Free guide · MIS Insurance Services · Licensed in Colorado
Colorado DUI Help Center
Arrested for DUI or DWAI in Colorado? Here’s what happens next, step by step: the 7-day DMV hearing, your revocation, the interlock, Level II classes, the SR-22 and getting your license back. Free, in plain English.
MIS Insurance Services, LLC is a licensed Colorado insurance agency serving drivers statewide. Colorado License #782121. Our licensed agents help drivers compare SR-22 and non-owner insurance options without visiting an office.
Step 1
The arrest: DUI, DWAI and your BAC
Colorado has two main impaired-driving charges, plus a lower limit for drivers under 21:
| Charge | Blood alcohol (BAC) |
|---|---|
| DWAI (driving while ability impaired) | 0.05 up to less than 0.08 |
| DUI per se | 0.08 or higher |
| Under 21 (UDD) | 0.02 up to less than 0.05 |
If the officer takes your license, you get a 7-day paper permit to keep driving. A BAC of 0.15 or higher, or refusing the test, can label you a Persistent Drunk Driver, which brings stricter rules (more on that in Step 4).
Step 2
The 7-day DMV hearing
The DMV case is separate from your criminal court case. It decides your driver’s license.
- Deadline: 7 calendar days from the arrest, or from the date on the DMV letter if you took a blood test.
- If you miss it: you automatically give up the hearing and your license is revoked.
- If your hearing request is approved: you may get a temporary permit that’s valid until the hearing date, if you’re eligible.
- How: request it online on myDMV (“Request a Hearing”).
Official page: Colorado DMV – the DUI administrative process. For the criminal case, talk to a DUI attorney.
Step 3
How long the revocation lasts
These are the DMV’s administrative revocation periods for drivers 21 and older:
| Offense | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAC 0.08 or higher | 9 months | 1 year | 2 years |
| Refused the test | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years |
| Under 21, BAC 0.02–0.05 | 3 months | 6 months | 1 year |
The good news: many drivers don’t have to sit out the whole revocation. See Step 4.
Source: Colorado DMV reinstatement FAQ.
Step 4
The ignition interlock and early reinstatement
An ignition interlock is a breath tester wired to your car. In Colorado it’s also your way back to driving early.
Early reinstatement
For offenses on or after January 1, 2023, drivers with a BAC (per se) or DUI revocation can reinstate early with an interlock starting the first day the revocation is active. If you refused the test, you must first serve 2 months. Early reinstatement is for Colorado residents who were 21 or older at the time.
How long you keep the interlock
| Situation | Interlock period |
|---|---|
| 1st offense, BAC under 0.15 | 9 months (runs at the same time as the revocation) |
| 1st offense, BAC 0.15 or higher | 2 years |
| Refused the test | 2 years |
| 2nd or later offense | 2 years |
Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD): a BAC of 0.15 or higher, two or more alcohol convictions, driving while revoked for alcohol, or refusing a test. PDDs need an interlock for at least 2 years, Level II education and treatment, and an SR-22.
Breaking interlock rules can lead to a new revocation with no driving for at least a year.
Official pages: Ignition Interlock Program · Early reinstatement.
Step 5
Level I and Level II alcohol classes
Level I
12 hours of alcohol and drug education over at least three sessions. Usually for drivers under 21.
Level II
Alcohol and drug education and treatment. The DMV asks for Level II enrollment for a first 0.08+ offense, and Level II proof for repeat offenders or a BAC of 0.15+.
Proof the DMV accepts
A DUI/DWAI Referral Summary (DRS) or an Affidavit of Enrollment (form DR 2643). Approved providers are listed in the state Behavioral Health Administration’s OwnPath directory.
Find a provider: see our Colorado DUI Services directory · Official page: Alcohol and drug education and treatment
Step 6
Your Colorado SR-22: cheap, fast, with or without a car
An SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the Colorado DMV to prove you carry at least the state’s minimum liability insurance: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage. The DMV requires it to reinstate from many suspensions and revocations, including DUI.
How long you need it
It depends on the offense. Colorado DMV pages list anywhere from 9 months to 3 years. For example, a first 0.08+ offense is 9 months, or 3 years if there was an accident or a high BAC. Your DMV letter states your exact term.
Don’t let it lapse
If your SR-22 policy cancels, the DMV suspends your license for that reason alone. Switching companies? The new SR-22 has to be filed before the old one ends.
Your Colorado SR-22 with MIS
- As low as $29/month. Prices vary with your record, the offense and your ZIP code.
- No car? Ask for a non-owner SR-22. It covers you when you drive cars you don’t own and is usually the cheapest way to get your SR-22. Colorado non-owner SR-22
- Filed electronically, often the same day you buy.
- We compare 25+ companies that work with DUI drivers, so you don’t have to call around.
- Se habla español. SR-22 en Colorado en español
Official page: Colorado DMV – SR-22 and insurance information. More: Car insurance after a DUI in Colorado.
Local pages: SR-22 and non-owner SR-22 in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora.
Step 7
Getting your Colorado license back
To reinstate after an alcohol revocation, the DMV generally asks for:
- The revocation served, or early reinstatement with an interlock.
- $95 reinstatement fee + $25 DUI restoration fee ($120 total).
