SR22 State

How to get your license reinstated in Colorado

Checked against official Colorado sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

Getting a suspended or revoked Colorado license back means serving all of your restraint time, meeting every reinstatement requirement, paying the $95 reinstatement fee, and, in many cases, having an SR-22 filed. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles reinstatement, and myDMV shows your requirements. [1][2][3]

SR-22 required?
Yes
Base reinstatement fee
$95
Keep SR-22 for
3 years

Step by step

  1. Check your eligibility date and requirements

    The DMV does not remind you when you can reinstate. Your eligibility date is on the original suspension or revocation notice, and you can view your requirements and upload documents on myDMV. [3][4]

    Suspension and Reinstatement FAQs ↗

  2. Serve your time and clear any tickets

    You must serve all the time required on every restraint action. If you were suspended for an unpaid ticket, pay the court and ask for a Compliance from the Court document. For an unpaid ticket in another state, pay that court and get a compliance statement for the Colorado DMV. [3][4]

  3. Ask about a probationary license

    After a points or child support suspension, not an alcohol one, you may qualify for a probationary license to drive to and from work. For points, request a hearing by emailing the Hearings Division at dor_info_hearings@state.co.us. You need a letter of employment and proof of SR-22 insurance (evidence of insurance for a child support suspension), and you pay a $6 fee. [3][4]

  4. Have your insurer file an SR-22, if required

    DUI and other alcohol revocations (with some first-offense exceptions), uninsured crashes, unpaid crash judgments, and some other actions call for an SR-22. You generally keep it for 3 years from the date last required. If it lapses, your license is suspended for that reason alone until you file a new one. [1][4][5][6]

    SR-22 and Insurance Information ↗

  5. Apply and pay the $95 fee

    The fastest way is myDMV, where you upload your documents and pay the $95 reinstatement fee. Or mail form DR 2870 with your documents and a check or money order to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 173345, Denver CO 80217-3345. [2][4]

    Suspension and Reinstatement FAQs ↗

  6. Wait for your Letter of Clearance, then get a new license

    Don't drive until the DMV sends you an official Letter of Clearance and you buy your new license at a full-service driver license office. If your license was revoked, you must retake the written and driving tests. [4]

After a DUI arrest or conviction

  1. Request a hearing within 7 days, if you want one

    You have 7 calendar days from your arrest, or from the date on the DMV letter if you took a blood test, to request an Expressed Consent Hearing on myDMV. If you miss it, your license is revoked. If the hearing is approved, you get a temporary permit good until the hearing date. [3]

    DMV Administrative Hearing Process ↗

  2. Ask about early reinstatement with an interlock

    If you are a Colorado resident who was 21 or older at the time and met all other requirements, you may reinstate early with an ignition interlock. For a per se or DUI violation on or after January 1, 2023, you are eligible on the first day of the revocation. After a test refusal, you must serve 2 months first. [7]

    Early Reinstatement ↗

  3. Send your interlock and education documents

    You will need the interlock affidavit (DR 2058), the installation certificate and lease, form DR 2870, an SR-22, and proof of alcohol and drug education or treatment. Multiple offenders and drivers with a BAC of 0.15 or more need Level II. Allow up to 20 business days for processing. [4]

  4. Expect the $120 total and an SR-22

    After a DUI-type revocation you pay the $95 reinstatement fee plus a $25 fee. The DMV says a first .08 offense needs an SR-22 for 9 months, or 3 years if there was a crash or a high BAC. Repeat offenders need it for 3 years. DMV pages don't all give the same periods, so go by the period on your DMV notice. [2][4][6]

Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm your own requirements with Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (Driver Control / reinstatement unit) before you drive.

SR-22 rules in Colorado · If your SR-22 lapses · Reinstatement in other states

Sources

  1. Colorado DMV - SR-22 and Insurance Information (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  2. C.R.S. 42-2-132 - Period of suspension or revocation; restoration fees (official CRS 2024 text via colorado.public.law) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  3. Colorado DMV - DMV Administrative Hearing Process (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  4. Colorado DMV - Suspension and Reinstatement FAQs (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  5. C.R.S. 42-7-406 - Proof required under certain conditions (official CRS 2024 text via colorado.public.law) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  6. C.R.S. 42-7-408 - Proof of financial responsibility: methods, duration, exception (official CRS 2024 text via colorado.public.law) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  7. Colorado DMV - Early Reinstatement (Interlock) (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)

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