How to Reinstate My Driver’s License in Colorado

The Colorado driver’s license reinstatement is a frustrating process. Many circumstances can lead to a person’s suspension or revocation of their license in Colorado. Generally speaking, a suspended license is one in which the person cannot drive for a temporary period.

A revocation, on the other hand, is more serious and often means the person must apply for a new license once the revocation period has finished. Driving under either of these scenarios is a crime.

That’s why it’s important to stay informed and understand the complexities of reinstating your license.

Causes of License Suspension or Revocation in Colorado

In the state of Colorado, your driver’s license may be suspended for one of several different reasons. These include:

• Criminal conviction of a DUI (driving under the influence)
• Traffic tickets
• Conviction of a series of traffic violations
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Defacing public or private property
• Failure to pay a traffic ticket
• Failure to pay court-ordered child support
• Refusing to take a chemical test for DUI during a traffic stop
• Testing over the legal limit for DUI during a traffic stop
• An excess of negative points on your driving record

It’s also worth mentioning that DWAI (driving while ability impaired) charges are less serious than DUIs. A DUI typically applies when your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is .08% or higher, while a DWAI charge is for a BAC between .05% and .08%. Unlike a first DUI conviction, a DWAI conviction does not automatically suspend your license, and the fines and community service requirements for a DUI are double those for a DWAI.

Understanding Colorado’s Driving Point System

Understanding Colorado’s driving point system is important, as it directly impacts driving privileges and insurance rates. This system assigns points for various traffic violations, with more severe infractions resulting in higher point penalties. Accumulating too many points within a specified timeframe can lead to license suspension or revocation.

For instance, a minor offense may result in one to four points, while more serious violations, like DUIs, can add up to twelve points. Drivers can mitigate the impact of points through defensive driving courses, which may reduce point totals or prevent suspension.

How to Check Your Colorado Driver’s License Status

Checking your driver’s license status in Colorado is a straightforward process that can save you time and ensure you stay informed about your driving privileges. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit the Colorado DMV website. Start by navigating to the official Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. This is the most reliable source for checking your license status.
2. Access the License Status section. Once on the homepage, look for the “Driver Services” or “Check Your License Status” link. This section will guide you to the necessary tools for checking your status.
3. Enter the required information. You will need to fill out a form with specific details. Typically, this includes:
   • Your full name
   • Date of birth
   • Driver’s license number (if you have it)
   • The last four digits of your Social Security number

Providing accurate information is crucial to ensuring you receive the correct status.

1. Submit your request. After filling out the form, click the submit button. The DMV will process your request and retrieve your information.
2. View your status. Your driver’s license status will be displayed on the screen. This will indicate whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked, allowing you to take any necessary action.
3. Contact the DMV if needed. If you encounter any issues accessing your status online or if you require further assistance, don’t hesitate to call DMV customer service. They can provide additional information and support as needed.

These simple steps can help you check the status of your driver’s license in Colorado and stay informed about your driving privileges.

Reinstatement Procedures Overview

Once your driver’s license has been suspended, several procedures must be followed to get it to the Colorado driver’s license reinstatement process. Which procedure requirements are in force depends on the situation leading up to your license suspension.

In each case, you will need to fulfill a period of license suspension before you can proceed with the other steps of the reinstatement protocol. The Colorado driver’s license reinstatement process isn’t always complicated, but you need to follow the steps precisely and promptly.

The different procedures that must be followed fall into three major categories:

1. Eligibility date for reinstatement (penalty waiting period)
2. Colorado DMV reinstatement requirements
3. Required documents for Colorado license reinstatement

Eligibility for Reinstatement

During your license suspension process, you will be informed of your eligibility date for reapplication. If you haven’t received this information through the mail or as part of your suspension hearing, you can call the DMV customer service line for assistance.

Different types of criminal or traffic violations result in varying periods of driving license suspension or revocation in Colorado. Less severe infractions generally lead to shorter suspension periods and fewer reinstatement requirements, while more serious violations may result in a driver’s license being revoked, which invalidates the driver’s credential entirely and necessitates a completely new driver’s license application, including all fees and testing.

