Colorado License Reinstatement & SR-22 Requirements
Colorado requires 25/50/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Colorado at a Glance
25/50/15
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$95
State license reinstatement fee, about 20 days to process
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Colorado operates as a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for accident damages. All drivers must carry continuous proof of financial responsibility, and the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles maintains electronic verification through the Financial Responsibility Section. SR-22 filing is not required for all suspensions — administrative suspensions for unpaid tickets or child support typically do not trigger SR-22, but DUI/DWAI, accumulating 12 points in 12 months, driving uninsured, or causing an uninsured at-fault accident all require SR-22 filing before reinstatement.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Cost Overview
$301–$481/mo
Typical monthly rate in Colorado, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Line Up Coverage Before Your License Comes Back
Get Back on the RoadIf your license is suspended
Probationary Driver License (Red License)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance while my license is suspended in Colorado?
It depends on your suspension type. If you are required to file SR-22 (for DUI, excessive points, or uninsured driving), you must maintain continuous insurance and SR-22 filing throughout your suspension and for three years after reinstatement — any lapse triggers automatic re-suspension. If your suspension is administrative (unpaid tickets, child support, failure to appear), you may not be required to maintain coverage during suspension, but you will need to show proof of insurance to reinstate.
Can I get a hardship license in Colorado during suspension?
Colorado offers probationary licenses for certain suspended drivers, allowing limited driving to work, school, medical appointments, or alcohol education classes. Eligibility depends on suspension cause — DUI offenders may qualify after serving a portion of their suspension and installing an ignition interlock device. You must maintain SR-22 insurance to qualify, and the probationary period does not shorten your overall suspension length.
How long do I have to carry SR-22 in Colorado?
Colorado requires continuous SR-22 filing for three years from your reinstatement date, not from the date of conviction or suspension. If your SR-22 lapses at any point during those three years — even for non-payment — the DMV automatically re-suspends your license and the three-year clock restarts from zero. You cannot reduce this period; it is mandatory regardless of clean driving after reinstatement.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
A filing from your insurer to the Colorado DMV proving continuous coverage, not a separate insurance type. Required for three years after DUI, excessive points, or uninsured at-fault accidents.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only policy meeting SR-22 requirements without covering a specific vehicle. Designed for suspended drivers who need to maintain filing but don't own a car.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Colorado's 25/50/15 minimum is mandatory for all drivers and must be maintained continuously, even during suspension in many cases.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient limits. Must be offered in Colorado but can be rejected in writing.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Specialized policies for high-risk drivers, including those with DUI, multiple violations, or suspended licenses. Offered by carriers who accept SR-22 filings.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage to your vehicle — theft, hail, animal strikes, vandalism, and weather. Optional in Colorado but required by lenders.