How to reinstate your Colorado driver's license after suspension or revocation
Reinstating your Colorado driver's license means getting it back after the state has suspended or revoked it. The process depends on why your license was taken away — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason. Colorado requires you to handle the underlying cause first (pay fines, complete a program, wait out a suspension period), then submit paperwork and fees to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The DMV will not reinstate your license until the reason for suspension or revocation is resolved. This means you cannot straightforward pay a reinstatement fee and drive again. You must clear the specific hold on your record, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on what caused the suspension.
Key Takeaways
- You must resolve the reason your license was suspended or revoked before the DMV will reinstate it — paying the reinstatement fee alone is not enough.
- Contact the Colorado DMV directly to find out exactly why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, and failure to appear in court.
- Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you will need to submit a reinstatement request, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide proof that the problem is fixed.
- The reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks after the DMV receives your complete request.
Contact the Colorado DMV to find out why your license is suspended
Before you do anything else, you need to know the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked. Call the Colorado 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 staff will tell you what caused the suspension and what you must do to clear it.
Write down the reason and the specific steps required. Different suspensions have different requirements, and doing the wrong thing will delay your reinstatement. For example, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you need to pay those fines. If it is due to a DUI conviction, you may need to complete a substance abuse program first. If it is due to points accumulation, you may need to wait out a suspension period or take a defensive driving course.
Resolve the underlying cause of your suspension
Once you know why your license is suspended, you must fix that problem before the DMV will reinstate you. The most common causes and what you need to do are:
- Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Pay the full amount owed to the court or collection agency. Get a receipt or written confirmation of payment.
- DUI or DWAI conviction: Complete a substance abuse treatment program approved by Colorado. The DMV will tell you which programs are accepted. You will also need to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle if required by the court.
- Too many points on your record: Wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days to one year depending on how many points you had) or take a defensive driving course to reduce points.
- Failure to appear in court: Contact the court that issued the warrant and resolve the case. This may mean appearing in court or paying a fine.
- Child support arrears: Work with the Colorado Department of Human Services to bring your account current or set up a payment plan.
- Medical or vision issues: Provide a medical clearance or pass a vision test at a DMV office.
Keep all documentation showing that you have resolved the issue. You will need to provide this proof when you request reinstatement.
Submit your reinstatement request to the Colorado DMV
Once the underlying cause is resolved, you can request reinstatement. You have three options: mail, online, or in person at a DMV office.
By mail: Send a letter to the Colorado DMV at 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and proof that you have resolved the issue (receipt of payment, completion certificate, court order, etc.). Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, which is typically $95 but may vary depending on the reason for suspension. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want confirmation of receipt.
Online: Visit the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov. Look for the reinstatement option in the online services section. You will need to upload proof that the underlying issue is resolved and pay the reinstatement fee by credit or debit card.
In person: Visit a Colorado DMV office with your proof of resolution and payment. A staff member will process your request on the spot. This is the fastest option if you want confirmation when ready.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After the DMV receives your complete reinstatement request with all required documentation and payment, they will review it. This typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, the DMV verifies that the underlying cause has been resolved and that you have paid the reinstatement fee.
If your request is approved, the DMV will send you a new driver's license in the mail or notify you to pick it up at a local office. If your request is incomplete or missing documentation, the DMV will contact you to ask for more information. Respond quickly to avoid further delays.
If your request is denied, the DMV will explain why in writing. This usually means the underlying issue has not been fully resolved or you did not provide sufficient proof. Contact the DMV to find out what additional steps are needed.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
The reinstatement fee in Colorado is typically $95, though some suspensions carry different fees. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or program fees you may have already paid to resolve the underlying cause. The reinstatement fee covers the cost of processing your request and issuing a new license.
Payment methods vary depending on how you submit your request. If you mail your request, send a check or money order. If you submit online, use a credit or debit card. If you go in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most DMV offices.
What to do if your reinstatement is delayed
If more than four weeks have passed since you submitted your reinstatement request and you have not heard from the DMV, call 303-205-5600 to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready. Ask whether your request was received, whether any additional documentation is needed, and when you can expect a decision.
If the DMV says your request is missing information, ask exactly what is needed and the important date for submitting it. If you submitted your request in person and received a receipt, bring that receipt when you call or visit. If you submitted by mail and did not receive a receipt, keep a copy of your letter and any documentation you sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the DMV that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fines or fees right now?
Contact the court or collection agency that holds your fines to ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up monthly payments instead of requiring the full amount upfront. Once you have a payment plan in place, contact the DMV to ask whether you can proceed with reinstatement while making payments, or whether you must pay in full first. Rules vary by the type of suspension.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to get my license back?
Usually no. Reinstatement is an administrative process, not a new licensing process. However, if your suspension was due to medical or vision issues, you may need to pass a vision test or provide a medical clearance. The DMV will tell you if a test is required when you contact them about reinstatement.
How long does a suspension last if I do nothing?
That depends on the reason for suspension. Some suspensions are indefinite until you take action to resolve them. Others have a set duration — for example, a suspension for too many points might last 30 days to one year. Contact the DMV to find out whether your suspension has a time limit or whether you must take action to clear it.
What if my license was revoked instead of suspended?
Revocation is more serious than suspension and usually results from a DUI conviction or multiple serious violations. The process to get your license back is similar — you must resolve the underlying cause and submit a reinstatement request — but revocation typically requires more documentation and a longer waiting period. Contact the DMV when ready to find out what steps are required for your specific revocation.