- An SR-22 on file.
- Your interlock lease or installation agreement. If you don’t own a vehicle, the Non-Ownership Affidavit (form DR 2056).
- Level II proof (Affidavit of Enrollment or DRS), or Level I proof if you’re under 21.
- Sometimes the written and driving tests.
You can apply on myDMV or by mail with form DR 2870. Questions for the DMV: Driver Services, 303-205-5613.
Live in another state?
Out-of-state residents can’t use Colorado’s early reinstatement and can’t reinstate their Colorado driving privilege until the revocation period is over. For an SR-22 requirement, the DMV has an Out of State Residency Affidavit (DR 2680). Out-of-state drivers and DUI
Read more: Colorado DUI and your license: hearing, interlock, classes and SR-22
Questions Colorado drivers ask after a DUI
Right after the arrest
How long do I have to request a DMV hearing after a DUI in Colorado?
7 calendar days from the date of your arrest, or from the date on the DMV letter if you took a blood test. If you miss it, you give up the hearing and your license is revoked.
Can I still drive after a DUI arrest in Colorado?
If the officer took your license, you get a 7-day paper permit. If you request a hearing and it’s approved, you may get a temporary permit valid until the hearing date, if you’re eligible.
What’s the difference between DUI and DWAI in Colorado?
DWAI is a BAC of 0.05 up to less than 0.08. DUI per se is 0.08 or higher. For drivers under 21, 0.02 up to less than 0.05 is underage drinking and driving (UDD).
Your license and the interlock
How long is my license revoked for a first DUI in Colorado?
For a first offense with a BAC of 0.08 or higher (age 21+), the DMV revocation is 9 months. Refusing the test is a 1-year revocation for a first refusal.
Can I drive sooner with an ignition interlock?
Often yes. For offenses on or after January 1, 2023, Colorado residents 21+ with a BAC or DUI revocation can reinstate early with an interlock from the first day of the revocation. Refusals must serve 2 months first.
How long do I need the interlock in Colorado?
For a first offense with BAC under 0.15, 9 months (at the same time as the revocation). For BAC 0.15 or higher, a refusal, or a second offense, 2 years.
What is a Persistent Drunk Driver in Colorado?
A driver with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, two or more alcohol convictions, a conviction for driving while revoked for alcohol, or a test refusal. PDDs need an interlock for at least 2 years, Level II education and treatment, and an SR-22.
Do I need Level II classes after a first DUI?
The Colorado DMV asks for an Affidavit of Enrollment in Level 2 Alcohol and Drug Education and Treatment for a first 0.08+ offense. Repeat offenders and drivers with a BAC of 0.15+ need Level II proof too.
SR-22 and insurance
How long do I need an SR-22 in Colorado after a DUI?
It depends on the offense: Colorado DMV pages list 9 months to 3 years. A first 0.08+ offense is 9 months, or 3 years if there was an accident or high BAC. Your DMV letter states your exact term.
What happens if my Colorado SR-22 lapses?
The Colorado DMV suspends your license for that reason alone. If you switch insurance companies, the new SR-22 must be filed before the old one ends.
How much is SR-22 insurance in Colorado?
Through MIS, SR-22 insurance in Colorado starts as low as $29/month. Prices vary with your driving record, the offense, your car and your ZIP code. We compare 25+ companies that work with DUI drivers.
Can I get a cheap SR-22 in Colorado if I don’t own a car?
Yes. A non-owner SR-22 policy covers you when you drive cars you don’t own and is usually the cheapest way to meet an SR-22 requirement. MIS sells non-owner SR-22 policies in Colorado and files them electronically.
What are Colorado’s minimum car insurance limits?
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage.
Getting your license back
How much does it cost to reinstate a Colorado license after a DUI?
The DMV charges a $95 reinstatement fee and a $25 DUI restoration fee, $120 total. You also need an SR-22, interlock paperwork (or the DR 2056 Non-Ownership Affidavit) and Level II proof.
I live in another state. Can I reinstate early in Colorado?
No. Out-of-state residents can’t use early reinstatement and can’t reinstate their Colorado privilege until the revocation period is over. The DMV has an Out of State Residency Affidavit (DR 2680) for the SR-22 requirement.
Need your Colorado SR-22 today?
Licensed in Colorado (#782121). We compare 25+ companies that work with DUI drivers and file your SR-22 electronically. As low as $29/month. Prices vary.
Or call (800) 726-0640 · Se habla español
Where this information comes from
- Colorado DMV – The DUI administrative process
- Colorado DMV – Reinstatement FAQ
- Colorado DMV – Reinstating after a DUI or alcohol offense
- Colorado DMV – Ignition Interlock Program
- Colorado DMV – Early reinstatement
- Colorado DMV – SR-22 and insurance information
- Colorado DMV – Alcohol and drug education and treatment
- Colorado DMV – Out-of-state drivers and DUI
- CDOT – Alcohol and impaired driving
Licensed Insurance Agency in Colorado
MIS Insurance Services, LLC · Colorado License #782121
Checked October 31, 2026. Rules change, and your DMV letter and court papers control your case. This page is general information, not legal advice. MIS Insurance Services, LLC · Colorado License #782121.