This guide breaks down the administrative actions, what you need to do, and what to expect during the license reinstatement process.
Arrest and Colorado’s "Expressed Consent" Law
By driving in Colorado, you automatically agree to take a blood or breath test if a police officer has probable cause to suspect you are impaired by alcohol or drugs. What happens next depends on your test:
- If you fail the test (BAC over the legal limit): Your license is subject to revocation.
- If you refuse the test: Your license faces an automatic one-year revocation (for a first offense).
The Two Paths of the DUI Process
If you have been arrested for a DUI, you may be confused about what will happen to your driving privileges and what will happen in court. It is important to understand that these are two separate and distinct paths of the process in the aftermath of a DUI arrest. Each path has its own timeline and requirements.
The two paths following a DUI are the Administrative Process, through the DMV, and the Court Process, through the judicial system. Each path operates independently of each other. You can learn more about the two separate paths below. Both paths may require alcohol and drug education and treatment.
The criminal penalties for a DUI are created by the Legislature and enforced by the Colorado Judicial Branch – the Courts. Your DUI case will be submitted to the local district attorney’s office, which will prosecute the case. When you are arrested for a DUI, you will receive a Uniform Summons and Complaint (Summons), which starts your court process. You will be required to appear in court and enter a plea.
The court process is separate from the Administrative Process and has a different timeline. Findings in one process do not affect the other. The court may impose fines, jail time, treatment programs, restitution, or probation if you are found guilty of DUI.
Important: The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administrative action is completely separate from your criminal court case. Even if a judge drops your criminal charges, the DMV can still revoke your license.
The 7-Day Rule: When an officer confiscates your license and gives you a notice of revocation, you have 7 calendar days to request an Expressed Consent Hearing with the Department of Revenue, Hearings Division.
- If you request the hearing, you will receive a temporary driving permit valid until the hearing date if you are eligible.
- If you miss this 7-day window, you automatically waive your right to a hearing, and your license will be revoked.
If you are an out-of-state driver and get a DUI in Colorado: If the officer takes your driver license, you will be given a 7-day paper authorization to continue driving. You must also request a hearing with the Department of Revenue, Hearings Division, within those 7 days and may qualify for a temporary authorization to continue driving on your current license until the hearing.
Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD) Designation
In Colorado, a Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD) faces severe consequences, including a mandatory ignition interlock requirement for at least two years and mandatory Level 2 education and treatment.
Triggering Offenses:
- Driving with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, even if it is a first offense.
- Two or more convictions for alcohol-related driving violations (DUI, DWAI).
- Driving while a license is suspended, revoked, or denied due to an alcohol-related offense; or
- Refusal to take a chemical test (blood/breath).
Consequences and Requirements:
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required for a minimum of two years.
- Treatment/Education: Mandatory completion of Level 2 alcohol education and treatment.
- SR-22 Insurance: Requirement to file proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) for at least two years.
- Pay $95 reinstatement fee and $25 DUI restoration fee.
- License Revocation: The license is typically revoked until the above requirements are met.
The PDD designation is a specialized category created by the Persistent Drunk Driving Act of 1998, which imposes stricter penalties on individuals deemed to exhibit a pattern of dangerous behavior. The PDD status is separate from the standard penalties for a DUI conviction, serving as an additional, more significant administrative classification.
Early Reinstatement Eligibility
Depending on your circumstances, you may not have to wait out your entire revocation period to get back on the road with Early Reinstatement. Your revocation period is outlined in the letter you received from the DMV, and your status can be reviewed online with myDMV here.
- 1st Offense (BAC .08 to .149): You are eligible for early reinstatement on the very first day your revocation becomes active.
- 1st Offense (BAC .15 or higher): You are eligible for early reinstatement on the very first day your revocation becomes active, but you will face stricter ongoing requirements, including two years of interlock usage.
- Refusal: You must serve at least 2 months of your active revocation before you are eligible to apply for early reinstatement.
Must be a Colorado resident and 21 or older at the time of the offense to be eligible for early reinstatement.
Out-of-state drivers are not eligible for early reinstatement or restricted licenses in Colorado and must serve their full revocation period.
Minors under 21 are not eligible for early reinstatement and must serve their full revocation period.
