How to reinstate your Colorado driver's license after suspension or revocation
To reinstate a suspended or revoked Colorado driver's license, you must contact the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pay any required reinstatement fees, and meet the specific conditions that caused the suspension or revocation in the first place. The process and cost depend on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason. Most reinstatements take two to four weeks once the DMV receives your completed paperwork and payment.
The first step is always to find out the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked. You cannot reinstate it without addressing that underlying issue. The DMV will not process a reinstatement request until you have satisfied the condition that triggered the suspension.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Colorado DMV to learn the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked before you can move forward with reinstatement.
- Reinstatement fees in Colorado range from $95 to $150 depending on the reason for suspension, and you must pay this fee along with any outstanding fines or court costs.
- If your suspension was due to unpaid child support or traffic fines, you must resolve those debts before the DMV will process your reinstatement.
- For DUI-related suspensions, you may need to complete a substance abuse course and install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is possible.
- Once you submit all required documents and fees, reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks, and you will receive your new license by mail.
Find out why your license was suspended or revoked
Contact the Colorado DMV directly to learn the reason for your suspension. You can call the DMV at 303-205-5600 or visit a local DMV office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. The DMV representative will tell you exactly what caused the suspension and what you must do to reinstate it.
Common reasons for suspension in Colorado include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI conviction, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, or failure to maintain required insurance. Each reason has different reinstatement requirements. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines. If it was suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse course first.
Pay outstanding fines, court costs, and child support
If your suspension was caused by unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or child support arrears, you must pay these debts before the DMV will reinstate your license. Contact the court that issued the fine or the child support enforcement agency to confirm the exact amount owed and the payment method they accept.
Once you have paid the debt, request written confirmation from the court or agency. The DMV may verify payment directly with these agencies, but having proof in your possession speeds up the process. Keep this documentation with you when you submit your reinstatement request.
Complete required courses or programs for DUI suspensions
If your license was suspended due to a DUI conviction, Colorado requires you to complete a substance abuse course before reinstatement. The course must be approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. You can find a list of approved providers on the DMV website or by calling the DMV.
After completing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. You must submit this certificate to the DMV as part of your reinstatement request. Some DUI suspensions also require installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle — a device that prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The DMV will tell you whether this applies to your situation.
Submit your reinstatement request and pay the reinstatement fee
Once you have met all the conditions for reinstatement, submit your request to the Colorado DMV. You can do this by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through the DMV website if your suspension type is may be able to access for online reinstatement. The DMV website lists which suspension types can be handled online.
The reinstatement fee in Colorado is $95 for most suspensions, though some types cost $150. Include this fee with your request — you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on how you submit your request. Mail requests to the address listed on the DMV website, or bring your payment and documents to a local DMV office.
Include copies of any required documents: proof of payment for fines or child support, your substance abuse course certificate if applicable, proof of ignition interlock installation if required, and your current identification. Do not send original documents — the DMV will not return them.
Receive your reinstated license by mail
After the DMV processes your reinstatement request, you will receive your new license by mail within two to four weeks. The DMV will send it to the address on file with your account. If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit from the DMV office, though not all suspension types may have access to for this.
Once your license arrives, check that all information is correct. If there are errors, contact the DMV when ready to have them corrected. Your reinstated license is valid for the same period as a standard Colorado license — typically eight years for adults.
What to do if your reinstatement request is denied
If the DMV denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation of the reason. Common reasons for denial include incomplete paperwork, unpaid fines or court costs that the DMV discovered during processing, or failure to complete a required course or program.
Review the denial letter carefully and contact the DMV to understand what additional steps you need to take. You can resubmit your request once you have addressed the issue. If you believe the denial was made in error, you have the right to request a hearing before a DMV hearing officer. The denial letter will explain how to request this hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Colorado driver's license suspension last?
The length of suspension depends on the reason. Traffic fine suspensions may last until the fine is paid. DUI suspensions typically last from three months to three years depending on the circumstances. Child support suspensions end once the debt is paid. Contact the DMV to learn the specific duration for your suspension.
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 fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait until your license is officially reinstated before driving. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the DMV about a temporary driving permit when you submit your reinstatement request.
What if I cannot pay my fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many Colorado courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have arranged a payment plan, inform the DMV of this arrangement when you submit your reinstatement request. The DMV may reinstate your license while you complete the payment plan, depending on the court's agreement.
Do I need to take a new written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require retesting for most suspension types. You straightforward pay the fee and meet the conditions that caused the suspension. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to pass a new written test. Ask the DMV when you contact them about your specific situation.
Where do I find the Colorado DMV office nearest to me?
Visit the Colorado DMV website and use their office locator tool, or call 303-205-5600 to find the nearest location. Many DMV services can also be handled by mail or online, so you may not need to visit an office in person.