A Step-by-Step Guide to Reinstatement After Suspension or Revocation
Losing your driver’s license in Colorado can feel like losing your independence. Whether it’s due to a DUI, unpaid tickets, or accumulating too many points, the path to reinstatement can be confusing and intimidating. But here’s the good news, getting your license back is possible. With the right guidance, preparation, and legal support, you can reclaim your driving privileges and move forward with confidence.
This guide breaks down what you need to know, what steps to take, and how a defense attorney can help you navigate the reinstatement process.
Common Reasons Colorado Suspends Driver’s Licenses
Before jumping into the reinstatement process, it’s critical to understand why your license was suspended or revoked. In Colorado, there are several common triggers:
- DUI/DWAI arrests or convictions: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol leads to automatic license revocation.
- Excessive points: Accumulating too many points on your driving record within a certain period results in suspension.
- Failure to pay tickets or appear in court: Ignoring traffic citations or court dates leads to administrative suspension.
- Driving without insurance: Colorado requires proof of insurance at all times, failure results in license action.
- Refusing chemical testing: Under Colorado’s express consent law, refusing a breath or blood test during a DUI stop results in automatic license revocation.
Each situation comes with its own reinstatement timeline and steps. Let’s walk through how to handle each of them.
Step 1: Determine the Cause and Length of Suspension
You’ll first need to access your Colorado driving record and DMV letter to determine:
- The cause of the suspension
- The effective date of the suspension or revocation
- The duration
- Any conditions for early reinstatement
You can check your status by visiting the Colorado DMV online portal or contacting them directly. An experienced traffic or DUI attorney can help interpret what your record means and what reinstatement route applies to your case.
Step 2: Request a DMV Hearing (When Applicable)
If your license was revoked due to a DUI or refusal to take a chemical test, you’re entitled to request an administrative hearing, but you must act fast.
- You have only 7 days after receiving a Notice of Revocation to request a hearing.
- Failing to request a hearing waives your right to contest the revocation.
- If granted, the hearing will determine whether your license stays suspended or you can continue driving with restrictions.
At this stage, a strong legal defense is crucial. An attorney can challenge evidence, question the arresting officer, and advocate for your driving privileges to be preserved.
Step 3: Fulfill Reinstatement Requirements
Depending on why your license was suspended, you’ll have to meet a number of conditions before you’re eligible to get it back. These may include:
DUI/DWAI-Related Reinstatement:
- Completion of a Level II Alcohol Education and Therapy Program
- Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle
- Maintaining SR-22 insurance (a special high-risk policy)
- Abstinence monitoring (such as urine testing or daily breath checks)
- Full payment of reinstatement and court fees
Points or Administrative Suspension:
- Completion of a defensive driving course (optional, but helpful in reducing points)
- Paying all fines and fees
- SR-22 insurance if the suspension was for driving without coverage
- Waiting out the suspension period (generally 6 months to 1 year)
Your specific reinstatement requirements will be outlined in a letter from the Colorado DMV.
Step 4: Apply for Reinstatement
Once all conditions are satisfied, you can formally apply for reinstatement by submitting:
- Reinstatement Application (Form DR2870)
- Proof of SR-22 insurance (if required)
- Ignition Interlock verification (if applicable)
- Certificate of completion from court-ordered programs
- Payment of reinstatement fees (typically $95)
You can submit these in person or via mail to the Colorado DMV. Online submission is also available in many cases.
Step 5: Rebuild Your Driving Record
Once reinstated, you’re not totally in the clear. Your record will still show the violation(s), which means:
- Insurance premiums may remain high
- You could be on probation with additional driving restrictions
- Any new violation could trigger another suspension
To stay on track:
- Obey all traffic laws
- Avoid any further citations
- Maintain your SR-22 insurance without gaps
- Complete any probationary period without violations
How Shazam Kianpour & Associates Can Help You Reinstate Your License Faster
Getting your license back isn’t just about filling out forms, it’s about protecting your future. Our Denver Criminal Defense Attorneys can:
- Help you avoid common mistakes that delay reinstatement
- Represent you at your DMV hearing to prevent unnecessary license loss
- Negotiate reduced charges that minimize penalties
- Challenge evidence from your DUI arrest, such as faulty breathalyzer results
- Fight for a restricted or probationary license if you need to drive for work or family obligations
Don’t Let a Suspension Define You. Take Back the Wheel
Losing your license is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to define your future. With the right strategy and legal help, you can meet the DMV’s conditions, avoid long-term consequences, and get back on the road.
If your license has been suspended in Colorado and you need help getting it reinstated, reach out to a defense attorney who knows the system, and how to beat it.
Let’s talk. Your freedom is worth fighting for.