Reinstating Your Colorado Driver's License

Drivers with revoked or suspended licenses in Colorado must complete the procedure to reinstate their licenses to resume driving activities. CO driver's license suspensions and revocations are issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the state Department of Revenue for a wide range of driving and non-driving offenses. Only after satisfying the requirements of the DMV penalty, regardless of its type, can the restoration process be completed.

Overview

Colorado's law governing driver's license reinstatement for repeat DUI offenders and those who refuse to take a chemical test following a DUI arrest was revised in 2014 to allow for early reinstatement under certain conditions. If you are eligible for early reinstatement, you will receive an ignition interlock-restricted license that requires using an ignition interlock device while driving if you apply for and are granted early reinstatement. It is important to note that eligibility for early reinstatement always necessitates the applicant and driver to install an ignition interlock in every vehicle they own and will drive and comply with an SR22 requirement. You cannot benefit from early reinstatement if you do not have an ignition interlock or an SR22. Furthermore, if Colorado suspends your driving privilege, you must go through the reinstatement process before your driving privilege becomes valid. You cannot simply wait out or serve the duration of your revocation or suspension. Even if you live in another state, you must go through the reinstatement process before legally driving again. Colorado will place an indefinite hold on the National Driver Register, which will not be lifted until you have met and submitted all of the reinstatement requirements imposed by the state of Colorado. Failure to do so will result in difficulties renewing your license or obtaining a license in Colorado and all other states.

Common Reason For Suspension

Your driver's license in Colorado can be suspended (temporary loss of driving privileges) or revoked (indefinite and total loss of driving privileges) for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
  • You have too many points on your driving record.
  • During a traffic stop, refusing chemical tests for DUI.
  • During a traffic stop, I tested positive for DUI.
  • DUI conviction in a criminal court.
  • A conviction for serious traffic offenses
  • Failure to pay a traffic citation.
  • Failure to pay child support as ordered by the court

The Reinstatement Process

Before beginning the Colorado driver's license reinstatement process, motorists must ensure that they meet the conditions of the DMV's driving license revocation or suspension. Drivers in Colorado can reinstate their suspended or revoked licenses in person or by mail. It should be noted that not all DMV Driver License Offices provide reinstatement services. To reinstate drivers licenses in Colorado, licensees may be required to complete any of the following steps, which may vary depending on the type of suspension or revocation:
  • Finish the DMV penalty period.
  • Submit the reinstatement fee payment.
  • Any additional fees, such as court or attorney fees, must be paid.
  • Comply with certain court requirements (if applicable).
  • Provide proof of auto insurance (if required).
  • Apply for a new CO driver's license or renew an existing one (if required).
Drivers who wish to reinstate their licenses by mail should complete and mail the Application for Reinstatement (Form DR 2870) to the DMV Driver Control Reinstatement Unit in Denver. Drivers must include a check or money order for the restoration fees and any additional evidentiary documents in addition to the request form.

Reinstatement Options

To regain their driving privileges, a Colorado driver whose license has been suspended, revoked, canceled, or denied must undergo reinstatement. This process can only begin after the revocation, suspension, cancellation, or denial conditions have been met.

Online

Avoid the trip and complete your reinstatement online.
  • View your eligibility date and requirements for reinstatement, and upload any required documents.
  • You can pay your reinstatement fee online.
  • Other online services are available at https://mydmv.colorado.gov.

By Mail

  • Fill out the DR 2870 Reinstatement Application.
  • Mail the completed application, a check or money order for $95, and any additional requirements (such as proof of insurance, an SR22, etc.) to the address listed on the application. When paying by money order, you must write your name and date of birth on the coupon. This information should be mailed approximately 30 days before your eligibility date. This allows the DMV to process your request quickly.
  • Please allow us up to 20 business days after mailing to complete your application.
  • Once all reinstatement requirements have been met, the Colorado DMV will mail a clearance letter to the address listed on the application.

In Person

To reinstate the following suspensions, go to a Full-Service Driver License Office.
  • Tickets Unpaid (within CO and out-of-state)
    • Court compliance was paid for.
    • The reinstatement fee is $95.
    • A new license and fee may be necessary.
  • Child Support Payments
    • DMV received compliance from the child support agency.
    • The reinstatement fee is $95.
  • Suspension of Points
    • The suspension period has ended.
    • Evidence of current liability insurance policy with your name on it
    • The reinstatement fee is $95.

Fees

When reinstating a driver's license in Colorado, drivers are generally required to pay various fees. The total cost varies depending on the type of offense committed. Motorists may pay costs specific to their case and the current reinstatement fee of $95. For example, if your CO driving license was suspended due to unpaid traffic tickets, you must pay the ticket and obtain the court compliance form. In addition, motorists who fail to meet their child support obligations must provide their late payments for the reinstatement process to begin.