Colorado Issues Driver Licenses to Immigrants Regardless of Immigration Status

Colorado allows you to get a driver license even if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You do not need to prove legal immigration status. The state issues what is called an REAL ID-compliant driver license or a standard driver license — both let you drive legally in Colorado, but only the REAL ID version works for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

The process is the same whether you were born in the U.S. or arrived from another country. You go to a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, bring specific documents, pass a written test and vision test, and pay the fee. The main difference is the documents you use to prove your identity and residency.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado does not require proof of citizenship or legal immigration status to get a driver license.
  • You need a valid passport or travel document from your country, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • A REAL ID-compliant license requires additional documentation but is necessary if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after May 2025.
  • The written test and vision test are the same for all applicants; you can request the written test in languages other than English.
  • A standard driver license costs less than a REAL ID license and is valid for driving in Colorado, but cannot be used for federal identification purposes.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Bring your valid passport or travel document issued by your country of origin. This is your primary proof of identity. A national ID card from your home country works if it includes your photograph and signature. If your document is not in English, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator or your country's consulate.

You also need proof of Colorado residency. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Colorado address. A letter from a government agency, school, or employer with your name and address also works.

Bring proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document showing it (like a tax return or W-2). If you do not have a Social Security number but have an ITIN, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS or a tax return showing your ITIN. If you have neither, you can still get a standard driver license, but you will not be able to get a REAL ID license.

The Difference Between a Standard License and a REAL ID License

A standard Colorado driver license lets you drive legally in Colorado and any other state. It costs less and requires fewer documents. However, it cannot be used as identification for federal purposes — you cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a military base, or access a federal courthouse.

A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and works for all the purposes a standard license does, plus federal identification. To get one, you need to bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus one additional document proving your identity or residency. This could be a second utility bill, a government-issued ID from your home country, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead.

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or passport to board a domestic flight in the United States. If you plan to fly within the U.S., getting a REAL ID license now is simpler than bringing your passport to the airport every time.

How to Schedule and Complete Your DMV Visit

Go to the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov) and schedule an appointment at a local DMV office. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but appointments usually have shorter wait times. Bring all your documents — the DMV staff will review them before you take the tests.

You will take a written test covering Colorado traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can request the test in Spanish, Vietnamese, or several other languages if English is not your primary language. The DMV office can tell you which languages are available at your location.

You will also take a vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it after getting an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Once you pass both tests, you pay the fee (a standard license costs less than a REAL ID license) and have your photograph taken. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What to Do If Your Passport or Travel Document Is Expiring Soon

You can get a Colorado driver license with an expiring passport, but the DMV will issue a license that expires on the same date as your passport. Once your passport expires, your driver license expires too, even if you have not reached the normal renewal date.

If your passport is expiring within the next few months, consider renewing it before you go to the DMV. This way, your driver license will be valid for the full term (usually 5 years for a standard license, 8 years for a REAL ID license). Renewing your passport takes time — contact your country's consulate in Colorado or the nearest consulate to find out how long the process takes and what documents you need.

Renewing Your Colorado Driver License

You can renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard license and your passport is still valid. You will need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number or ITIN.

If you are renewing a REAL ID license or your passport has expired or changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring your updated documents. Bring your current driver license, your valid passport or travel document, and proof of Colorado residency if your address has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number or ITIN?

Yes, you can get a standard Colorado driver license without a Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot get a REAL ID license without one. Bring your passport, proof of residency, and tell the DMV staff you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN. They will issue a standard license.

What if my passport is in a language other than English?

Bring your original passport and an English translation. The translation must be certified by a professional translator, your country's consulate, or an official translation service. The DMV will accept both documents together as proof of identity.

How long does it take to get my plastic driver license card after my appointment?

You receive a temporary paper license at your appointment that is valid when ready for driving. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, some DMV offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.

Can I use my driver license to fly domestically before May 2025?

A standard Colorado driver license works for domestic flights until May 7, 2025. After that date, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport. If you fly before May 2025, either license works.

What happens if I move to a different state after getting my Colorado license?

Your Colorado driver license remains valid in every other state for driving purposes. If you move and want to get a license in your new state, that state will have its own requirements. You can keep your Colorado license as long as you want, even if you no longer live there.