How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Colorado

DUIs in Colorado refer to all traffic-related crimes in which the driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Persons convicted of DUI may face severe penalties, including the loss of their driver's license. The Colorado Department of Revenue, via the Division of Motor Vehicles, revokes the driving licenses of convicted DUI offenders.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

DUI offenders generally lose their license for specific time frames. The suspension duration may differ based on the number of prior DUI convictions, blood-alcohol content, and the driver's age.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

In Colorado, DUI offenders may face administrative and criminal penalties after a DUI arrest. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles imposes administrative penalties, such as suspending or revoking a driver's license. Offenders may request a hearing from the agency within seven days of the arrest. During the hearing, the agency determines whether to continue the license suspension.

In contrast, Colorado courts impose criminal penalties, including fines, jail terms, and license suspension. After a DUI conviction, the court may direct the DMV to suspend the offender's license.

Note: In Colorado, DMV license suspensions are different from court suspensions. The DMV follows a separate process to revoke or suspend a driver's license. Furthermore, the agency's decision is independent of the court's judgment. This means the suspension remains even if the court passes a not-guilty verdict.

Step 3: Complete a DUI Education or Treatment Program

Colorado courts generally require DUI offenders to complete a DUI education or treatment program. The courts impose these programs as a part of the requirements needed to reinstate an offender's driver's license.

DUI programs vary in terms of duration and type, and may depend on these factors:

• The offender's prior DUI convictions
• Blood-alcohol content
• Circumstances around the arrest event.

Thus, first-time underage DUI offenders (below 21 years old) must complete a 12-hour, level I DUI program. In contrast, all DUI offenders above 21 years old must complete a level II DUI program. Level II DUI program duration may differ based on the offender's BAC or number of prior convictions.

First-time offenders with a BAC less than 0.15 must enroll in a 42-hour, 12-week DUI program. If the BAC exceeds 0.15, they must complete a 52-hour, 26-week program.

Second-time offenders must complete a 68-hour, 11-month program if their BAC was less than 0.15. In contrast, they may complete an 86-hour, 13-month period if the BAC exceeded 0.15.

Third- or fourth-time offenders must attend 180 DUI education or treatment hours within 18 months.

DUI program costs depend on the program type, duration, and BAC level. The program provider is mostly responsible for setting the cost for enrolling in these programs.

To enroll in a DUI program, you must first get a recommendation from either the courts or a licensed DUI program provider. The next step is to look up and enroll in the nearest licensed program provider through the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration's online database.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

The SR-22 is an insurance certificate that proves you have the minimum auto insurance liability coverage. DUI offenders in Colorado are generally required to file an SR-22 when applying to reinstate their license. They must also maintain the document for a set timeframe. For instance, first-time offenders must maintain an SR-22 certificate for three years after the license suspension elapses.

In Colorado, an SR-22 certificate must provide the following coverage:

• $15,000 for property damage.
• $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for bodily injury per person.

Note: You can obtain an SR-22 certificate from an auto insurance company.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

To reinstate a driver's license in Colorado, DUI offenders must pay a $95 fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV accepts cash, credit cards, and online or offline check payments. To pay online, offenders must visit the agency's online portal and fill out the required information. You can pay the fees offline via mail or in person at the nearest DMV location.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

DUI offenders can apply for license reinstatement online or offline. The DMV website hosts an online application portal for license reinstatement. Interested parties must upload the required documents and fees via this portal. However, you must follow these steps to reinstate your driver's license via mail or in person:

1. Find out your specific reinstatement requirement by contacting the DMV at (303) 205-5613.
2. Complete the Application for Reinstatement form.
3. Attach all necessary documents, including the following:
4. A copy of your SR-22 certificate. The insurance company is responsible for filing the document with the agency.
5. Certificate of completion for a court-mandated DUI program.
6. Include a $95 check or money order made payable to the Department of Revenue.
7. Submit the request in person at the nearest DMV location or mail it to:
   Colorado Department of Revenue
   Driver Control Reinstatement
   P.O. Box 173345
   Denver, CO 80217-3345.

What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in Colorado?

The Colorado DMV may deny your request to reinstate a driver's license under these conditions:

• You did not complete the court-mandated program.
• You have unpaid court fees or fines.
• You violated the terms of the license suspension.

You can, however, appeal by requesting a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue Hearing Division. The appeal must include a copy of the agency's response and the reasons why your license should be reinstated.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

DUI offenders may apply for an ignition interlock program. The program enables offenders to drive to specific locations during a license suspension.

You are eligible to apply for an ignition interlock program if:

• You have installed an ignition interlock device.
• You have an SR-22 certificate.
• The minimum waiting period for installing an ignition interlock device has elapsed. For instance, First-time DUI offenders arrested before January 1, 2023, can apply for the license one month after a DUI conviction.

You can apply for an ignition interlock program by following these steps:

1. Fill out and complete the following forms:
   1. Alcohol Certification (DR2598)
   2. Reinstatement Application (DR2870)
   3. Restricted License Ignition Interlock Agreement Affidavit (DR2058)
2. Bring the completed forms and necessary documents to the nearest Colorado DMV location.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After a DUI?

DUI offenders in Colorado are typically eligible to reinstate their license after the suspension expires. This means a first-time offender can reinstate their license after a six-month suspension. There are also instances when the DMV grants an early reinstatement to offenders who install an ignition interlock device.