As of April 2022, eight additional offices opened up for appointments for SB 251 driver’s licenses. The eligibility and requirements to book an appointment remain the same. Individuals must schedule an appointment before visiting a DMV office for any reason. To learn more and apply for a driver’s license, follow our guide below. As a reminder, renewals can be completed online.
These additional offices include:
In 2013, the Colorado State Legislature passed the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (SB13-251). Under SB 251 all Colorado residents, no matter their immigration status, are eligible to apply for a Colorado license or state ID if they meet specific requirements. Later in 2018 SB18-108 was passed which allowed for online renewals and also allowed a valid Social Security Number to be used to access an SB251 license.
In 2019, SB 139 passed, which expanded the program by adding six new DMV offices in the state that will have the ability to issue the SB251 licenses. This guide will help you understand who can qualify for an SB 251 license and how they can apply.
Other names you may have seen this program called may include:
The following guide breaks down the application process into three simple steps:
In order to qualify for a driver’s license, permit, or ID in Colorado you will need all or a combination of the following:
The following table outlines the documents and additional requirements needed to obtain a drivers license in Colorado. Your list of requirements will be different depending on whether you are applying for the first time, are renewing your license, or are a minor wanting to obtain a driver’s permit.
Document Requirements | New License | License Renewal | 15-15.5 year old Driving Permit | 15.5-16 year old Driving Permit | 16 - 21 year old Driving Permit |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Photo ID (passport , consular ID, military ID) | ✅ | Bring your Colorado Driver's License | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Tax Identification Number: SSN / ITIN | ✅ | Bring your Colorado Driver's License | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Proof that you have lived in CO for 24 months before your appointment | ✅ | ✅ | can be that of the minor or parent / guardian | can be that of the minor or parent / guardian | can be that of the minor or parent / guardian |
Complete and sign the Colorado Road and Community safety Act Affidavit | ✅ | ✅ | N/A | N/A | ✅ |
30-hr driving course certificate | N/A | N/A | ✅ | ✅ or 4-hr driver awareness class completion | Minor drivers aged 16 and above are not legally required to take any formal driving lessons. |
Affidavit of Guardianship & Liability (if applicable) | N/A | N/A | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Below you will find a description for each of the required documents needed to apply for a SB 251 license. Please reference the table above to determine your requirements. Click here to read additional requirements for minors.
You must provide one of the following documents from your home country that prove your full name, date of birth, date the document was issued, what country issued it, and your photograph. Note: If you are renewing, you will only need to present your previous license.
These documents will be accepted 10 years from the listed expiration date. Documents without an expiration date will be accepted 10 years from the issuance date.
An Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure that people pay taxes even if they do not have a Social Security number and regardless of their immigration status. To apply for an SB251 driver’s license you must provide either the original letter from the IRS with your Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or a social security card. Note: If you are renewing, you will only need to present your previous license.
There are two paths you can take to prove that you have lived in Colorado for 24 months before your DMV appointment.
a. Your Colorado taxes from the immediately preceding year. The taxes you submit must be certified. You can request certified taxes by printing and submitting the form DR-5714. See Instructions in English and Instructions in Spanish
b. A document to prove your current address in Colorado from the current year . The date on the document must not be older than one year from the date of application. Check this document to see what types of mail that can be used to prove residency
2. Another way you can prove that you have lived in Colorado is to provide the following documents:
a. Proof that you have lived in Colorado for 24 months before your appointment with the DMV. You must provide one of each of the following and all documents must contain name, Colorado address, and dates of service.
3. Complete and sign the Colorado Road and Community safety Act Affidavit
This document is your sworn statement that you are a resident of Colorado and that you have applied or will apply to adjust your status in the U.S. as soon as you are eligible.
Examples of residency documents that will not be accepted by the DMV:
All documents presented to the DMV at the time of your appointment must be in English or translated into English and the original should also be presented. Translators must provide the following statement at the end of the translated documents and it must be typed or electronically printed on the same page as the translation, not on separate pieces of paper, or the translation will not be accepted by the Department.
The translator statement must state the following: “I, _______________, affirm that the foregoing is a complete and accurate translation from (insert name foreign language) to the English language to the best of my ability. I further affirm that I am fully competent to translate from (insert name of foreign language) into the English language and that I am proficient in both languages.”
You must schedule an appointment ahead of time to apply for an SB 251 Driver’s license. Appointments are available 60 days out.
During this time, the DMV is prioritizing scheduling customers who are unable to use online services and must visit an office. You are encouraged to complete your renewal online here. If you need support renewing online you can find contact information here for the closest community group to you.
Note: At this time we recommend that anyone with a prior deportation or criminal history seek counsel from an attorney before applying for a license or renewing.
There are three ways you can schedule an appointment to apply for an SB251 license.
Note for Scheduling License Renewal: During this time, the DMV is prioritizing scheduling customers who are unable to use online services and must visit an office. You are encouraged to complete your renewal online here. If you need support renewing online you can find contact information here for the closest community group to you.
DMV Offices currently offering SB251 services:
At all DMV locations, customers will be required to wear face masks and will be screened with a laser thermometer for fevers, and must answer a COVID-19 questionnaire. Customers who have fevers or exhibit COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed into the offices. Because of social distancing guidelines only the customer registered for the appointment will be allowed inside the DMV office. If a guest is essential such as a caregiver or translator, customers must specify that a guest is needed when making their appointment.
During your appointment for an SB 251 license a DMV staff member will review the documents you bring to meet the requirements for the SB251 license. You can check that you have all the correct documents by reviewing this checklist, you can also pre-register and let the DMV know what documentation you will be bringing to speed up the process during the appointment.
Due to the COVID-19 adjustments at the DMV, once you have passed your driving test at a driving school you will need to schedule another appointment with the DMV to upgrade your driver’s permit to a driver’s license.
A legal guardian will need to accompany the minor to the DMV. The guardian will need to have proof of legal guardianship (i.e. child’s birth certificate with their name as parent) as well as an identification document (i.e valid Colorado driver’s license).
The following community groups have partnered with the DMV to help community members obtain SB 251 driver’s licenses and ID cards. You can work with these groups to prepare your documents & schedule appointments. These nonprofits will not charge you for appointments.
DMV SB251 License Information
FAQ from the Colorado DMV (highlighted under each section)
DMV Community Partners
Although not a government entity, Informed Immigrant strives to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about the SB 251 Colorado licenses and the Colorado DMV services.