3 Steps to Obtain Your SB251 Driver’s License in Colorado
In Partnership with the I-Drive Coalition
Update!New!
Licenses for undocumented Coloradans just became more accessible! As of June of 2023 all Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices are able to issue driver licenses to undocumented Coloradans. The name of the license commonly known as the SB 251 license has also been simplified to a name that is easier to recognize and remember: standard license.
To learn more and apply for a driver’s license, follow our guide below or visit the Colorado DMV page for standard licenses that is linked below . As a reminder, renewals can be completed online.
Overview
In 2013, the Colorado State Legislature passed the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (SB13-251). Under this law all Colorado residents, no matter their immigration status, are eligible to apply for a Colorado license or state ID if they meet specific requirements. The I Drive Coalition worked hard to pass multiple amendments to ensure the accessibility and access to driver licenses and IDs for all.
In 2018 SB18-108 was passed which allowed for online renewals and also allowed a valid Social Security Number to be used to access a Standard 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.
The Standard License is for undocumented individuals and individuals with temporary lawful status. 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:
- Identification from your country of origin.
- Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security number.
- Proof that you have been a Colorado resident
- For the year prior your appointment if you filed income taxes in Colorado
- For the 24 months preceding your appointment if you did not file income taxes
- 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.
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 your residency in Colorado.
- One way to prove you have lived in Colorado is to provide the following documents:
- 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
- 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
- Another way you can prove that you have lived in Colorado is to provide the following documents:
- 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
- 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:
- 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 a Standard Driver’s license. Appointments are available 60 days out.
Standard License applicants can also renew online. 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 a Standard license.
- You can schedule online here.
- 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.
- 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.
Where can I find a DMV office that issues this license?
As of June 1, 2023, all 36 DMV offices offer Standard License services. Click here to see a map of all offices and find the location closest to you
Step 3: Prepare for and Attend Your Appointment
During your appointment for a Standard License or ID a DMV staff member will review the documents you bring to meet the requirements for the standard 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.
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. You can also upgrade your permit to a license online. Here are the instructions on how to upgrade your permit to a license online in English and Spanish.
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. A Standard adult license is valid for three years and will expire on your birthday.
The fee for this Standard license is higher than the Real-ID 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
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 of residency from the parent or minor that they have lived in Colorado before their appointment with the DMV.
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- Option 1: The parent or guardian’s 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
- Option 2: 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 - Alternatively, youth may provide their school transcript showing enrollment for the 24-30 months prior to their appointment in order to prove their residency.
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- 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 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 before their appointment with the DMV.
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- Option 1: The parent or guardian’s 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
- Option 2: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 - Alternatively, youth may provide their school transcript showing enrollment for the 24-30 months prior to their appointment in order to prove their residency.
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- 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 before their appointment with the DMV.
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-
- Option 1: The parent or guardian’s 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
- Option 2: 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 - Alternatively, youth may provide their school transcript showing enrollment for the 24-30 months prior to their appointment in order to prove their residency.
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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.
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
(970)409-6423
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.