How to reinstate your Colorado driver's license
Reinstating your Colorado driver's license means getting it back after it has been suspended or revoked by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process depends on why your license was taken away — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, too many points on your record, or failure to pay child support. Each reason has different steps, different fees, and different waiting periods before you can even begin.
The first thing you need to do is find out the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked. You cannot reinstate it without knowing this, because the DMV will not accept your request unless you have addressed the underlying issue. You can check your status online through the Colorado DMV website, by calling the DMV at 303-205-5600, or by visiting a local DMV office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspension reason determines what you must do first — paying tickets, completing a DUI program, waiting out a suspension period, or resolving child support arrears.
- The Colorado DMV requires you to resolve the underlying issue before processing any reinstatement request, and you must pay a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension type.
- You can check your suspension status and reason online at the Colorado DMV website, by phone at 303-205-5600, or in person at any DMV office.
- After your suspension ends and you have met all requirements, you will need to visit a DMV office with proof of identity and pay the reinstatement fee to get your license back.
Suspension for unpaid traffic tickets or fines
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket or court fine, you must pay the full amount owed before the DMV will consider reinstatement. The court that issued the ticket has a record of what you owe. You can pay by mail, phone, or in person at the court, depending on the court's payment options.
Once you have paid, ask the court for written confirmation of payment. Keep this document — you will need to show it to the DMV. After the court reports the payment to the DMV (which usually takes a few business days), you can request reinstatement. The reinstatement fee for this type of suspension is typically $100, though you should confirm the current amount with your local DMV office.
Suspension for DUI or DWAI conviction
A DUI (driving under the influence) or DWAI (driving while ability impaired) conviction in Colorado triggers both an automatic license suspension and a separate reinstatement process. The length of your suspension depends on whether this is your first offense and the specific circumstances of your case. A first DUI offense usually results in a suspension of at least one year from the date of conviction.
Before you can reinstate your license, you must complete a substance abuse treatment program approved by the Colorado Division of Behavioral Health. You will also need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle — a breathalyzer that prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected. The DMV will not process reinstatement until you provide proof that both requirements are met. The reinstatement fee for a DUI suspension is typically $150.
Suspension for accumulating too many points
Colorado uses a points system: traffic violations add points to your record, and if you accumulate too many points within a certain time period, your license is suspended. A driver with 12 or more points within 12 months, 18 or more points within 24 months, or 24 or more points within 36 months will face suspension. The suspension period is usually 30 days for a first offense.
You cannot shorten a points-based suspension by paying a fee or completing a program — you must straightforward wait out the suspension period. Once the suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement by visiting a DMV office or submitting a request by mail. The reinstatement fee is typically $100. If you accumulate points again after reinstatement, your next suspension will be longer.
Suspension for failure to pay child support
Colorado can suspend your driver's license if you fall behind on court-ordered child support payments. This suspension is handled through the Colorado Department of Human Services, not directly by the DMV. To reinstate your license, you must bring your child support account current — meaning you must pay all back payments plus any accumulated interest or fees.
Contact the Colorado Child Support Enforcement Program at 1-888-317-8688 to find out exactly what you owe and to arrange payment. Once you have paid in full, the Department of Human Services will notify the DMV that the suspension should be lifted. This process can take several business days. You do not pay a separate reinstatement fee for a child support suspension — the fee is waived once the underlying debt is resolved.
Steps to complete reinstatement
After you have resolved the reason for your suspension, follow these steps. First, gather the documents you will need: your current photo ID (passport, state ID, or other government-issued ID), proof that you have met all reinstatement requirements (court payment confirmation, DUI program certificate, ignition interlock proof, or child support payment documentation), and your Social Security number.
Next, visit a Colorado DMV office in person or submit a reinstatement request by mail. If you go in person, bring all documents listed above plus the reinstatement fee in cash, check, or debit card — the DMV does not accept credit cards. If you mail your request, include copies of all documents and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail your request to the Colorado DMV at the address listed on their website for your region. Processing by mail usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Once the DMV approves your reinstatement, you will receive your license by mail or can pick it up at the office where you applied. If you applied in person and all documents are in order, you may receive your license the same day.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Colorado is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor and can result in fines up to $300, jail time up to 10 days, or both. A second offense within five years carries higher penalties. If you are caught driving with a suspended license, your suspension period will be extended, and you may face additional criminal charges.
If your suspension is temporary and you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a limited license from the DMV. A limited license allows you to drive only to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered treatment. You must request this in writing and meet specific criteria — not all suspension types may have access to for a limited license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my license after I have met all requirements?
If you explore in person at a DMV office with all required documents, reinstatement can be processed the same day. If you mail your request, allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing. The DMV will mail your reinstated license to your address on file.
Can I get a limited license while my suspension is active?
You may be able to request a limited license that allows driving to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. Not all suspension types may have access to — DUI suspensions rarely allow limited licenses during the first suspension period. Contact your local DMV office to ask whether your situation qualifies.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
The DMV does not waive reinstatement fees except in cases of child support suspension. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact your local DMV office to discuss your situation. Some offices may offer payment plans, though this varies by location.
Do I need to take a new driving test to reinstate my license?
For most suspension types, you do not need to retake the written or road test. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to pass a vision test or written test. The DMV will tell you what is required when you explore for reinstatement.
What if I was suspended in another state and now live in Colorado?
Colorado recognizes suspensions from other states through the Interstate Compact. You will need to resolve the suspension in the state where it was issued before Colorado will reinstate your license. Contact the DMV in the state where you were suspended to find out what steps are required.