You can reinstate your Colorado license online through the Department of Revenue website if your suspension or revocation meets certain conditions
Colorado allows you to reinstate a suspended or revoked driver's license online in some situations, but not all. The process depends on why your license was suspended or revoked in the first place. If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or certain administrative reasons, you may be able to complete reinstatement through the Colorado Department of Revenue's online system. If your license was revoked for DUI or other serious violations, you will need to work with the department directly and may need to appear in person or submit documents by mail.
The online reinstatement system is fastest when it works for your situation — you can often complete it in minutes from home. But before you start, you need to know exactly why your license was suspended, because that determines whether the online option is available to you.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's online reinstatement system works for suspensions tied to unpaid fines, child support, or administrative holds, but not for DUI or serious traffic violations.
- You will need to know your driver's license number and the reason for suspension before you begin the online process.
- The Colorado Department of Revenue website at dmv.colorado.gov is where you access the reinstatement system.
- If you cannot reinstate online, you must contact the department by phone or mail to learn what documents or steps are required for your specific situation.
Check your suspension reason before you start
Your first step is to find out exactly why your license was suspended or revoked. You can check this on the Colorado Department of Revenue website by entering your driver's license number. The reason matters because it determines your next move. Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or failure to appear in court are usually handled through the online system. Revocations for DUI, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points require a different process.
If you do not remember your license number, you can look it up using your name and date of birth on the DMV website, or you can call the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 to ask about your suspension status. Having this information before you attempt to reinstate saves time and prevents you from starting a process that will not work for your situation.
How to reinstate online through the Colorado DMV website
Go to dmv.colorado.gov and look for the "Reinstatement" or "License Reinstatement" section. You will enter your driver's license number and answer questions about your suspension. The system will tell you whether you are able to reinstate online or whether you need to contact the department directly.
If the system shows you can reinstate online, you will be asked to pay any outstanding fines or fees. Colorado accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks through the online system. Once payment is processed and confirmed, your reinstatement is usually complete within minutes, and you can print a temporary driving permit when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Keep the confirmation number the system gives you. If there are any questions about your reinstatement later, you will need this number to reference your transaction.
What to do if you cannot reinstate online
If the online system tells you that you cannot reinstate through that route, or if you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue directly. You can call 303-205-5613 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Have your driver's license number and any court documents related to your suspension ready when you call.
The department can tell you what documents you need to submit, whether you must appear in person, and what fees explore to your situation. For some revocations, you may need to complete a driver improvement course, pass a written test, or provide proof of insurance before reinstatement is possible. The staff can walk you through these requirements and tell you the order in which to complete them.
Fees and costs for reinstatement
Colorado charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on the reason for your suspension. The fee is typically between $100 and $200, but you may also owe the original traffic fines or other court-ordered payments that led to the suspension. The online system will show you the total amount due before you pay.
If you are reinstating because of unpaid child support, you will need to pay the arrears in full or set up a payment plan through the Colorado Department of Human Services before the DMV can process your reinstatement. The DMV will verify this with the child support agency, so partial payments or informal arrangements will not work.
Timeline for getting your license back
If you reinstate online and pay when ready, you can receive a temporary permit to drive that same day. This temporary permit is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your permanent license typically arrives within one to two weeks, depending on mail delivery time.
If you must submit documents by mail or work with the department to resolve your suspension, the timeline is longer. The department usually processes mail requests within two to three weeks of receiving all required documents. If documents are missing or incomplete, the process restarts once you submit them, so make sure you understand what is needed before you send anything.
What happens if your license is suspended again
Once your license is reinstated, it remains valid as long as you follow the rules of the road and pay any fines or court-ordered payments on time. If you receive another traffic ticket or fail to pay a fine, your license can be suspended again. If you accumulate too many points on your driving record within a certain time period, Colorado will suspend your license automatically.
You can check your driving record and current points balance on the DMV website. Knowing how many points you have helps you understand how close you are to another suspension. If you are near the threshold, defensive driving courses can sometimes reduce points and lower your insurance rates at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my license is suspended right now?
Go to dmv.colorado.gov and enter your driver's license number in the license status lookup tool. It will tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked, and in most cases why. You can also call the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 to ask about your status.
Can I drive while I am waiting for my permanent license after online reinstatement?
Yes. The temporary permit you print when ready after paying online is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being mailed. Keep the temporary permit with you while driving, just as you would your regular license.
What if I cannot pay the full reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans. Not all suspension types allow payment plans, but some do. The department can tell you whether a plan is possible for your situation and what the terms would be.
Do I need to take a driving test to reinstate my license online?
For most online reinstatements, no. You only need to pay the fees and any outstanding fines. However, if your suspension was for DUI or certain serious violations, you will need to pass a written test and possibly a driving test before reinstatement is allowed, and this cannot be done online.
What if the online system says I cannot reinstate but I think it is wrong?
Call the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 and explain your situation. A staff member can review your record and tell you what is blocking reinstatement and what steps you need to take. Sometimes there is a hold from another agency, like child support or the court, that must be cleared first.