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Document Requirements for REAL ID

NOTE: This is a draft page and not for public review. Please visit https://dmv.colorado.gov/documents for current document requirements.

Document Requirements for REAL ID

The REAL ID Act, passed by the US Congress in 2005, mandates new standards for the issuance of driver licenses and identification cards. These standards will be enforced nationwide starting on May 7, 2025. You can find more information about REAL ID at this link.

To comply with this act, the Colorado DMV has *new* documentation requirements. Please review the information below to make sure that you bring the correct documents to your appointment.

If you are visiting the DMV you will need to bring these documents with you:

 

  1. Documents proving your identity.
  2. Documents proving your address.
  3. Documents proving your Social Security number.

 

*You must bring the specific documents listed below.*
*If you do not have the proper documents, the DMV may not be able to assist you.*

NOTES:

  • All documents presented must be unaltered from the original (For example - no lamination, no copies).
  • If documents that are presented at the time of application show different names, additional documents showing change of name must be presented. Please visit our Change Your Name webpage for a list of accepted name change documents.
  • U.S.-issued birth certificates must show the person listed on the certificate was born in the U.S. Birth certificates must be original, full size documents containing the seal or certification from a state or county. No wallet cards will be accepted.
  • Per C.R.S. 42-2-107 and 42-2-302, applications for credentials must contain a fingerprint.  <-- Not sure if needed here. 

How do I prove my identity?

I am a US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Please choose from the following forms of identification to bring to your DMV appointment.

 

Bring one of the following:

  • Colorado driver license/instruction permit/ID card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
  • Unexpired ENHANCED out-of-state driver license/ID card (Available only from MI, NY, MN, WA, VT)
  • Unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
 
  • Certificate of naturalization/citizenship (Issued within 20 years)
  • Unexpired permanent resident card (I-551), foreign passport with unexpired I-551 stamp, or expired I-551 with I-797 extension
  • Valid I-94 Refugee/Approved Asylee (with foreign passport, DHS attached

-OR-

Bring one of the following:

  • Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
  • Consular report of birth abroad
  • Certificate of naturalization/citizenship (Issued 20+ years ago)
  • Certified U.S. adoption order (with birth information)
  • Refugee/Approved Asylee I-94 without photo
AND

Bring one of the following:

  • Colorado driver license/instruction permit/ID card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
  • Out-of-state driver license/instruction permit/ID card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
  • U.S. passport or U.S. passport card (Expired less than 10 years)
  • Military ID/Common Access Card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
  • VA card (issued within 20 years)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs or Tribal ID with photo (Issued within 20 years)
  • Federal Bureau of Prisons or State Department of Corrections ID card
  • Parent or legal guardian with identity document and proof of guardianship (if under age 21)

You can also download DR2300A for a checklist of all the documents you need. (In English) (In Spanish)

I am a Temporarily Legal Resident.

Please one of the following forms of identification to bring to your DMV appointment.

 

Bring one of the following:

  • Expired Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) with I-797C Notice of Action demonstrating receipt of an Application for Employment Authorization showing an applicable unexpired automatic extension.
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
  • Unexpired foreign passport with U.S. visa and printed I-94 AND, if your I-94 class of admission is:
    • F or M: Your original, unexpired printed I-20A/B
    • J: Your original, unexpired printed DS2019
    • K or V: Your certified U.S, marriage certificate and I-797 Application for Adjustment of Status

-OR-

Bring one of the following:

I-797C Notice of Action demonstrating receipt of an application:

  • To register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status issued within 5 years of the date of application
  • For Asylum issued within 5 years of the date of applicationFor (or Grant of) Temporary Protected Status issued within 5 years of the date of application
  • For change or extension of status issued within 2 years of the date of application

An I-797C listed above, dated outside of the specified timeframe, may be accepted with written evidence from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that the application is still pending.

AND

Bring one of the following:

  • Colorado driver license/instruction permit/ID card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
  • Out-of-state driver license/instruction permit/ID card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
  • Foreign passport valid or expired less than 10 years
  • Consular identification card valid or expired less than 10 years
  • Employment Authorization Document (I-766) expired less than 10 years

 

Individuals with an immigration status of B-1, B-2, WB, WT, CP, or NC are not eligible for a Colorado document.

