Colorado SR-22 requirements after a DUI
Colorado requires an SR-22 filing for 3 years after a DUI.
What Colorado says
SR-22. C.R.S. § 42-2-132.5(4)(b)(II) requires proof of financial responsibility before early reinstatement with an interlock-restricted license, maintained for the longer of three years or the restriction period; C.R.S. § 42-7-408(1)(b)-(c) sets the general period at three years but, for a one-time DUI/DWAI/excess-BAC offender with no accident, only for as long as the driving privilege is under restraint, up to a maximum of three years. The DMV reinstatement FAQ states: first-offense BAC 0.08+ — SR-22 for 9 months (3 years if an accident or high BAC was involved); multiple offenses — SR-22 for 3 years; refusal — 1 to 3 years. sr22Years is recorded as the 3-year standard; a first low-BAC offense without an accident is shorter (9 months per DMV).
“Before being eligible for early reinstatement with an interlock-restricted license under this section, a person shall provide proof of financial responsibility to the department [...] for the longer of three years or the period that the person's license is restricted under this section”
Ignition interlock statute (see the state page): C.R.S. § 42-2-132.5
At a glance
| Filing required after a DUI | Yes |
|---|---|
| Form | SR-22 |
| Filing period | 3 years |
| License reinstatement fee | $95 reinstatement fee plus $25 DUI restoration fee ($120 total) |
| Licensing agency | Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles |
How an SR-22 filing works
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. The driver does not file it; the insurer does, electronically, with the state licensing agency, confirming that a policy meeting the state's minimum liability limits is in force. Most insurers charge a one-time filing fee, and a driver who needs one may find that fewer carriers offer it or that premiums are higher.
The filing must stay on file for the period the state sets. If the policy is cancelled or lapses during that period, the insurer notifies the state (an SR-26), and the license is typically suspended again until a new filing is made — which can restart the period.
The period usually starts at reinstatement, not at the arrest or conviction, though states differ; where the state specifies the start date, the note on this page says so.
Questions about SR-22 in Colorado
- What are the Colorado reinstatement fees after a DUI?
- The Colorado DMV reinstatement FAQ lists a $95 reinstatement fee plus a $25 DUI restoration fee for alcohol-related revocations, with an Application for Reinstatement (DR 2870), an SR-22, an interlock lease/installation agreement, and an affidavit of enrollment in Level 2 alcohol and drug education and treatment. For refusals the DMV states the fees total $120.
- Does Colorado require an SR-22 after a DUI, and for how long?
- Yes. C.R.S. § 42-2-132.5(4)(b)(II) requires proof of financial responsibility before early interlock reinstatement, maintained for the longer of three years or the restriction period, and C.R.S. § 42-7-408(1)(c)(I) limits a one-time DUI offender with no accident to the restraint period, up to three years. The DMV states SR-22 for 9 months after a first BAC 0.08+ revocation (3 years if an accident or high BAC was involved) and 3 years for multiple offenses.
Sources
- Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 42 (incl. § 42-2-132.5 interlock-restricted licenses; § 42-7-408 proof of financial responsibility) – Office of Legislative Legal Services PDF, leg.colorado.gov
- Colorado DMV – Early Reinstatement (Interlock)
- Colorado DMV – Financial Assistance for Ignition Interlock
- Colorado DMV – Suspension and Reinstatement FAQs (fees, SR-22 periods)
- Colorado DMV – SR-22 and Insurance Information
- Colorado DMV – Driver License Reinstatement Center