What is SB251?
SB251 is a law passed in 2013 to make Colorado driver’s licenses available to all regardless of their immigration status. Immigrant communities and allies fought for 10 years to make this a reality.
What will my license look like?
An SB251 license has a black mark and the language, “Not valid for federal identification purposes, voting, or public benefit purposes” on the front distinguish it from a Real-ID license.
Who is eligible?
Anyone with the required documents is eligible to acquire a new license. The requirements are different for people with temporary lawful presence and people with no lawful immigration status. To see the list of required documents, click here.
How can I use my license?
You can use your SB-251 license to drive and to identify yourself to police officers. As of October 2020, you will not be able to use your SB-252 license to board an airplane. It does not make you eligible for any public benefits that you were not eligible for before getting a driver’s license, and does not authorize you to work or give you the right to vote.
I renewed online and I haven’t received my driver license/instruction permit/ID yet.
- Keep in mind that it will take some time for the driver license technician to verify the documents you have submitted.
- You may check the status of your renewal at https://mydmv.colorado.gov/?Link=TrackLicense.
- If it has been more than 30 days since you renewed and this link does not say that your license was returned to a driver license office, please call 303-205-2335 to make an appointment to visit a driver license office and obtain a free duplicate. You will be required to renew again if it has been more than 60 days since your renewal and you have not received your card/it has not been returned to a driver license office. If you choose not to renew online, an appointment is required.
My driver license/instruction permit/ID has been lost or stolen. Can I get a replacement online?
You may apply for a renewal online to replace your lost or stolen card. You will be charged the standard renewal fee.
I don’t want to renew online. Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. Individuals applying for the first time or renewing in an office are required to make an appointment. Appointments can be made at Colorado.gov/dmv or by calling 303-205-2335. Renewal appointments at the Aurora Driver License Office are available by phone only.
If I have a Social Security number instead of an ITIN, do I need a different type of appointment?
No. You may use the same CO-RCSA SB251 appointment type. You may only obtain a driver license/instruction permit/ID using a Social Security number after January 1, 2019.
What documents can I use to show proof of my Social Security number?
- Acceptable documents to provide proof of Social Security number are:
- Social Security Account number card (not laminated)
- W-2 form (not accepted electronically)
- SSA-1099 form
- Non-SSA-1099 form
- Pay stub with the applicant’s name and SSN on it
- Documents used as proof of Social Security number must be provided in hardcopy, not electronically.
Which offices offer SB13-251 services?
- To see the full list of offices providing SB251 licenses, click here.
How much does a driver license/instruction permit/ID cost if I am not able to demonstrate lawful presence in the United States? This cost is the same for initial issuance and renewal.
- Driver license – $33
- Instruction permit – $21
- Identification card – $13
What do I do if I have several traffic tickets and haven’t been able to pay them off?
Please take care of them before applying for an SB-251 license. Talk to an attorney if you have any concerns. If you are Mexican, contact the Mexican Consulate for assistance on clearing your traffic tickets.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Please visit the Colorado DMV webpage for more information.
ARE YOU HAVING ISSUES WITH RENEWING OR OBTAINING YOUR LICENSE?
Submit your issue here.
http://coloradoimmigrant.org/preguntas-frecuentes-licencias-para-personas-indocumentadas/