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3 Steps to Obtain Your SB251 Driver’s License in Colorado

Contents

Update Regarding COVID-19

Update on DMV Office Reopening

Driver License Offices that service SB251 licenses are now open. Customers can schedule appointments by calling 303-205-2335 or working with a certified community group. If you had an appointment with the DMV prior to the office closing, that appointment was canceled and you will need to schedule a new appointment. The DMV will only be able to serve customers with appointments and will not be able to accommodate walk-in customers. 

During this time, the DMV will not be conducting driving tests. This means that first time applicants will receive a driver’s permit after successfully presenting the required documents and passing the written exam. After receiving your permit you will need to schedule a driving test with an independent driving school. Once you have passed your driving test you will need to schedule another appointment with the DMV to upgrade their permit to a driver’s license. 

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.

In Partnership with the I-Drive Coalition

Community FAQ on Data Privacy  New!

The I-Drive coalition heard concerns from community members and advocates about ICE using DMV information to apprehend people. This was not what we heard from DMV leadership and the Department of Revenue, so the coalition decided to investigate the problem.

We do not know the exact dates for when the DMV started sharing information with ICE. The investigation looked at communication between the DMV and ICE from January 2018 to May 2020.

Staff and leadership from the DMV’s investigations unit authorized the release of information to ICE. There is now new leadership in that department, and a formal process is in place to review and approve requests for information.

No, ICE obtained information from the DMV for specific individuals they were investigating. The coalition’s research does not show that the DMV shared all its files for undocumented immigrant licenses.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to know your rights and stay informed. Everyone in the United States has certain rights, regardless of immigration status. You can’t always control whether you will come in contact with immigration or law enforcement. It is important to know and practice these scenarios so that you and your friends, family, and colleagues are prepared for any situation. Learn about your rights here.

By law, the DMV has to share information with law enforcement and federal agencies like ICE for a criminal investigation. However, the I-Drive coalition uncovered that the DMV released personal information to ICE without proof of a criminal investigation. Some first good steps have been taken to address this problem, including changes in DMV leadership.

In May 2020, Governor Polis issued guidance to all state agencies that creates a formal process for collecting and sharing personal identifiable information. This includes limitations on information that is shared in the future. This guidance led the DMV to put a process in place to more thoroughly review and approve requests for personal information such as those coming from ICE. Although this guidance was an appropriate first step, it does not hold the force of law.

If you have a prior deportation or criminal history seek advice from an attorney before applying for a license or renewing. Also, seek advice from an attorney if you applied for a driver’s license using a fake document in the past.

We can’t be sure other agencies haven’t shared individuals personal identifiable information. There are some important laws in place today that prohibit certain state agencies from sharing your personal information. One of those is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) that protects sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. There is also the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which is a federal law that protects the privacy of students’ education records.

The best way to ensure your personal information is protected is by passing legislation. That is why community advocates with the I-Drive Coalition and state lawmakers are working on making laws that safeguard personal information you share with state agencies when you access a benefit or a service.

The I-Drive coalition is working in partnership with State SenatorJulie Gonzalesand RepresentativeSerena Gonzales-Gutierrezto create laws that would protect private information that Coloradans have shared with state agencies. The proposed law clarifies that an individual’s personal and private information cannot be shared with outside entities for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement purposes. That is why the bill requires ICE to obtain a warrant, order, or subpoena to access sensitive information from state agencies and ensures that state databases will not be used for civil immigration purposes. No Coloradan should have to fear that information they provide to the state will be used against them.

We encourage you to reach out to one of the community organizations with the I-Drive Coalition to learn more about this issue and get involved. Find a community organization in your area here or reach out to the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition at 303-922-3344.

Overview

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 with 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:

  • SB 251 Licenses
  • CO-RCSA 251
  • RCSA SB 251
  • Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Individuals

The following guide breaks down the application process into three simple steps:

 

Requirements for SB 251 License 

In order to qualify for a driver’s license, permit, or ID in Colorado you will need all or a combination of the following:

  1. Identification from your country of origin. 
  2. Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security number.
  3. Proof that you have been a Colorado resident for the 24 months preceding your appointment. 
  4. Complete and sign the Colorado Road and Community safety Act Affidavit 

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 ✅ ✅ ✅

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

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.

 

Identification Document

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.  

  • A passport
  • A consular identification
  • A military identification document

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.

Contact the consulate of your home country to get information about obtaining an identification document.

ITIN or Social Security Number

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. 

You can apply for an ITIN with the IRS check out their website for information on applying here.

To find a list of documents you can provide instead of a social security card click here.

