What happens when your Colorado license is suspended or revoked
A suspended or revoked Colorado driver's license means you cannot legally drive in the state. The difference matters: a suspension is temporary and can end once you meet certain conditions, while a revocation is more serious and typically requires you to reapply for a license after a waiting period. Both are issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The most common reasons for suspension in Colorado are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical suspension (usually for seizures or certain health conditions), or accumulating too many points on your driving record. Revocations typically result from DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or serious violations. Understanding which one applies to you determines what steps you need to take next.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Colorado DMV directly to find out whether your license is suspended or revoked and what specific condition caused it.
- For suspensions, you must resolve the underlying issue—pay fines, appear in court, or satisfy child support obligations—before the DMV will lift the suspension.
- For revocations, you must wait out the mandatory waiting period (usually one to three years depending on the violation) before you can reapply.
- Once conditions are met, you will need to submit proof to the DMV and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by violation type.
- The DMV processes reinstatement requests by mail or in person at any Colorado DMV office; there is no online reinstatement option.
Finding out why your license was suspended or revoked
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know exactly what caused the suspension or revocation. The Colorado DMV maintains your driving record and the reason for any action taken against your license. You can contact them by phone at 303-205-5600 or visit any DMV office in person with your ID. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
When you reach the DMV, ask them to tell you the specific reason for the suspension or revocation and whether any conditions have already been met. For example, if your license was suspended because of unpaid fines, ask whether those fines have been paid or if they are still outstanding. If the suspension is related to a court case, ask for the case number and the court that issued it. Write down everything they tell you, including any case numbers, fine amounts, or dates.
Resolving the underlying cause of a suspension
If your license is suspended (not revoked), you must clear up whatever triggered the suspension before the DMV will reinstate it. The steps depend on the reason.
For unpaid traffic fines: Contact the court listed on your ticket or ask the DMV which court holds your case. Pay the fine in full. Some courts allow payment by phone, mail, or online; others require you to appear in person. Once paid, ask the court to send confirmation to the Colorado DMV.
For failure to appear in court: Contact the court when ready. You may need to appear before a judge to explain your absence. Once the court resolves the matter, ask them to notify the DMV that the suspension can be lifted.
For unpaid child support: Contact the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, or the court that issued the child support order. Bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. Once child support is current, the agency will notify the DMV.
For medical suspension: Obtain a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive (usually required after a seizure or certain conditions have been resolved). Submit this letter to the DMV along with a reinstatement request.
Waiting out a revocation and preparing to reapply
If your license was revoked, you cannot straightforward pay a fee or resolve a fine to get it back. You must wait out a mandatory suspension period set by Colorado law. For a first DUI revocation, the waiting period is typically one year. For habitual traffic offender status or a second DUI within ten years, the period is usually two to three years. The DMV will tell you the exact date you become may be able to access to reapply.
During the waiting period, you cannot legally drive in Colorado. Some people obtain a restricted license or work permit that allows driving to work or school, but this requires a separate request to the DMV and is not automatic. Once your waiting period ends, you do not automatically get your license back—you must submit a reinstatement request and meet all current requirements.
Before you reapply, prepare the documents you will need. For a DUI revocation, you will typically need proof that you completed a substance abuse education program (usually a 12-hour course) and proof of insurance. For other revocations, requirements vary. Contact the DMV before your waiting period ends to ask what documents to gather.
Submitting your reinstatement request to the DMV
Once you have resolved the underlying cause (for a suspension) or completed your waiting period (for a revocation), you can request reinstatement. The Colorado DMV does not offer online reinstatement, so you must submit your request by mail or in person.
By mail: Send a letter to the Colorado DMV stating that you are requesting reinstatement of your driver's license. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended or revoked. Attach proof that you have met all conditions—for example, a court receipt showing fines paid, a letter from child support enforcement confirming current status, or a certificate of completion from a substance abuse program. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee (typically $95 to $150, depending on the violation type). Mail everything to: Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214.
In person: Visit any Colorado DMV office with your ID, proof that conditions are met, and payment for the reinstatement fee. Bring the original documents or certified copies; the DMV will not accept photocopies for most reinstatement requests. You can find the nearest office and hours at the Colorado DMV website.
Processing typically takes two to four weeks by mail. If you submit in person, you may receive a temporary driving permit on the spot, though your official license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Understanding reinstatement fees and what comes next
Colorado charges a reinstatement fee when you restore your license. The amount depends on the type of violation. A suspension reinstatement typically costs $95. A revocation reinstatement (especially for DUI) may cost $150 or more. Some violations carry additional fees. The DMV will tell you the exact amount when you contact them about your case.
After reinstatement, your license will be valid for the remainder of your current license term. If your license was set to expire soon, you may need to renew it separately within a few months. You will receive a new physical license card in the mail, and you should not drive until it arrives—your temporary permit is only valid for a limited time.
If your license was suspended or revoked due to points on your driving record, reinstatement does not erase those points. They remain on your record for a set period (usually three to seven years depending on the violation). This means your insurance rates may stay higher, and accumulating more violations could trigger another suspension.
What to do if you cannot meet the conditions for reinstatement
If you cannot pay outstanding fines or child support, or if you cannot complete a required program before your waiting period ends, contact the relevant court or agency to discuss your options. Many courts offer payment plans for fines. Child support enforcement agencies can negotiate modified payment arrangements. Some substance abuse programs offer sliding-scale fees or payment plans.
If you are facing hardship, explain your situation to the court or agency handling your case. They may be willing to work with you rather than extend your suspension indefinitely. Do not ignore the suspension—driving on a suspended license in Colorado is a criminal offense that can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit a reinstatement request?
By mail, expect two to four weeks. If you submit in person at a DMV office, you may receive a temporary permit when ready, and your official license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Do not drive until you have the temporary permit or your new license in hand.
Can I drive with a temporary permit while my reinstatement is being processed?
Only if the DMV issues one to you at the time you submit your request in person. A temporary permit is not automatic and is valid for a limited time only. If you submit by mail, you will not receive a temporary permit—you must wait for your new license to arrive before driving.
What if I moved out of Colorado after my license was suspended?
You can still request reinstatement by mail from anywhere. Send your request and documents to the Colorado DMV address listed above. If you now live in another state and want to transfer your license, you will need to complete that state's requirements after Colorado reinstates yours.
Do I have to take a driving test to get my license back?
Not for most suspensions. For revocations, especially DUI-related ones, Colorado may require you to pass a written test or driving test as part of reinstatement. The DMV will tell you whether a test is required when you contact them about your specific case.
What happens if I drive on a suspended or revoked license?
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Colorado. You can face additional fines (typically $300 to $1,000), jail time (up to 90 days for a first offense), and a longer suspension period. If you are caught, your license suspension will be extended, making reinstatement take even longer.