What happens to your license after a DUI arrest in Colorado
When you are arrested for DUI in Colorado, your driver's license faces two separate processes that work on different timelines. The first is an administrative suspension handled by the Colorado Department of Revenue, which happens automatically whether or not you are convicted. The second is a court-ordered suspension or revocation that may follow if you are convicted or plead guilty.
The administrative suspension typically begins 7 to 20 days after your arrest, depending on whether you took a breath or blood test and what the result showed. This suspension is separate from any criminal case outcome. Understanding which suspension applies to you — and when it ends — determines what steps you need to take to reinstate your license.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado has two separate license suspensions after a DUI: an administrative suspension from the Department of Revenue and a court-ordered suspension that may follow conviction.
- You can request a hearing to challenge the administrative suspension within 7 days of arrest, which may delay or prevent it from taking effect.
- Reinstatement requires payment of a reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue, proof of SR-22 insurance, and completion of any court-ordered programs.
- The length of suspension depends on whether it is your first offense, whether you refused a test, and your blood alcohol content at the time of arrest.
- You must contact the Department of Revenue directly to learn your specific suspension end date and reinstatement requirements.
How long your license stays suspended
Colorado law sets different suspension lengths based on your circumstances. For a first DUI offense with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05 to 0.079, the administrative suspension is typically 3 months. If your BAC was 0.08 or higher, or if you refused the breath or blood test, the suspension is typically 12 months for a first offense.
If you are convicted in court, the judge may impose an additional suspension on top of the administrative one. A first conviction typically results in a 1-year revocation, though the judge has discretion to impose longer periods. Subsequent offenses carry longer suspensions — a second DUI within 5 to 10 years can result in a 2-year revocation, and a third can result in a 3-year revocation.
You need to know your exact suspension end date before you can move forward with reinstatement. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver's License Section at 303-205-5613 to confirm when your suspension ends and what documents you will need to submit.
Requesting a hearing to challenge the administrative suspension
You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the administrative suspension within 7 days of your arrest. This hearing is held by the Department of Revenue, not a court, and focuses only on whether the suspension was legally proper — not on whether you committed DUI.
To request a hearing, you must submit a written request to the Department of Revenue's Driver's License Section. Include your name, driver's license number, the date of arrest, and a statement that you want a hearing. Mail it to the address provided on your suspension notice, or contact the department to confirm current procedures.
If you request a hearing, your suspension is delayed until after the hearing is held. The hearing officer will review whether the officer had legal grounds to stop you, whether you were lawfully arrested, and whether the test results were valid. If the officer does not appear or the evidence is insufficient, the suspension may be lifted. If the suspension is upheld, it takes effect after the hearing.
Steps to reinstate your license after suspension ends
Once your suspension period ends, reinstatement is not automatic. You must take specific steps with the Department of Revenue. First, gather the required documents: your driver's license (or state ID), proof of SR-22 insurance, and proof of completion of any court-ordered programs such as a DUI education course or substance abuse treatment.
SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry the minimum required auto insurance. You cannot obtain SR-22 until your suspension period has ended. Contact your insurance company and ask them to file an SR-22 form with the Colorado Department of Revenue on your behalf. This typically costs $15 to $25 as a filing fee, though your overall insurance rates will increase.
Pay the reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue. The fee varies depending on the type and length of suspension, but typically ranges from $100 to $200. You can pay by mail, in person at a Department of Revenue office, or online through their website.
Submit all required documents to the Department of Revenue Driver's License Section. You can mail them, bring them in person to a local office, or submit them online if the department accepts electronic filing. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Court-ordered programs you may need to complete
If you were convicted of DUI, the court will likely order you to complete a DUI education program before your license can be reinstated. In Colorado, this is typically a 12-hour course for a first offense, though repeat offenders may be required to complete longer programs or substance abuse treatment.
You must complete the program before your suspension ends, or at least before you submit your reinstatement request. The program provider will issue a certificate of completion, which you must include with your reinstatement documents. The Department of Revenue will not reinstate your license without proof that you finished the program.
If the court also ordered probation, community service, or fines, you must complete or pay those as well. The court will notify you of all requirements at sentencing. Ask the court clerk or your attorney for a written list of everything you must do before reinstatement.
What to do if your license was revoked instead of suspended
A revocation is more serious than a suspension and typically applies to repeat offenders or cases with aggravating factors. A revoked license cannot be reinstated until the revocation period ends, which is longer than a standard suspension — often 2 to 5 years depending on your record.
After the revocation period ends, the reinstatement process is similar to a suspension: you must obtain SR-22 insurance, pay a reinstatement fee, and provide proof of any court-ordered programs. However, you may also be required to pass a written driving test or vision test before your license is restored.
Some revocations include a provision allowing you to request a restricted license for work or medical purposes before the full revocation period ends. Contact the Department of Revenue to ask whether you are may be able to access for a restricted license and what documentation you need to submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license in Colorado?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Colorado. If you are caught, you face additional charges, fines, and jail time. Some people obtain a restricted license for work purposes, but you must request this from the court or Department of Revenue before your suspension takes effect.
What if I did not receive a suspension notice after my arrest?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue when ready at 303-205-5613. The notice should have been mailed to the address on your driver's license within 7 to 20 days of arrest. If you moved or the notice was lost, the department can confirm your suspension status and resend documents if needed.
Do I have to pay for the DUI education program myself?
Yes. The court orders you to complete the program, but you pay the provider directly. Costs vary by provider but typically range from $150 to $400 for a 12-hour first-offense course. Some providers offer payment plans. The cost is separate from court fines and the reinstatement fee.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my documents?
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after the Department of Revenue receives all required documents. If documents are missing or incomplete, processing is delayed. Contact the department to confirm they received everything and to ask for an estimated completion date.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) face stricter DUI penalties in Colorado. A single DUI conviction can result in a 1-year CDL disqualification, and a second conviction results in a lifetime disqualification. Reinstatement follows the same process as a regular license, but the suspension periods are longer and the consequences are more severe.