Proof of residency in Colorado

There are two paths you can take to prove that you have lived in Colorado for 24 months before your DMV appointment.

  1. One way to prove you have lived in Colorado is to provide the following documents:

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-7515. 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.

      • A document from the current year, with your current Colorado address. The date on the document must be 0-11 months from the date of application. Check this document to see what types of mail that can be used to prove residency.
      • A second document to show Colorado residency from one year prior. The date on the document must be between 12 and 23 months prior to application.
      • A third document to show Colorado residency from two years prior. The date on the document must be between 24 and 30 months before your appointment.
        *Note: P.O. Boxes cannot be used as proof of residency

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:

  • Documents that include documents that give a date range, but not a specific issuance date
  • Documents without a date
  • Documents without an address
  • Documents not in the applying individual’s name
  • Documents with an issuance date that is outside of the date range specified in the previous section.

Translation of Documents

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.”

Step 2: Schedule a DMV Appointment

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.

 

How to Schedule a DMV Appointment

There are three ways you can schedule an appointment to apply for an SB251 license.

  1. You can call to schedule (303) 205-2335 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The DMV representative will speak in English. If you prefer to speak in your native language, make sure you have someone to interpret for you over the phone when calling.
  2. You can reach out to a community group to get help with scheduling and prepping for a DMV appointment. You can find contact information here for the closest community group to you.

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.

 

Where can I find a DMV office that issues this license?

DMV Offices currently offering SB251 services:

  • Aurora – 14391 E. 4th Ave. Aurora, CO 80011 – DIRECTIONS
  • Colorado Springs – 2447 N. Union Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80909 – DIRECTIONS
  • Grand Junction – 222 S. 6th St., Suite 111 Grand Junction, CO 81501 – DIRECTIONS
  • Lakewood Westgate – 3265 S. Wadsworth Blvd., #3A, Lakewood, CO 80227 – DIRECTIONS
  • Durango – 329-A S. Camino Del Rio Durango, CO 81303 – DIRECTIONS
  • Glenwood Springs – 51027 Hwy 6 & 24 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 – DIRECTIONS
  • Lamar – 3505 S Main. Lamar, CO 81052 – DIRECTIONS
  • Montrose – 2305 S. Townsend Ave., Unit C, Montrose, CO 81401 – DIRECTIONS
  • Pueblo – 827 W. 4th St. Pueblo, CO 81003 – DIRECTIONS

Offices offering CO-RCSA services after July 1, 2020:

  • Alamosa – 715 6th St. Alamosa, CO 81101
  • Sterling – 714 W. Main St. Sterling, CO 80751

Step 3: Prepare for and Attend Your Appointment

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.

You will have to take a written test on the rules of the road. The electronic test consists of 25 multiple choice questions and is available in English and Spanish. For additional languages, interpreters are permitted. The interpreter must be 16 years or older and have a valid drivers license.

You may take the test two times per appointment. There will be a $11.15 fee to take the test a second time. You may also opt to take the written test at a third party testing facility before your appointment with the DMV, in order to do so you must pre-register here.

You should review the Colorado Driver Handbook in preparation for your test. (Spanish)

To screen your vision, you will be asked to look into a machine and read lines of letters or numbers to the DMV representative. This screening determines whether your eyesight and peripheral vision meet the minimum standards established by the Colorado Department of Revenue to safely operate a motor vehicle. The DMV’s eye screening is basic and does not take the place of a professional evaluation, should one be required.

If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to pass the vision screening, you must wear them when you drive, and your license will show this restriction.

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. The DMV will issue you a temporary driver’s license at the time of your appointment. You should receive your regular license in the mail in 10 to 14 days. If you have not received it after 30 days, contact the DMV office where you applied for it or call 303-205-5948. An SB 251 adult license is valid for three years and will expire on your birthday.

The fee for this SB 251 license is higher than the standard license fees. The extra cost goes toward sustaining this program.

  • Driver’s License: $33.00
  • Driving Permit: $21.00
  • ID Card: $13.00
  • Written Test Retake: $11.15

Receiving Your License

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. 

For Minors Ages 15-21: Driving Permit Requirements

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).