5 Steps to Reinstate Your License
Do not assume your license is automatically valid once your revocation time is up. A Colorado driver whose license has been suspended, revoked, canceled, or denied must go through a process of reinstatement to have their driving privilege restored. This process can only be initiated after the conditions of the revocation, suspension, cancellation, or denial have been satisfied. To legally drive again, you must complete the reinstatement process.
You must get an SR-22 certificate from your auto insurance provider, which proves you carry high-risk liability coverage. You generally must maintain this continuously for 9 months to 3 years, depending on your offense.
If you are designated as a Persistent Drunk Driver, you will be required to take state-approved Level 2 Alcohol and Drug Education and Treatment. You will need to provide the DMV with an Affidavit of Enrollment (Form DR 2643). If you have a low BAC (<0.149) and it’s your first DUI offense, you just need to provide the Certification form (Form DR 2598). Forms DR 2643 and DR 2598 are located in the Forms Library here.
Click here for details on enrolling in education and treatment.
If you have an interlock requirement or have been designated as a PDD (for high BAC (>0.15), refusing the test, repeat offenses, or driving on a revoked license), you must install an ignition interlock device at a state-certified service center in every vehicle you drive. You will need to submit your lease agreement, installation certificate, and a Restricted License Agreement Affidavit (Form DR 2058).
To apply for reinstatement, you will need to bring/submit the following:
- Application (See below)
- Fees: $95.00 Reinstatement Fee + $25.00 DUI Restoration Fee.
- SR-22 Insurance: A certificate from your auto insurer proving you have liability coverage.
- Must be maintained for at least 3 years.
- Education/Treatment: Proof of enrollment (Form DR 2643) or a DRS form showing completion of a Level 2 Alcohol & Drug program.
- Interlock Documents (If applicable): Signed lease agreement, installation certificate, and a notarized Restricted License Agreement Affidavit (Form DR 2058).
Option 1: Apply Online (Recommended & Fastest)
- Upload your required documents and pay your $95 and $25 reinstatement fees instantly using a credit or debit card through our secure portal.
- View your eligibility date, reinstatement requirements, and upload required documents here.
- Once you put in your personal information, your reinstatement requirements will automatically appear, and you can choose what document to upload.
- Pay your reinstatement fee online here.
Option 2: Email the DMV Reinstatement Unit
- Email the required reinstatement documents to the DMV at dor_interlock@state.co.us.
Option 3: Apply by Mail
- Complete the DR 2870 Application for Reinstatement.
- Mail the completed application, check or money order for the reinstatement fees, and specific requirements (for example, evidence of insurance, SR22, etc.) to the address noted on the application.
- You must clearly write your name and date of birth on the coupon when paying by money order.
- Note: Mail this information approximately 30 days before your eligibility date. This allows the DMV to complete your request in a timely manner.
- Wait for Clearance: Please allow up to 20 business days for mailed applications. Once your driving privileges are reinstated, the DMV will mail you a Reinstatement Clearance letter to the last known mailing address we have on file. Do not drive yet!
- Click here to learn more about the Letter of Clearance.
- Check your reinstatement eligibility date and required documents online here.
- Once you put in your personal information, your reinstatement requirements will automatically appear, and you can choose what document to upload.
- Make an Appointment at a Driver License Office: Once your record shows as "Eligible," you must visit a Driver License Office to be issued a new physical license. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to retake the written and driving tests.
Important Reminders
- Do Not Drive Until a License is Issued: A clearance letter or cashed check does not give you the right to drive. Driving before obtaining your physical license is a criminal offense ("driving under restraint") and can lead to jail time, extended revocations, and fines.
- Stay Compliant: Once reinstated, missing interlock appointments, tampering with the interlock device, being discharged from treatment prior to completing the required hours, or letting your SR-22 insurance lapse will result in further penalties or having your license suspended again.
For information about how to reinstate driving privileges, you can submit an Information Request for Reinstatements, DUIs, Suspensions, and SR-22 here or call DMV Driver Services at 303-205-5613.
Additional Resources
For additional information about how to reinstate driving privileges, you can submit an Information Request for Reinstatements, DUIs, Suspensions, and SR-22 here or call DMV Driver Services at 303-205-5613.