The first step to regaining your driver’s license after suspension or revocation is to complete the DMV penalty period. Below are some of the suspension and revocation penalty periods:

• An excessive number of negative points on your record: 6 months to 1 year
• Driving with an already suspended license: an additional year’s suspension
• Defacing property: 6 months
• DUI conviction: 24 months license revocation
• Vehicular homicide: 12 months license revocation

For certain DUI convictions, drivers may be able to reduce their penalty period by installing an ignition interlock device.

DMV Reinstatement Requirements

To get a driver’s license reinstated following a suspension or revocation, licensees may be required to complete any of the following steps. These may vary based on the type of suspension or revocation:

• Complete the mandated DMV penalty period.
• Pay the reinstatement fee of $95 and any additional fees, including court costs and attorney fees.
• Drivers who are required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) will have to pay the yearly fee for this device.
• Meet any additional court requirements (i.e., such as catching up on alimony payments or paying unpaid traffic tickets).
• Submit proof for automobile insurance (if applicable); for DUI violations, the DMV also requires the submission of the SR-22 proof of insurance, which must be maintained for a specifically mandated period.
• Apply for a new Colorado driver’s license or renew your existing one as required, depending on the demands of the court and your particular infringement.

Required Documents for Reinstatement

The documents required to get a driver’s license reinstated following suspension or revocation vary depending on the type of infraction.

Here are some that may be required:

• Suspensions or revocations for DUIs will require proof of SR22 insurance.
• For suspensions based on negative points, simple proof of insurance will suffice.
• All will require the $95 reinstatement fee.
• If the driver owes back alimony or child support, proof of payment will be required.
• If the driver has unpaid traffic tickets, these must be paid (get payment receipts).
• Fill out and include Form DR 2870, Application for Reinstatement.

Early Reinstatement Options

If you qualify for early license reinstatement following a DUI, you must take the following steps to end your suspension.

1. Provide an SR22 certificate from your insurance company. This certification will need to be maintained for a minimum of two years or the period in which you have a restricted license.
2. Provide proof of enrollment in a Level II Alcohol Education and Therapy program. The affidavit of enrollment is termed DR 2643.
3. Complete Form DR 2870, Application for Reinstatement
4. Have an interlock device installed in every vehicle you may be driving (you will not be allowed to drive any vehicle that does not have this device installed). You will be required to have Interlock for no less than two years. Obtain a copy of the Restricted License Ignition Interlock Agreement Affidavit – Form DR 2058, which needs to be signed by a notary. Insert a signed duplicate of each lease agreement and installation certificate into your packet to complete the paperwork.

Please note that an interlock device requires the driver to blow into a machine to start the car. The machine keeps a log of each breath provided and reports directly to the DMV if there are any alcohol violations.

The reinstatement process will require you to mail the application for Reinstatement, Affidavit of Alcohol Education Enrollment, Notarized Restricted License Ignition Interlock Agreement Affidavit, and the SR22 insurance certificate along with the $95.00 fee to your local Division of Motor Vehicles.

Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License

If you drive with a suspended or revoked license in Colorado, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. Often, the maximum penalty in these situations is six months in jail with a fine of $500 or less. However, if this is your second or more conviction within the past five years, you might not be eligible to have a driver’s license for three years.

Of course, this is all dependent on the unique situation in which you’ve lost your license. If your license was suspended or revoked because of a DUI, you could face a minimum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine if you’re caught driving without a license. The maximum sentence for convictions of this type is one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. If you’re caught two times or more, the convictions will carry minimum sentences of 90 days in jail and maximum sentences of two years, along with fines between $500 and $3,000. Second or subsequent convictions within five years could deem you ineligible for a license for four years.

Driving with a revoked license can cause you to be deemed a habitual offender by the courts. This could cause different penalties, such as minimum 30-day jail sentences or $3,000 fines.

Here’s a chart summarizing the penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license in Colorado:

Why You Need an Attorney

Having your driver’s license suspended can be incredibly stressful and have a devastating impact on your life and livelihood. Restoring your driving privileges as quickly as possible becomes vital. If you find the reinstatement process complicated or daunting, the Law Offices of M. Colin Bresee are here to help.

With decades of experience as a criminal defense lawyer and a former district attorney, M. Colin Bresee is well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of Colorado driver’s license reinstatement. Whether you’re dealing with a speeding ticket or a DUI case, you can count on us for guidance and support every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to give us a call for a free consultation. We’re ready to assist you in regaining your driving privileges.

Disclaimer: Neither this page nor any other on the website constitutes legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.