How To Get A Colorado ID

Always check the exact language of the rules themselves available on the Department of Revenue’s website. You may find DMV’s specific rules recorded in the Code of Colorado Regulations here. You can follow and proposed DMV rule changes here.

Real ID Act

In 2005 Congress passed the REAL ID Act. This law created federal standards that state-issued IDs must meet in order to be used for federal purposes, such as boarding a plane or entering federal buildings. Colorado’s version of the REAL ID Act requires applicants for driver’s licenses and IDs to verify their full legal name, date of birth, identity, lawful presence in the United States, and Colorado residence. Applicants must also provide their Social Security number, which will then be verified with the Social Security Administration’s records. More information about the REAL ID Act and Colorado’s subsequent legislation and administrative policy changes can be found here.

What documents do I need to get a Colorado ID?

To be issued a REAL ID credential in Colorado, you must prove the following elements:

Full current legal name

Date of birth

Identity

Lawful presence in the US

Social Security number

Colorado residency

In some cases, a single “standalone document” like a passport may prove four elements (name, date of birth, identity, lawful presence). If you do not have one of the acceptable standalone documents, you will have to provide a combination of other documents that satisfy all the required elements.

Process for a REAL ID Credential

See the DMV Identification Requirements for Citizens/Legal Permanent Residents

For United States citizens and those with permanent immigration status, you must verify your citizenship or immigration status, your identity, and proof of your Colorado residency with documentation. You will also need to provide your Social Security number. You will verbally provide your full Social Security number, and your name and number must match Social Security Administration’s records.

To prove your residency, you need to provide two of the following that include your name, address, and are dated within the last year:

• First class mail with postmark, dated within the past year
• Utility bill or phone bill including service address
• Lease agreement, mortgage statement, or rental receipt in your name (receipt cannot be handwritten)
• Credit card or bank statement
• Insurance policy
• Pay stub
• Vehicle registration or title
• Colorado ID/license with current address

DMV may also accept other proof, with manager discretion. For more information see here.

Please note that DMV cannot accept Post Office Boxes or USPS General Delivery as proof of residency. These can be used as a preferred mailing address, but will not be printed on your credential.

Electronic documents may be submitted for proof of residency.

Can I still get an ID or driver’s license if I lack lawful presence or only have temporary legal status?

The Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (CO-RCSA SB251 C.R.S. 42-2-500) authorized the DMV to issue IDs and driver’s licenses to individuals who are unable to demonstrate lawful presence, or only have temporary lawful presence. These are called Standard IDs and licenses. Once issued, Standard IDs and licenses are valid for three years. These IDs are marked with “NOT VALID FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION, VOTING, OR PUBLIC BENEFIT PURPOSES” on the face of the document. As indicated by the marker, Standard cards are not valid for federal identification, proof of immigration status, or documentation of eligibility for voting rights or public benefits. The DMV has very specific requirements for issuance of these IDs. DMV has different procedures for applicants who have temporary lawful status, and for those who are not able to demonstrate lawful status. More information about the program and appointment scheduling is available here.

Please note that Colorado Legal Services, as a recipient of funding from the Legal Services Corporation, may not provide legal assistance for or on behalf of an ineligible alien. There are a few very narrow exceptions, such as for victims of domestic violence. For more information about who is an eligible alien, please call 303-837-1313.

What if my name is different from what is on my birth certificate?

Your full legal name is the name on your lawful presence document (birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, legal permanent resident card, etc) unless it has been changed by court order, marriage license, divorce decree, or adoption decree. To get a name in any name besides the one on your lawful presence document, you must present the original name change document. If you never obtained a legal name change and your names on your supporting documents don’t match, you may need to consider a legal name change. More information on acceptable name change documentation is available here.

Exceptions Processing

If you cannot provide the documents discussed above, you may need to go through Exceptions Processing to get an ID.

Individuals who are unable provide the required documents (as outlined here) may request Exceptions Processing to be issued an ID. Additional documents may be considered in the Exceptions Process that would not be acceptable through the ordinary DMV process. A more detailed list of acceptable Exceptions Process documents is available here. There is no fee for Exceptions Processing beyond the regular fee for an ID.  More information about Exceptions Processing is available here.

Replacing a lost or stolen Colorado ID

If you have been issued a Colorado ID, it is much easier to replace than to obtain a Colorado ID for the first time. If your residency information has changed, you will need to bring in two proofs of residency for your new address. If everything else is the same, you will need to scan your fingerprint and the DMV will verify your identity. In some cases, DMV may require that you provide your birth certificate or Social Security card to replace your ID.

How much does a Colorado ID cost?

A full list of DMV’s fees is available here. For more information about vouchers to help with the cost of your ID, see here.

Other Miscellaneous Information

U.S. Passport Card Frequently Asked Questions

How to find vital records in other states.

Colorado Driver Handbook

Renewing Your Colorado ID

This communication is made available by Colorado Legal Services (CLS) as a public service and is issued to inform, not to advise. No person should attempt to interpret or apply any law without the assistance of an attorney. The opinions expressed in this communication are those of the authors and not those of CLS or its funding sources.

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