You can also download DR2300B for a checklist of all the documents you need. (In English) (In Spanish)

I am a Undocumented Resident

Please one of the following forms of identification to bring to your DMV appointment.

 

Bring one of the following:

  • Foreign passport
  • Consular identification card
  • Military identification document
  • Colorado driver license/instruction permit/ID card (for renewal only)

Document must contain your full legal name, your date of birth, the date of issuance, the name of the country that issued the document, and a full facial photograph. Document must be unexpired or expired less than 10 years.

If you are an undocumented resident you will also need to provide proof of Colorado residency. You should visit the Standard Licenses and IDs page for more information. The DMV may not be able to assist you if you do not have all of the required documents.

You can also download DR2300C for a checklist of all the documents you need. (In English) (In Spanish)

How do I prove my address?

Two proof of physical Colorado address documents are required for following applicants:

  • First time and new applicants
  • Individuals with a Colorado driver license, instruction permit, or identification card that has been expired over one year
  • Individuals changing the address on their card
  • Individuals reinstating their driving privilege and require testing

People who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal U.S. residents who are renewing their valid or expired less than one year Colorado driver license, instruction permit, or identification card, can present only that document to meet the updated requirements, if the address on that document matches their current address.

Documents, letters or envelopes with labels, corrections or changes to name address or date will not be accepted. Documents that only display a PO box number will not be accepted.

Technicians may accept faxed documents from an established business only. <-- DOES THIS BELONG HERE?

Electronic proofs of residency will be accepted. <-- WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

NOTE: In order to meet the requirements for proof of address we suggest bringing more documentation than is necessary for every visit to a DMV office. Junk mail or bulk mailing (coupons, weekly mailers, advertising) and any hand-written documents are not acceptable as proof of address documentation.

Examples

All documents presented must be dated within one year of application

  • Computer Generated Bill (utility, credit card, doctor, hospital, etc.)
  • Bank Statement Pre-Printed Pay Stub
  • First-Class Mail (government agency or court)
  • Current Homeowner’s, Renter’s, or
  • Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Mortgage, Lease, or Rental Contract Transcript or Report Card from an Accredited School
  • Motor Vehicle Registration
  • USPS Change Of Address Form (CNL107)
  • DD214
  • Postmarked first-class mail

Residents of a Halfway House or Residential Treatment Facility

  • Must provide a letter from the facility, on the facility’s letterhead showing the facility’s name, address and telephone number. The letter must include the facility representative’s name, signature and date and indicate they will accept delivery of mail for the applicant.

Customers With a Rural Route Mail Delivery Address

  • Must provide a properly certified government-issued document showing their name, and a description of the residence’s location

Undocumented/temporarily legal residents

Homeless applicants

  • Homeless applicants without a residential address must provide a letter from a government entity, or not-for-profit organization with its letterhead showing the facility’s name, address and telephone number, including the legal representative’s name, signature and signature date. The letter must state, "will accept delivery of mail for the customer."

Special Circumstances

Individuals who are unable to provide two acceptable documents to verify ‘Residential Address’ may be eligible to provide alternative documents to meet the requirements:

  • Minors Under Age 21
    • Two documents are required; verification documents used by the parent are acceptable for use by the minor.
      • The Colorado driver license/ID card/Permit of the parent counts as one document, provided the current address is listed on the front of the card.

 

How do I prove my Social Security Number?

All first time applicants who are U.S. citizens or who can demonstrate permanent lawful presence in the U.S. must provide proof of their Social Security number. Acceptable documents to provide proof of Social Security number are:

  • Social Security Account number card
  • W-2 form
  • SSA-1099 Form
  • Non-SSA-1099 Form
  • Pay stub with the applicant's name and SSN on it
  • You can also provide your Social Security number verbally. Click here for more information about providing a Social Security number verbally.

All applicants who are U.S. citizens or who can demonstrate permanent lawful presence in the U.S. but do not hold a valid Colorado driver license, identification card or instruction permit must provide proof of their Social Security number.

Unable to provide the documents listed above? See if Exceptions Processing may be right for you.