need a doctor's clearance letter stating you are safe to drive before reinstatement is possible.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason the Department of Revenue suspended it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, a DUI or DWAI conviction, failure to pay child support, medical suspension due to a health condition, or failure to maintain required insurance. The Department sent you a suspension notice in the mail when this happened; if you still have that letter, it will state the reason and what you need to do to resolve it.
If you no longer have the suspension notice, you can contact the Department of Revenue's Driver Services Bureau at 303-205-5600 or visit a local office in person. Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason and what documentation you need to provide for reinstatement. You can also check your driving record online through the Department's website, though the record may not always show the specific suspension reason clearly.
Resolving the Reason for Suspension Before Reinstatement
The Department will not process your reinstatement request until you have resolved the underlying issue. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those in full to the court that issued them, not to the Department of Revenue. Contact the court directly to confirm the exact amount owed and the payment methods they accept. Once you have paid, ask the court for a receipt or written confirmation that the debt is satisfied.
If your suspension was due to a DUI or DWAI conviction, you may need to complete a substance abuse treatment program, an alcohol education course, or both, depending on the severity of your conviction and whether this is a repeat offense. The court that convicted you will have specified which programs you must complete. You cannot reinstate your license until you have finished these programs and received a completion certificate.
If your suspension was due to failure to maintain insurance, you must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof to the Department. If your suspension was due to a medical condition, you must obtain a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically safe to drive and that any condition that prompted the suspension has been resolved or managed. Child support suspensions require proof from the Colorado Department of Human Services that your child support obligation is current.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you can submit a reinstatement request to the Department of Revenue. You have three options: mail, in-person visit, or online through the Department's website. The online option is fastest if your suspension reason qualifies — medical suspensions and some other categories cannot be handled online.
If you are mailing your request, send it to the Department of Revenue, Driver Services Bureau, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80214. Include a completed reinstatement form (available on the Department's website), your driver's license number, proof that you have resolved the suspension reason, and the $95 reinstatement fee. You can pay by check or money order. Mail typically takes five to seven business days to arrive, so allow extra time.
If you are visiting in person, bring your driver's license, proof of resolution, and payment. The Department has offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and several other locations. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary. If you are using the online portal, follow the Department's instructions to upload your proof documents and pay the reinstatement fee by credit or debit card.
Additional Fees Beyond the Base Reinstatement Cost
The base reinstatement fee in Colorado is $95. However, depending on why your license was suspended, you may owe additional fees. DUI or DWAI suspensions typically include a surcharge of $100 to $500 or more, depending on whether this is a first or repeat offense. Medical suspensions may include an evaluation fee if the Department requires additional medical documentation.
If your suspension was due to unpaid fines or court costs, you will pay those separately to the court, not to the Department. Ask the court for an itemized breakdown of what you owe so there are no surprises. Some courts allow payment plans if the amount is large, though the Department will not reinstate your license until the full amount is paid.
What Happens After You Submit Your Reinstatement Request
After the Department receives your reinstatement request and payment, they will review your documents to confirm that the suspension reason has been resolved. This verification step typically takes two to four weeks. If you submitted your request by mail, add five to seven business days for delivery time before the Department even begins processing.
If the Department approves your reinstatement, they will mail you a new license or a reinstatement letter confirming that your driving privilege has been restored. If they deny your request, they will send you a letter explaining why and what additional steps you need to take. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, proof that the suspension reason has not actually been resolved, or a failure to pay all required fees.
Once your reinstatement is approved, you are legally permitted to drive again. However, if your suspension was due to a DUI, you may be required to use an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a specified period. The court will have informed you of this requirement when you were convicted.
If Your Reinstatement Request Is Denied
If the Department denies your reinstatement request, read the denial letter carefully to understand exactly what is missing or incomplete. Common issues include documentation that does not clearly prove the suspension reason was resolved, a missing signature on a form, or proof of payment that does not match the court's records. Contact the Department at 303-205-5600 to ask what specific additional documentation they need.
You can resubmit your request once you have addressed the Department's concerns. There is no additional fee to resubmit, but you will need to send the corrected or additional documentation. If you believe the Department made an error in denying your request, you have the right to request a hearing before a Department hearing officer. The denial letter will include instructions for requesting a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Department approves your reinstatement request and you receive written confirmation. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and license suspension extension.
How long does reinstatement take if I submit my request online?
Online reinstatement requests typically process within two to three weeks if your documentation is complete and correct. Mail-in requests take longer because of delivery time plus processing time. In-person requests may be processed the same day if you visit during business hours and bring all required documents.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
The Department of Revenue does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension was due to unpaid court fines, the court that issued those fines may allow a payment plan. Contact the court directly to ask about this option. You will still need to pay the $95 reinstatement fee to the Department in full before they will process your request.
Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or driving test unless your suspension was due to a medical condition and the Department determines that a test is necessary to confirm you are safe to drive. In most cases, you straightforward need to resolve the suspension reason and pay the reinstatement fee.
What if the court says my fines are paid but the Department still shows my license as suspended?
Court records and Department of Revenue records do not always update at the same time. Contact the Department directly at 303-205-5600 and provide them with your court payment receipt. Ask them to verify the payment in the court system and update their records. This can take a few business days.