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 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.

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.

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. 

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.”

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

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.

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. 

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.