Colorado does issue hardship licenses, but only after your regular license suspension ends

Colorado calls this a work permit, not a hardship license. You can request one only after you have already served part of your suspension — typically at least 30 days for a first offense. The permit lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs, but nowhere else. You cannot use it for errands, socializing, or any other purpose.

The state does not issue work permits before your suspension begins. You must wait until the suspension is active, then petition the Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process takes several weeks, and approval is not may provide.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado work permits are only available after you have already served at least 30 days of a license suspension.
  • You must submit a written petition to the Colorado DMV explaining why you need to drive and what trips are essential.
  • The DMV will review your driving record, the reason for your suspension, and your employment or school situation before deciding.
  • A work permit does not restore your full driving privileges — it covers only specific purposes like work, school, medical care, and court programs.

When you become may be able to access to request a work permit

may be able to access depends on why your license was suspended. For a suspension related to a DUI or DWAI (driving while ability impaired), you must wait at least 30 days before you can petition. For other suspensions — such as those for unpaid traffic fines or accumulating too many points — the waiting period may be different.

You cannot request a work permit before your suspension takes effect. The DMV will not consider your petition until the suspension is already in place and you have served the minimum waiting period. This means if you know your license will be suspended, you cannot get ahead of it by requesting a permit in advance.

How to submit a petition to the Colorado DMV

You must submit a written petition, not an online form. Contact the Colorado DMV directly to request the petition form, or visit a local DMV office in person. The form asks you to explain the hardship you face without a license, describe the specific trips you need to make, and provide details about your job, school, or medical situation.

Include documentation with your petition: a letter from your employer confirming your job and work schedule, proof of school enrollment if you are a student, medical appointment letters if you have ongoing treatment, or court documents if you are required to attend programs. The more specific and detailed your petition, the better your chances of approval.

Mail your completed petition to the address the DMV provides, or deliver it in person to your local office. Keep a copy for your records. The DMV typically responds within two to four weeks, though this can vary depending on how busy the office is.

What the DMV considers when reviewing your petition

The DMV looks at several factors: your driving record (especially whether you have prior suspensions or violations), the reason your license was suspended, whether you have a job or school obligations that genuinely require driving, and whether you have other transportation options. A clean driving record before the suspension helps your case. A petition that shows you have a stable job and no other way to get there is stronger than one that lists general inconvenience.

The DMV also considers whether you have already completed any required programs, such as a DUI education course. Completing these programs before you submit your petition shows the DMV you are taking the suspension seriously and may improve your chances of approval.

What you can and cannot do with a work permit

A work permit is highly restricted. You can drive to and from work, to and from school, to medical appointments, and to court-ordered programs like DUI classes or counseling. You cannot use it for grocery shopping, visiting friends, running errands, or any other purpose not listed on your permit.

The permit specifies the routes and times you are allowed to drive. If your permit says you can drive to work between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., you cannot use it outside those hours. Violating the terms of your work permit can result in additional penalties, including criminal charges.

How long a work permit lasts

A work permit remains valid for the remainder of your suspension period. If you are suspended for six months and receive a work permit after 30 days, the permit will last for the remaining five and a half months. Once your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, you no longer need the work permit.

If your suspension is later extended — for example, because you failed to complete a required program — your work permit may be affected. Contact the DMV if your suspension changes to understand how it impacts your permit.

What happens if your petition is denied

If the DMV denies your petition, you have the right to request a hearing before a hearing officer. You can present additional evidence or explain your situation in person. The hearing process takes additional time, usually several more weeks. If the hearing officer also denies your request, you can appeal to the district court, though this requires an attorney and involves court fees.

If your petition is denied, you can submit a new petition later in your suspension period if your circumstances change — for example, if you lose your job and then find a new one, or if you complete a required program. Each new petition is reviewed separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a work permit before my suspension starts?

No. Colorado only issues work permits after a suspension is already in effect and you have served the minimum waiting period, usually 30 days. You cannot request one in advance.

What if I don't have a job yet but need to drive to look for one?

Job searching alone is typically not considered a valid reason for a work permit. The DMV wants to see that you have a specific job or school obligation. If you find employment, you can then submit a petition with a letter from your employer.

Can I use my work permit to drive my kids to school?

Only if you are also driving to your own work or school. A work permit covers your own essential trips, not trips for other people. Driving your children would violate the permit's terms.

How much does a work permit cost?

Colorado does not charge a fee for a work permit petition. However, you may incur costs for documents like employment letters or medical records that you need to include with your petition.

What if I move to a different city during my suspension?

Contact the DMV to update your address and work location. Your existing work permit may need to be modified to reflect your new commute. Do not assume your current permit is still valid if your circumstances change significantly.