In Colorado, state law allows any resident of the state to obtain a driver’s license or ID card, regardless of their legal immigration status in the U.S. If you’re an undocumented immigrant, this means you can still apply for a state-issued ID or driver’s license. In this post, I’ll walk you through the process, what documents you need, and provide some helpful links to make the process easier.
First, Understand Your Eligibility
Before starting, it’s important to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements:
- Colorado Residency: To qualify for a state-issued ID or driver’s license, you need to have lived in Colorado for at least one year.
- Proof of Identity: You’ll need to prove your identity to the state. This can be done using foreign passports, birth certificates, or any other government-issued ID from your home country.
- Social Security Number (SSN): You don’t need a U.S. SSN to apply, but if you have one, you will need to provide it. (If you do have a SSN, this post isn’t for you).
- Know How to Drive: This should be self-explanatory, but if you’re applying for a driver’s license, you’ll need to know how to drive safely on U.S. roads.
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Before heading to the DMV, make sure you have all the necessary documents. Here’s a breakdown:
- Proof of Identity
As mentioned above, this can be a foreign passport, birth certificate, or any other foreign-issued identification. - Proof of Colorado Residency: To prove that you’ve lived in Colorado for at least a year, you will need two of the following documents
- Utility bills
- Bank statements
- Official mail addressed to you
See here for the DMV list of acceptable documents as proof.
- Proof of Age: If your proof of identity doesn’t already show your age, you will need to provide a separate document that proves your date of birth (like a birth certificate or passport).
- Proof of Lawful Presence in the U.S.: If you have lawful presence in the U.S. (i.e a visa), you will need to bring documents like your visa and I-94 form. This is only necessary for those who have legal status; if you’re undocumented, you won’t need to provide this.
For more detailed information on required documents, check out the Colorado DMV’s list of acceptable documents.
Step 2: Visit the DMV
Once you have your documents ready, it’s time to visit the Colorado DMV. Before you go, check if you need to make an appointment, as some locations may require it.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
When you’ve completed the necessary paperwork, you’ll need to pay the application fee. The fees for a driver’s license are about $30, and ID cards are typically cheaper. Make sure to check the current fee on the Colorado DMV website before you go as this is subject to change.
Step 4: Wait for Your ID or Driver’s License
Once you’ve completed the process and paid the fee, you’ll receive a temporary ID card or driver’s license. Your permanent card will be mailed to you within about 4 to 6 weeks.
In Conclusion
Having a state-issued ID or driver’s license in Colorado is not only practical but also important for many immigrants, regardless of their immigration status. It allows you to legally drive in the state, avoid carrying a foreign-issued ID, which may be less recognized or harder to replace if lost, and have a recognized form of identification that can help with banking, renting, or other everyday needs.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, it’s definitely worth the time to apply. Not only will you have peace of mind knowing you’re driving legally, but you’ll also have an important form of identification that can make life in Colorado easier and safer.