  • Certificate of 30-hour driver education course completion
  • Written test completion form from driver education school, if applicable
  • An identification document:
    • A passport
    • A consular identification
    • A military identification document
  • Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number.
  • Parent or legal guardian who can sign Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (DR2460) form and/or Affidavit of Identity, if applicable
  • Proof from the parent or minor that they have lived in Colorado for 24 months before their appointment with the DMV.
    • They must provide one of each of the following and all documents must contain name, Colorado address, and dates of service.
      • A document from the current year, with your current Colorado address. The date on the document must be 0-11 months from the date of application. Check this document to see what types of mail that can be used to prove residency.
      • A second document to show Colorado residency from one year prior. The date on the document must be between 12 and 23 months prior to application.
      • A third document to show Colorado residency from two years prior. The date on the document must be between 24 and 30 months before your appointment.
        *Note: P.O. Boxes cannot be used as proof of residency
  • Certificate of 30-hour driver education course completion OR 4-hour driver awareness class completion.
  • Written test completion form from driver education school, if applicable
  • An identification document:
    • A passport
    • A consular identification
    • A military identification document
  • Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security nNumber.
  • Parent or legal guardian who can sign Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (DR2460) form and/or Affidavit of Identity, if applicable
  • Proof from the parent or minor that they have lived in Colorado for 24 months before their appointment with the DMV.
    • They must provide one of each of the following and all documents must contain name, Colorado address, and dates of service.
      • A document from the current year, with your current Colorado address. The date on the document must be 0-11 months from the date of application. Check this document to see what types of mail that can be used to prove residency.
      • A second document to show Colorado residency from one year prior. The date on the document must be between 12 and 23 months prior to application.
      • A third document to show Colorado residency from two years prior. The date on the document must be between 24 and 30 months before your appointment.
        *Note: P.O. Boxes cannot be used as proof of residency
  • Minor drivers aged 16 and above are not legally required to take any formal driving lessons.
  • An identification document:
    • A passport
    • A consular identification
    • A military identification document
  • Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security nNumber.
  • Parent or legal guardian who can sign Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (DR2460) form and/or Affidavit of Identity, if applicable
  • Proof from the parent or minor that they have lived in Colorado for 24 months before their appointment with the DMV.
    • They must provide one of each of the following and all documents must contain name, Colorado address, and dates of service.
      • A document from the current year, with your current Colorado address. The date on the document must be 0-11 months from the date of application. Check this document to see what types of mail that can be used to prove residency.
      • A second document to show Colorado residency from one year prior. The date on the document must be between 12 and 23 months prior to application.
      • A third document to show Colorado residency from two years prior. The date on the document must be between 24 and 30 months before your appointment.
        *Note: P.O. Boxes cannot be used as proof of residency

Get In-person Help

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.

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition
Monthly workshops at: 2525 W. Alameda Ave.
Denver, CO 80219
DIRECTIONS

For information, contact: 303-922-3344 or visit coloradoimmigrant.org

Sheridan School District #2
4150 S Federal Blvd.,
Englewood, CO 80110
DIRECTIONS

For information, contact: 720-833-6867 or email dbarajasbravo@ssd2.org

Grupo Esperanza de Colorado Springs
1287 Lake Plaza Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
DIRECTIONS

For information, contact: 719-243-1442 or Castellanos.sh27@gmail.com

Lamar Unidos
Monthly workshops at: Lamar Community Building
610 S 6th St.
Lamar, CO 81052
DIRECTIONS

For more information, contact: lamarunidos@gmail.com or @lamar.unidos on Facebook

Alianza Norco
Monthly workshop information can be found at: alianzanorco.org or @AlianzaForImmigrantRights on Facebook

For information, contact: 970-703-3945 or email alianzanorco@gmail.com

Grupo Mayas De Pueblo Colorado Department of Revenue
Monthly workshops at:
Pueblo History Museum
301 N Union Ave.,
Pueblo, CO
DIRECTIONS

For more information, contact: grupomayasdepueblo@gmail.com or @grupomayaspuebloco on Facebook

SLV Immigrant Resource Center
225 6th St., Suite B
Alamosa, CO 81101
DIRECTIONS

719-587-5225 Ext 12
angelica@slvirc.org

Mesa County Public Library District
443 North 6th St
Grand Junction, CO 81501
DIRECTIONS

970-683-2433
egarza@mcpld.org

Hispanic Affairs Project
1010 S. Cascade Ave Suite A1
Montrose, CO 81401
DIRECTIONS

970-249-4115
elisa@hapgj.org

Companeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center
701 Camino del Rio, Suite 319
Durango, CO 81301
DIRECTIONS

970-375-9406
director@companeros.org

Mountain Dreamers
620 E. Main St.
Frisco, CO 80443
DIRECTIONS

Carlos Lopez
Carlos@mountaindreamers.org
401-314-9259

Neighborhood Navigators (Norma Gurrola)
Eagle County
970-331-1070
norma.gurrola@eagleschools.net, chikis138@live.com

Additional Resources

DMV SB251 License Information
FAQ from the Colorado DMV (highlighted under each section)
DMV Community Partners

Disclosure

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.

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