What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
A suspended license in Colorado means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege, but you can restore it by meeting the conditions that caused the suspension and paying any required fees. The steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or a DUI-related suspension. Colorado's Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all suspensions, and you must clear the underlying issue before the DMV will lift the suspension.
The process typically involves three parts: finding out the exact reason for your suspension, resolving that reason (paying fines, completing a DUI program, or providing medical clearance), and then requesting reinstatement from the DMV. You cannot straightforward renew your license while it is suspended — the suspension must be lifted first. Once the DMV confirms the reason has been resolved, you can renew your license through the normal renewal process.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Colorado DMV to learn the specific reason your license was suspended, because different reasons require different steps to resolve.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or child support before the DMV will consider reinstatement.
- DUI-related suspensions require completion of an approved alcohol education program and proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) before reinstatement is possible.
- After you resolve the underlying issue, submit a reinstatement request to the DMV along with proof that the condition has been met.
- Reinstatement fees vary by suspension type but typically range from $95 to $150, and you must pay this fee before your license is restored.
How to Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
The Colorado DMV sends a suspension notice by mail to your last known address, but if you did not receive it or cannot find it, you can check your status directly. Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 or visit a local DMV office in person. You can also check online through the Colorado DMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. Have your license number ready when you call.
The notice or online status will tell you the suspension code — a two-letter code that identifies the reason. Common codes include "FT" (failure to appear in court), "FP" (failure to pay fines), "CS" (child support), "DUI" (alcohol-related), and "MED" (medical suspension). Each code requires a different resolution path. Write down the exact code and any case or citation numbers listed, because you will need these when you contact the agency responsible for lifting the suspension.
Resolving Traffic Fines and Court-Related Suspensions
If your suspension is for failure to pay fines or failure to appear in court, you must contact the court that issued the citation or the municipal court in the city where the violation occurred. The DMV cannot lift this suspension — only the court can. Call the court's traffic division and provide your case number or citation number. Ask for the total amount owed, including fines, court costs, and any late fees.
You can pay by phone, online through the court's website, or in person at the courthouse. Once you pay, ask the court to send a clearance letter or electronic notification to the Colorado DMV confirming that the fine has been satisfied. Some courts do this automatically within a few business days; others require you to request it. Keep a copy of your payment receipt. After the court notifies the DMV, you can request reinstatement.
Handling Child Support-Related Suspensions
If your suspension is for unpaid child support, the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, holds the suspension, not the DMV. You must contact them at 303-866-4300 or through their website to arrange payment or set up a payment plan. You cannot reinstate your license until you are current on support or have an approved payment agreement in place.
Once you have made arrangements or paid what is owed, the Division of Child Support Enforcement will notify the DMV. This process can take one to two weeks. You do not need to contact the DMV separately for this type of suspension — the two agencies communicate directly. However, you will still need to pay the reinstatement fee to the DMV once the suspension is lifted.
Clearing a DUI-Related Suspension
A DUI suspension is more complex because it requires multiple steps before reinstatement is possible. First, you must complete an approved alcohol education or treatment program. Colorado recognizes several program types depending on your BAC level and prior history: a Level 1 program (four hours, for BAC under 0.15 with no prior offense), a Level 2 program (12 hours, for higher BAC or prior offense), or a Level 3 program (more intensive treatment). The court or DMV will specify which level you need.
Second, you must obtain an SR-22 certificate from an insurance company. This is a form that proves you carry the minimum liability insurance required by Colorado. Contact your insurance agent and ask them to file the SR-22 with the DMV on your behalf. Third, you must pay the reinstatement fee. Once the DMV receives proof that you completed the program and the SR-22 is on file, your suspension will be lifted and you can renew your license.
If your suspension includes a mandatory waiting period (common for repeat DUI offenses), you cannot reinstate until that period has passed, even if you complete the program and obtain insurance. The DMV notice will state the exact date you become may be able to access.
Medical Suspensions and Reinstatement
A medical suspension occurs when the DMV receives a report that you have a condition that may affect your ability to drive safely. This can come from a doctor, a hospital, a family member, or a law enforcement officer. To clear a medical suspension, you must obtain a medical evaluation from a licensed physician and submit the results to the DMV's Medical Review Unit.
The DMV will provide you with a form (the "Medical Evaluation Report") that your doctor must complete. This form asks about your condition, medications, and whether you are safe to drive. Your doctor will return the form directly to the DMV. If the doctor confirms you are safe to drive, the suspension is lifted. If the doctor has concerns, the DMV may require additional testing or a specialist evaluation. Once cleared, you can request reinstatement and renew your license.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request and Paying the Fee
After you have resolved the underlying issue, you must formally request reinstatement from the Colorado DMV. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. If you are mailing your request, send a letter to the Colorado DMV at 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214, and include your driver's license number, the reason for the suspension, and proof that the condition has been resolved (a court clearance letter, child support agreement, program completion certificate, or medical clearance).
The reinstatement fee is typically $95 to $150, depending on the suspension type. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. If you request reinstatement online or in person, you can pay when ready. If you mail your request, include a check or money order with your letter. The DMV will process your request within 5 to 10 business days and mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit.
What Happens After Reinstatement
Once your suspension is lifted, your license is restored to active status, but you will still need to renew it if it has expired or is about to expire. If your license expired while it was suspended, you must renew it through the standard renewal process — either online, by mail, or in person. The renewal fee is separate from the reinstatement fee.
If your license is still valid (has not yet expired), reinstatement alone restores your driving privilege, and you do not need to renew until your normal expiration date. However, if your suspension was DUI-related, you may be required to carry SR-22 insurance for a set period (typically three years), even after your license is renewed. Failure to maintain this insurance will result in another suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on a suspended license if I have a reinstatement request pending?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Colorado and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. You must wait until the DMV confirms that your suspension has been lifted before you drive.
How long does it take to get my license back after I resolve the issue?
Processing time varies. Court-related suspensions can be lifted within a few days if the court notifies the DMV quickly. Child support suspensions typically take one to two weeks. DUI suspensions require time for program completion and SR-22 filing, which can take several weeks. Medical suspensions depend on how quickly your doctor returns the evaluation form.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fines or reinstatement fee right away?
Contact the court or agency responsible for the suspension and ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Some child support offices will work with you on a payment arrangement. The DMV reinstatement fee is typically non-negotiable, but you may be able to pay it after you have resolved the underlying issue.
Do I need a lawyer to get my license reinstated?
No. The reinstatement process is straightforward and you can handle it yourself. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal DUI case or a complex court matter, consulting with a lawyer may help you understand your options and obligations.
What if the DMV says my suspension has been lifted but I still cannot renew my license online?
Visit a DMV office in person or call 303-205-5600. There may be a delay in the system updating, or there could be another issue preventing renewal. The DMV staff can check your record and help you complete the renewal on the spot.