Colorado DMV Reinstatement – A Guide to How to Do It

Follow these 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
• 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

Yes. 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 REVENUE
DRIVER 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

Yes, but 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

Reason for License Suspension	Colorado sentence for Driving on a Suspended License
Alcohol-related offenses, such as: DUI, DWAI, or UDD	Class 2 traffic misdemeanor First offense: 10 days to 1 year in jail, and $150 to $1,000 in fines, and An additional year before you can get a license reinstatement. Subsequent offense within five years: 10 days to 2 years in jail, and $500 to $3,000 in fines, and Four more years before you can get a license reinstatement.
An outstanding judgment	Class A traffic infraction $15 to $100 in fines, and 3 DMV points
Accruing too many DMV points or all other reasons	Class A traffic infraction First offense: $15 to $100 in fines, and An additional year before you can get a license reinstatement. Subsequent offense within five years: $15 to $100 in fines, and An additional three years before you can get a license reinstatement.

See our related article, What if I’m caught driving on a suspended license in Colorado?⁴

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 it and regain unrestricted driving privileges.⁵

See our related article, 7 steps to get early removal of an interlock device in Colorado.

Additional Reading

Find helpful information from the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles website:

• Reinstatements – Overview of how to reinstsate 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.

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