Follow these five steps to reinstate your driver’s license with the Colorado DMV.
Step 1: Go To The Colorado DMV Website
Once your license suspension ends, you can apply for license reinstatement online at mydmv.colorado.gov.
Step 2: Fill Out The Requested Information
You will be asked to provide:
- Today’s date,
- Your first, middle, and last names,
- Your date of birth,
- Your suspended Colorado driver’s license number (if you have it),
- Your mailing address,
- Your daytime and evening phone numbers,
- Your email, and
- The name of the company providing your ignition interlock device (if applicable).
Step 3: Upload Any Required Documentation
Depending on your case, you may need to upload supporting documentation. A common example in DUI cases is proof of SR22 insurance.
Step 4: Pay The Reinstatement Fee
You will be prompted to pay the Colorado driver’s license reinstatement fee, which is currently $95. You can use a credit or debit card.
Step 5: Pick Up Your License
If your reinstatement application is approved, make an appointment with a local Division of Motor Vehicles office to pick up your new license.1
Reinstating Your License By Mail
Mail a completed DR 2870 Application for Reinstatement and a $95 check or money order (payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue) to:
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUEDRIVER CONTROL REINSTATEMENT
P.O. BOX 173345
DENVER, CO 80217-3345
Depending on your case, you may also need to include supporting documentation such as SR22 insurance.
It takes about 20 days for your application to process, after which you will receive a clearance letter. At that point, make an appointment with a local Division of Motor Vehicles office to pick up your new license.2
Reinstating Your License In Person
You have to make an appointment with a local Division of Motor Vehicles office. Call Customer Service ahead of time at (303) 205-5613 to check which documents you need to bring with you.3
Penalties For Driving On A Suspended License
The following table spells out the punishments for driving while your license is suspended in Colorado.4
| Reason For License Suspension | Colorado Sentence For Driving On A Suspended License |
| Alcohol-related offenses, such as: |
|
| An outstanding judgment |
|
| Accruing too many DMV points or all other reasons | Class A Traffic Infraction
|
See our related article, What if I’m caught driving on a suspended license in Colorado?
Ignition Interlock Restricted License
A first-time driver’s license suspension for driving under the influence is typically nine months. Though you may be able to resume driving immediately with an “ignition interlock restricted license.”
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer that disables your car if it detects alcohol on your breath. If you drive in full compliance with the IID for four months, you can apply for early removal of the IID and regain unrestricted driving privileges.5
See our related article, 7 steps to get early removal of an interlock device in Colorado.
You can reinstate your Colorado driver’s license in person, but make an appointment beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my suspended license back in Colorado?
The standard driver’s license reinstatement fee in Colorado is $95. However, your total out-of-pocket cost will likely be much higher if your suspension requires you to pay for SR-22 insurance, install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), or clear outstanding court fines and judgments before the DMV approves your application.
How do I find out if my Colorado driver’s license is suspended?
You can check the status of your driving privileges anytime by visiting the official myDMV Colorado portal (mydmv.colorado.gov). By entering your personal information, you can purchase a copy of your motor vehicle record (MVR) or view your current license status and any active holds or suspensions.
Can I get a restricted license to drive to work while suspended in Colorado?
In some cases, yes. Depending on the reason for your suspension, you may be eligible to apply for a Probationary Driver’s License (PDL), also known as a “red license,” which allows you to drive for essential reasons like work, school, or medical appointments. If your suspension was alcohol-related, you can generally resume driving immediately if you apply for early reinstatement with an approved Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
What is an SR-22 and how long do I have to carry it in Colorado?
An SR-22 is not a type of insurance; it is a certificate your auto insurance company files with the state proving you carry the minimum required liability coverage. If your license was suspended for a DUI, reckless driving, or getting into an accident without insurance, the Colorado DMV will usually require you to maintain SR-22 documentation continuously for 9 months to 3 years, depending on your specific offense.
Will my license be automatically reinstated when the suspension period ends?
No. Your driving privileges are never automatically restored in Colorado. Once your mandatory suspension period is over, you must still formally apply for reinstatement, pay the $95 fee, and provide any required documentation (like an SR-22 or IID lease agreement) to the DMV.
Driving before you complete this official reinstatement process is considered Driving Under Restraint (DUR), which carries severe criminal penalties.
How many points does it take to lose your license in Colorado?
The point threshold for a license suspension depends on your age:
- Adult drivers (21 and older): 12 points in any 12-month period, or 18 points in any 24-month period.
- Minor drivers (18 to 20 years old): 9 points in any 12-month period, 12 points in any 24-month period, or 14 points between the ages of 18 and 21.
- Under 18 years old: 6 points in any 12-month period, or 7 or more points before turning 18.
Additional Resources
Find helpful information from the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles website:
- Reinstatements – Overview of how to reinstate your license.
- Appointment Scheduling – Make an appointment with your local DMV office online.
- Driver’s License Office Locations – Addresses, telephone numbers and hours.
- Application for Reinstatement – Instructions, form, and fee information.
- Identification Checklist – What to bring to the DMV.
Legal References
- Process to Reinstate Driving Privilege, Colorado Department of Revenue.
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- C.R.S. 42-2-138. People v. Wambolt (2018) COA 88, 431 P.3d 681.
- Early Reinstatement (Interlock), Colorado DMV. C.R.S. 42-2-132.5. Stackpool v. Colo. Dep’t of Revenue (Court of Appeals of Colorado, Division Three, 2021) 507 P.3d 100. SB22-055. Basic Case Lifespan Of An Express Consent Per Se Or Refusal, Colorado DMV.
