SB251 Driver’s License for Undocumented Residents in Colorado

Colorado’s Senate Bill 251 (SB251), also known as the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act, allows undocumented residents to apply for a Colorado driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card. This program aims to enhance public safety by ensuring all drivers are properly trained, tested, and insured.

Who Is Eligible for an SB251 License?

To qualify for a Colorado driver’s license under SB251, applicants must:

• Be a Colorado resident.
• Not be lawfully present in the United States OR be temporarily lawfully present.
• Provide proof of individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
• Show evidence of residency in Colorado for at least 24 consecutive months.
• Meet all standard eligibility criteria for a driver’s license (vision test, written test, driving test if required).

More information on standard eligibility is available in the Colorado Driver’s License Eligibility Guide.

Required Documents

Applicants must present the following documents at the time of application:

• Valid and unexpired passport or consular identification document.
• Proof of Colorado residency (two documents dated at least 24 months prior to application).
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation.
• Affidavit of residency signed under penalty of perjury.

For a detailed overview of REAL ID and how it compares, visit How to Get a REAL ID in Colorado.

How to Apply

SB251 licenses are only issued at select DMV locations in Colorado. Appointments are required and must be scheduled online. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Use the Colorado DMV appointment scheduler.
2. Gather Your Documents: Ensure all original documents are in hand. Photocopies are not accepted.
3. Visit a Designated DMV Office: Appear in person at an authorized location. These include offices in Denver, Aurora, Grand Junction, and Colorado Springs.
4. Take Required Tests: If you are a first-time applicant, you must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test. Learn how to prepare with the Colorado DMV Written Test Overview.
5. Pay Applicable Fees: Be prepared to pay licensing fees using approved methods.

License Restrictions

SB251 licenses are marked with “Not Valid for Federal Identification, Voting, or Public Benefit Purposes.” They are valid only for driving and state-level identification purposes.

Renewing an SB251 License

SB251 licenses are valid for three years and must be renewed in person. Proof of continued Colorado residency and a valid ITIN are required for renewal. You can explore the Driver’s License Renewal Requirements in Colorado for more details on the general process.

Insurance and Driving Laws

Holders of SB251 licenses are required to maintain car insurance like any other driver in Colorado. They must also adhere to all traffic laws, including hands-free driving and car seat requirements. Learn more about Colorado's Hands-Free Driving Law to avoid penalties.

For official program updates, visit the Colorado DMV SB251 page.