How to reinstate your Colorado driver license
To reinstate your Colorado driver license, you must contact the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pay any outstanding fines or fees, and meet the requirements that caused your license to be suspended or revoked in the first place. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI conviction, medical reasons, or failure to pay child support. Most people can start the reinstatement process online or by mail, though some cases require an in-person visit to a DMV office.
The first step is understanding the reason your license was suspended. Colorado DMV will have sent you a notice explaining why and what you must do to get it back. If you cannot find that notice, you can check your status on the Colorado DMV website or call their customer service line to learn what specific actions are required before reinstatement is possible.
Key Takeaways
- You must first identify why your license was suspended by checking your DMV notice or contacting Colorado DMV directly.
- Most reinstatement cases require paying fines, fees, or court costs before your license can be restored.
- Some suspensions — such as those for DUI or medical reasons — have additional requirements beyond payment, like completing a course or passing a medical exam.
- You can begin the reinstatement process online, by mail, or in person at a Colorado DMV office, depending on your situation.
- Reinstatement typically takes one to four weeks after you meet all requirements and submit payment.
Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic tickets or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before Colorado DMV will reinstate it. The suspension notice you received lists the exact amount due and the court or agency that issued the ticket. You can pay online through the Colorado DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office or the court that handled your case.
Once payment is confirmed, Colorado DMV typically processes reinstatement within one to two weeks. If you pay in person at a DMV office, you may receive a temporary permit to drive while your permanent license is being processed. If you pay by mail or online, allow extra time for the payment to clear and for DMV to update your record.
Suspensions for DUI or alcohol-related convictions
A DUI suspension in Colorado requires more than payment. You must complete a substance abuse course or treatment program approved by the state, pay reinstatement fees (typically $100 to $150), and sometimes pass a written test on alcohol awareness. The specific requirements depend on whether this is your first offense and how long your suspension period is.
Contact the Colorado DMV directly to learn which approved courses are available in your area. Some courses can be completed online, while others require in-person attendance. You must provide proof of completion to DMV before reinstatement can happen. For first-time DUI suspensions, the process usually takes four to eight weeks from the time you enroll in a course.
Suspensions for medical reasons
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or other health condition — you must obtain medical clearance from your doctor before reinstatement. Colorado DMV will have sent you a form (usually called a Medical Evaluation Report) that your physician must complete and sign.
Your doctor will assess whether you are safe to drive and return the completed form to you. You then submit it to Colorado DMV along with any reinstatement fee. DMV reviews the medical documentation and, if approved, reinstates your license. This process can take two to four weeks depending on how quickly your doctor completes the form and how busy the DMV is.
Suspensions for failure to pay child support
Colorado suspends driver licenses for people who fall behind on court-ordered child support payments. To reinstate your license, you must contact the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, and either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan that the court approves.
Once the payment plan is in place or the debt is paid, the child support agency notifies Colorado DMV, and your license is reinstated automatically within one to two weeks. You do not need to contact DMV separately — the agencies communicate directly. If you have questions about the amount owed or payment options, call the Division of Child Support Enforcement at the number listed on your suspension notice.
Steps to start the reinstatement process
Begin by gathering your suspension notice and any documents related to why your license was suspended. If you no longer have the notice, visit the Colorado DMV website and log into your account to check your license status, or call DMV customer service to confirm what you owe and what additional requirements explore.
Next, take the action required for your specific suspension type — pay fines, complete a course, obtain medical clearance, or arrange a child support payment plan. Keep copies of all receipts, completion certificates, or approval letters. Finally, submit your reinstatement request to Colorado DMV along with proof that you have met all requirements. You can do this online through the DMV website, by mail to the address listed on your suspension notice, or in person at any Colorado DMV office.
What to expect after you submit your reinstatement request
After you submit your reinstatement request and all required documents, Colorado DMV processes your case and sends you a confirmation letter. This typically takes one to four weeks, depending on the type of suspension and how busy the DMV is. During this time, your license remains suspended, and driving is illegal.
Once approved, you will receive your reinstated license by mail or can pick it up at a DMV office if you submitted your request in person. If your license was suspended for more than a year, you may need to renew it rather than straightforward reinstate it — DMV will notify you if this applies to your situation. Keep your confirmation letter until you receive your physical license, as it serves as proof that your suspension has been lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until Colorado DMV officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, jail time, or a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask DMV about a temporary permit or hardship license, which may be available depending on your situation.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed all at once?
Contact the court or agency listed on your suspension notice and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up installments. For child support suspensions, the Division of Child Support Enforcement handles payment arrangements. Once a plan is approved, notify Colorado DMV so they know you are working toward reinstatement.
Do I need to retake the written driving test to get my license back?
Not for most suspensions. However, if your license was suspended for more than a year, or if DMV determines you need to renew rather than reinstate, you may need to pass the written test again. DMV will tell you in your reinstatement approval letter whether this is required.
How much does reinstatement cost?
Reinstatement fees vary by suspension type. Most reinstatement fees range from $50 to $150, though you may also owe the original fines or court costs that caused the suspension. DUI reinstatement typically costs more because it includes course fees. Contact Colorado DMV or the agency that issued your suspension to learn the exact total.
What if I moved out of Colorado after my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Colorado license by mail or online, even if you no longer live in the state. However, if you now hold a driver license from another state, you may want to transfer your driving record to that state instead. Contact both Colorado DMV and your new state's DMV to understand your options.