What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your License
To reinstate a suspended license in Colorado, you must first contact the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver Services section to find out why your license was suspended and what specific steps are required. The reason for suspension determines your path forward — some suspensions lift automatically after a waiting period, while others require you to pay fines, complete a course, or provide proof of insurance. Once you have completed whatever the suspension requires, you submit a reinstatement request (either in person, by mail, or online) along with the reinstatement fee, which is currently $100.
The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your reinstatement request, though it can be faster if you handle everything in person at a Driver Services office. During this waiting period, driving is illegal even if you believe your suspension should have ended — the license is not valid until the state officially reinstates it and you receive confirmation.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver Services to learn the specific reason your license was suspended, because different reasons have different reinstatement requirements.
- You must complete whatever the suspension requires — paying fines, submitting proof of insurance, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory period — before you can request reinstatement.
- The reinstatement fee is $100, and you can submit your request in person at a Driver Services office, by mail, or through the online system.
- Do not drive while your license is suspended, even if you believe the suspension period has ended, because your license is not valid until the state officially reinstates it.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Your first step is to contact the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver Services section directly. You can call them at 303-205-5613 (Denver area) or toll-free at 1-888-333-7997. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. The staff member will tell you the exact reason for suspension — common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failure to maintain auto insurance.
If you prefer not to call, you can also check your suspension status online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website by logging into your account or providing your license number. The online system will show the suspension reason and the requirements to lift it. Writing down the specific reason and any reference numbers the staff gives you will help you track your progress and avoid confusion later.
Meeting the Requirements for Your Specific Suspension
What you must do depends entirely on why your license was suspended. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to pay the full amount owed to the court or collection agency handling the case. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice to confirm the exact amount and payment methods they accept. Some courts allow payment plans, though this varies by jurisdiction.
If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction, you may be required to complete a substance abuse education program or treatment program, depending on the specifics of your case. The court or probation department will have told you which program to attend. You must complete it and obtain a certificate of completion before you can request reinstatement.
If your suspension is due to accumulating too many traffic violation points, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course. Colorado recognizes certain approved courses that can reduce points on your record. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate that you must submit with your reinstatement request.
If your suspension is due to failure to maintain insurance, you will need to obtain an active auto insurance policy and request that your insurance company file an SR-44 form (also called a certificate of financial responsibility) with the Colorado Department of Revenue. This form proves to the state that you now have valid coverage. Your insurance company handles filing this form — you do not file it yourself.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request
Once you have completed all requirements for your suspension, you can request reinstatement. Colorado offers three ways to submit your request: in person at a Driver Services office, by mail, or online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
The fastest option is in person. Visit any Driver Services office with your completed reinstatement form (DR 2261), proof that you have met all suspension requirements, and $100 in cash or card. Staff can often process your request the same day, though you will still need to wait for the state to officially update your record before your license is active again — this usually takes a few business days.
If you submit by mail, send your completed reinstatement form, proof of meeting requirements, and a check or money order for $100 to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver Services, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Include a copy of your driver's license or a letter with your name, date of birth, and license number. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks.
The online option is available through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if your suspension qualifies for online reinstatement. Not all suspension types can be handled online, so check the website or call to confirm whether yours can be. Online reinstatement also requires the $100 fee, which you pay by credit or debit card.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
After you submit your reinstatement request, the Colorado Department of Revenue will review it to confirm that you have met all requirements. If everything is in order, they will process your reinstatement and send you a confirmation letter. You can also check the status of your request online or by calling Driver Services again.
Your license becomes valid on the date the state officially reinstates it, not on the date you submitted your request. During the processing period, your license remains suspended and you should not drive. Once you receive confirmation that your license has been reinstated, you can legally drive again. Some people receive a new physical license card in the mail; others straightforward have their record updated and can drive on their existing card.
If your reinstatement request is denied, the state will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete paperwork, failure to meet all requirements, or an error in your submission. The letter will tell you what to correct and how to resubmit.
Reinstating a License Suspended for Multiple Reasons
If your license was suspended for more than one reason — for example, unpaid fines and failure to maintain insurance — you must satisfy all requirements before you can request reinstatement. Contact Driver Services and ask them to list every reason for suspension. Complete each requirement separately, then submit your reinstatement request with proof that you have addressed all of them.
This situation can take longer to resolve because you may need to work with multiple agencies or courts. For instance, you might need to pay fines to one court, complete a defensive driving course through an approved provider, and have your insurance company file an SR-44 form. Keep detailed records of each step you complete and the documentation you receive, because you will need to submit all of it with your reinstatement request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I have a hardship?
No. Colorado does not issue restricted or hardship licenses for most suspension types. Your license is either suspended or it is not. Driving while suspended is a separate criminal offense that can result in additional fines and jail time. If you need transportation, use rideshare, public transit, or ask someone else to drive.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
In-person requests at a Driver Services office can be processed the same day, though your license may not be officially active for a few business days. Mail requests take two to four weeks. Online requests vary but typically take one to two weeks. Call Driver Services to check the status of your specific request.
What if I move out of Colorado before my license is reinstated?
You can still request reinstatement by mail or online. However, if you want to obtain a driver's license in your new state, you will need to clear your Colorado suspension first. Most states will not issue you a license if you have an active suspension in another state. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to complete your reinstatement before explore for a license elsewhere.
Do I have to pay the $100 reinstatement fee if I was suspended by mistake?
Yes. The $100 fee applies to all reinstatements regardless of the reason for suspension. If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact Driver Services to request a review, but the fee will still explore when your license is reinstated. You can request a fee waiver only in specific hardship situations — ask Driver Services whether your circumstances may have access to.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fines or fees right now?
Contact the court or agency that imposed the fines to ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments. The reinstatement fee itself ($100) does not have a payment plan option, but you may be able to address the underlying fines through a court arrangement. Call the specific court listed on your suspension notice to discuss your options.