Getting your suspended Colorado driver’s license reinstated usually involves satisfying the conditions of the original suspension, submitting paperwork to the DMV, and paying a $95 reinstatement fee. However, in cases where driving privileges are revoked entirely, the process can be much more complex.

Losing your driver’s license means losing your independence. So most people want to get their driving privileges reinstated as soon as possible after a suspension. In many cases, you’ll be able to pay a reinstatement fee when your suspension ends and get back on the road—but you may be able to drive even sooner with a probationary license if need be.

However, reinstatement rules depend on the severity of the offense that cost you your license, as well as the state you live in. That’s why

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Why you might need a license reinstatement in Colorado

There is a wide range of offenses that might lead the

Colorado DMV

to issue a license suspension or revocation. You could have your license suspended for accumulating too many

driver's license points

or failing to pay child support. Meanwhile, more serious offenses like driving under the influence can result in a full revocation of your driving privileges.

If your license is suspended, be aware that you will not automatically regain your driving privileges when the suspension period ends. Instead, the Colorado DMV requires drivers to go through a process of reinstatement to have their driving privileges restored. This typically involves satisfying the conditions of the original suspension, submitting paperwork, and paying a reinstatement fee.

If you’re not sure what to do first in your particular situation, you can start by checking the status of your Colorado driver’s license online.

MORE:

Can you get car insurance with a suspended license?

How to get a license reinstatement in Colorado

In Colorado, there are various ways to get a suspended license reinstated, depending on why the license was suspended in the first place. Usually, the process requires submitting some documentation along with paying a reinstatement fee of $95. Additionally, in some cases, you may be required to retake your driving skills test.

Traffic citations and court suspensions

If your license was suspended for a failure to pay fines or fees, you’ll need to first resolve the outstanding charges, including court fees. Once you have paid off your debt in full, you’ll also owe a $95 reinstatement fee to the Colorado DMV. Lastly, there’s a possibility you’ll need to redo steps in the licensing process, including retaking your written and driving skills tests.

Colorado allows drivers to

submit their documents

and

pay the reinstatement fee

online in most cases. You can also visit a

Full-Service Driver License Office

for a suspension related to unpaid traffic tickets or court fees. The final option is to submit your documents and reinstatement fee by mail to the following address:

Colorado Department of Revenue

Driver Control Reinstatements Unit

P.O. Box 173345

Denver, CO 80217-3345

If you are sending your paperwork by mail, it is advisable to submit your information approximately 30 days before your eligibility date, and allow up to 20 business days for processing.

MORE:

What is a citation? (Citation vs. ticket)

Point suspensions

For suspensions related to point violations, you can apply for reinstatement online, by mail, or in person after the suspension period has ended. Along with the $95 reinstatement fee, you’ll also need to provide evidence of current liability insurance, among other documents.

If submitting by mail, anticipate up to 20 business days of processing after you send your documents to the Colorado Department of Revenue address above.

Revocations

If your driver’s license was revoked, you’ll likely need to start the licensing process from scratch, which includes retaking your written and driving skills tests once the revocation period has ended. This is the case because the offenses that lead to revocation are typically more severe than those that lead to suspension.

Key Takeaway For most suspensions, you have options to reinstate your license online, by mail, or in person by submitting required documents and paying a $95 reinstatement fee. However, the process after a full revocation may include more steps.

MORE:

DUI laws Colorado

How to get a hardship license in Colorado

If you’re caught driving with a suspended or revoked license in Colorado, you’ll face severe consequences. However, sometimes we rely on our cars to get to work or run essential errands. That’s why some Colorado drivers with suspensions can apply for hardship licenses so they can drive to school or work or complete other necessary tasks.

These probationary licenses are usually granted in cases of point suspensions and child support suspensions, as well as some DUI cases. However, you cannot have your privilege to drive a commercial vehicle reinstated before the end of the suspension period, even if it is required for your work.

If you are granted a hardship license, it will be valid for 90 days for work-related purposes. In order to be deemed eligible, you’ll need to submit a letter of employment, evidence of insurance, and a fee of $6, in addition to surrendering your regular license.

When can you apply for a hardship license?

The timeline for applying for a hardship license depends on the nature of your violation. To figure out the details of your situation, you’ll need to speak to your hearing officer about the issuance of a probationary driver’s license.

If you are under suspension but have not yet had a hearing, you can call 303-205-5606 to request a hearing and get the process underway.

MORE: Colorado reckless driving

What is an SR-22 certificate?

If your Colorado license has been suspended or revoked, you may be required to file for an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate through your insurance provider. Sometimes called “SR-22 insurance,” these certificates constitute legal proof that you’ve met Colorado’s minimum insurance requirements.

You might be required to purchase a

Colorado SR-22 certificate

for the following offenses:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Driving or getting in an accident without auto insurance coverage

Driving with a suspended or revoked license

Repeated traffic violations that have led to the accumulation of too many points

You can file for your SR-22 certificate through your insurance company. Doing so usually requires paying a small fee. But even though the filing itself is usually inexpensive, the bad news is that driving with an SR-22 certificate is practically guaranteed to make your insurance premium skyrocket.

MORE: How to fill out and file an SR-22

How to save money on car insurance in Colorado

If you’re filled with dread by the thought of shopping for

car insurance

with a license suspension or SR-22 filing, don’t despair! Even if your rate is projected to rise, you can still limit the damage through comparison shopping. Since every insurance company will use a slightly different methodology to calculate your premium, you’ll want to assess all your options carefully.

And

Jerry

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