Who Can Reinstate in Colorado and Who Cannot
You can reinstate your Colorado driver's license if your license was suspended or revoked and you have now met the conditions that caused the suspension to end. Colorado's Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will reinstate you once you have paid any fines, completed any required programs, served your suspension period, or resolved whatever triggered the loss of your license in the first place.
You cannot reinstate if your suspension or revocation is still active. For example, if you were suspended for a DUI conviction and your suspension period is three years, you cannot reinstate until those three years have passed. If you owe court fines or restitution related to your case, Colorado will not reinstate until those are paid. If you failed to pay child support or have an outstanding warrant, reinstatement will be blocked until those issues are resolved.
Some suspensions are indefinite until you take specific action. A suspension for refusing a breath test, for instance, may require you to install an ignition interlock device and maintain it for a set period before you become may be able to access. A suspension for unpaid traffic tickets requires payment of those tickets plus any late fees. Check your suspension notice or contact the Colorado DMV directly to confirm what you must do before reinstatement is possible.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado will reinstate your license only after your suspension period has ended and all fines, court costs, and program requirements have been completed.
- You must submit a reinstatement request to the Colorado DMV in writing or in person, along with proof that you have met all conditions.
- A reinstatement fee of $95 is required; some suspensions also require proof of insurance or an ignition interlock certificate before the DMV will process your request.
- Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the DMV receives your complete request, but you can check your status by contacting them directly.
- If your suspension was for a DUI or refusal, you may need to show proof of substance abuse treatment or an ignition interlock installation before reinstatement is granted.
Steps to Request Reinstatement in Colorado
Start by confirming that your suspension period has actually ended. You can do this by calling the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 or visiting a local DMV office in person. Have your driver's license number ready. The DMV will tell you whether your suspension is still active, what conditions remain unmet, and what documents you need to bring or mail.
Once you have confirmed you are may be able to access, submit a written reinstatement request to the Colorado DMV. You can mail your request to the address on your suspension notice, or you can visit a DMV office in person. Your request must include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a statement that you are requesting reinstatement. Attach proof that you have met all conditions — this might be a receipt showing fines paid, a certificate of completion from a DUI education program, proof of insurance, or an ignition interlock device certificate.
Include the $95 reinstatement fee with your request. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card (if submitting in person). If you are mailing your request, send a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. The DMV will not process your request until the fee is received.
Documents You Will Need to Provide
The exact documents depend on why your license was suspended. All reinstatement requests require proof that you have paid any fines or court costs associated with your case. Bring or mail a copy of the payment receipt or a letter from the court confirming payment.
If your suspension was for a DUI or refusal, you will need a certificate of completion from an approved substance abuse education or treatment program. Colorado requires this before reinstatement is granted. You can find approved programs through the Colorado DMV website or by asking the court that handled your case.
If your suspension involved an ignition interlock requirement, bring a certificate from the interlock device provider showing that you have installed the device and maintained it for the required period without violations. If your suspension was for unpaid child support or other financial obligations, bring proof from the relevant agency that the debt has been paid or resolved.
If your suspension was for driving without insurance, bring proof of current auto insurance. Colorado requires you to carry at least the state minimum coverage before your license will be reinstated. Your insurance company can provide a proof-of-insurance document or an ID card showing your current policy.
Reinstatement Fees and What They Cover
The standard reinstatement fee in Colorado is $95. This fee covers the cost of processing your request and issuing a new license. The fee is non-refundable, even if your request is denied.
The $95 fee does not cover any fines, court costs, or program fees you may owe. Those are separate and must be paid before the DMV will process your reinstatement. For example, if you owe a $500 fine for a traffic violation, you must pay that $500 in addition to the $95 reinstatement fee. If you completed a DUI education program, you may have paid $300 to $500 for that program — that cost is separate from the reinstatement fee.
Some suspensions require additional fees. If your suspension involved an ignition interlock device, you will have paid installation and monthly monitoring fees to the device provider. Those fees are not part of the reinstatement process, but you must have the device installed and maintained to become may be able to access for reinstatement in the first place.
How Long Reinstatement Takes in Colorado
If you submit your request in person at a DMV office with all required documents and payment, the DMV may be able to process it the same day or within a few days. However, this depends on how busy the office is and whether your case is straightforward.
If you mail your request, allow one to two weeks for the DMV to receive it, review it, and process it. If documents are missing or incomplete, the DMV will contact you by mail to request additional information. This can add another one to two weeks to the timeline.
Once your reinstatement is approved, the DMV will mail you a new license. Standard mail delivery takes five to seven business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited processing or pick up a temporary license at a DMV office while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
What Happens If Your Request Is Denied
The DMV will deny your reinstatement request if you have not met all conditions of your suspension. The most common reasons are unpaid fines, incomplete program requirements, or an active warrant or hold on your record.
If your request is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why. The letter will tell you what additional steps you must take before you can resubmit. For example, if you did not complete your DUI education program, the letter will say so and tell you how to find an approved program. If you have unpaid fines, the letter will show the amount owed and the court you owe it to.
Once you have resolved the issue, you can submit a new reinstatement request. You do not need to wait any additional time — you can resubmit as soon as the problem is fixed. However, you will need to pay the $95 reinstatement fee again with your new request.
Special Rules for DUI and Refusal Suspensions
Colorado treats DUI and breath test refusal suspensions differently from other suspensions. These suspensions are typically longer — often one year for a first offense, two years for a second, and longer for subsequent offenses. You cannot shorten these periods by paying a fine or completing a program early.
Before you can reinstate after a DUI or refusal suspension, you must complete an approved substance abuse education or treatment program. The length and type of program depend on your specific case and the court's order. Some people are required to complete a Level 1 education program (typically 12 hours), while others must complete a Level 2 program (typically 40 to 60 hours) or even inpatient treatment.
You must also install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive. The device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must maintain the device for a period set by the court — usually one to three years — and you must pass all monitoring checks without violations. If you fail a test or miss a monitoring appointment, your reinstatement can be delayed or denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during my suspension if I get a work permit?
Colorado does not issue work permits or hardship licenses for most suspensions. If your license was suspended for a DUI, you cannot drive at all during the suspension period, even for work. If your suspension was for unpaid tickets or other non-DUI reasons, contact the Colorado DMV to ask whether a limited license is available in your case — some suspensions allow limited driving to and from work or school.
What if I moved out of Colorado after my suspension?
You can still reinstate your Colorado license by mail, even if you now live in another state. Submit your reinstatement request and documents to the Colorado DMV address on your suspension notice. If you need to drive in Colorado or want a Colorado license, you must complete the reinstatement process. If you want a license in your new state instead, contact that state's DMV about transferring your driving record.
Do I have to take a written test or driving test to reinstate?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written test or road test. You only need to meet the conditions of your suspension and submit the required documents and fee. Your new license will be issued once the DMV approves your request.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the fines and ask about a payment plan. Many Colorado courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have set up a payment plan, bring proof of the agreement to the DMV. Some DMV offices will process reinstatement while you are paying fines on a court-approved plan, though this varies by case. Call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 to ask whether your situation qualifies.
Can I reinstate my license online?
No. Colorado does not offer online reinstatement. You must submit your request in person at a DMV office or by mail. You can call the DMV to ask questions about what documents you need, but the actual reinstatement request must be submitted on paper or in person.