Standard Licenses and IDs

<< Return to Drivers Homepage

TLP Commercial Driver Licenses: Due to new federal regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), effective Monday, September 29, 2025, the Colorado DMV has paused the issuance and renewals of term-limited (non-domiciled) Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner Permits (CLPs) to temporarily lawfully present residents until further notice.

Safer Drivers, Safer Colorado

Colorado Standard Credentials (SB 251 / CO-RCSA)

What are Colorado Standard Credentials?

Standard credentials (driver license, permit, and ID cards) are issued under Part 5 of Title 42, Section 2 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS 42-2-501 to 506)
Standard credentials are NOT REAL ID compliant, meaning they cannot be used for federal purposes (e.g., boarding commercial airplanes, entering federal facilities), voting, or federal public benefits. For more information about boarding commercial airplanes, please review TSA’s Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint.
Standard credentials feature a black banner with the wording: "Not Valid For Federal Identification, Voting or Public Benefit Purposes."
Standard credentials are a valid Colorado identification.
Standard credentials are valid for 3 years from the date of issuance (Minor driver's license is 3 years or expires 20 days after 21st birthday, whichever is first).

Who are these credentials issued to?

These credentials are for Colorado residents who are non-lawfully present/undocumented or temporarily lawfully present (TLP).
Pursuant to Colorado law, temporarily lawfully present (TLP) residents who are transferring their out-of-state credential must be issued a Colorado standard credential, even if the previous state’s credential was REAL ID compliant.
All non-lawfully (undocumented) and temporarily lawfully present applicants for a first-time Colorado permit, driver license, or ID card must bring the required identification, lawful presence (where applicable), and Colorado address documents to their appointment. Please review this page carefully.

New Application Process for First-Time Applicants and Out-of-State or Country Transfers

Originals only: No copies, photos, or laminated versions and no abbreviated, miniature, hospital, or California abstract birth certificates.
Certified documents: Must be original or certified copies with an official court/county/city/state government seal or stamp (A notary public cannot certify).
Content: Documents must contain your full legal name, date of birth, date of issuance, country of issuance, and a photograph.
English only: If not in English, a complete, certified translation with a specific affirmation and the translator's unexpired driver’s license/ID number must be presented with the original document.
- The documents must include this affirmation typed or electronically printed on the same page as the translation, not on separate pieces of paper. “I, [insert translator’s full name], affirm that the foregoing is a complete and accurate translation from [insert foreign language] to the English language to the best of my ability. I further affirm that I am fully competent to translate from [insert foreign language] to the English language and that I am proficient in both languages."
- The translated document must also include the number and state of issuance of the translator’s unexpired driver license, instruction permit, or identification card. All translated documents and information will be included in the applicant’s permanent motor vehicle record. Applicants are responsible for all costs of translation.
Names must match: Different names on documents (for example, due to: marriage, divorce, or a court order) will need additional documentation to link the differences in names. See the required documents matrix above for details on what is acceptable proof of name changes or differences.

Requirement	Documents to Bring
Proof of Identity and Date of Birth	Passport from home country, consular card from home country, or military identification card from home country. Needs to be unexpired or expired for less than 10 years.
Colorado Residency Affidavit (CO-RSCA)	A completed affidavit, form DR 2212A, is required to be signed in the office or brought in. Find form DR 2212A Colorado Road and Community Safety Act on the Forms in Number Order page here.
One Proof of Current Colorado Address	Documents need to: Show your full name. Have a current physical Colorado address, no P.O. Boxes. Be dated within the past year. Be in English. Minors under 18: Can use a parent's proof of address as long as that parent is present at the appointment. The parent's Colorado driver license or ID will count as one proof of address if the address is current. Acceptable documents: Bank statements, pay stubs, utility/credit card bill, lease/mortgage statement, vehicle registration/title, homeowners/renters insurance policy, first-class mail from a government agency, or USPS Change of Address Form. Unacceptable documents: Junk/bulk mail, handwritten documents/receipts, documents with only a P.O. Box addres, or envelopes with labels or handwritten corrections. Bring a proof of address document for every issuance.
Name Change Documents (if applicable)	Only allowed if the name changes is listed on a valid out-of-country passport.
Transfer from Another State	You must provide: Valid driver license expired less than one year. OR A motor vehicle report (also known as a driver history record) from your previous state/U.S. territory, dated within 30 days Does not substitute for other required identification documents.
Document Checklist	DR 2300C Undocumented Residents Identification Checklist or DR 2300CS Lista de Verificación de Identificación de Residentes Indocumentados

Requirement	Documents to Bring
Proof of Identity and Date of Birth	To find a full list of acceptable documents, view the DR 2300B Temporarily Legal Residents Identification Checklist here. Also available in Spanish here.
Proof of Lawful Presence	Valid work authorization card, temporary resident stamp, or I-94 with a valid passport. OR acceptable proof from the temporarily legal residents identification checklist. See the full list here: DR 2300B or DR 2300BS (Spanish) checklist.
One Proof of Current Colorado Address	Documents need to: Show your full name. Have a current physical Colorado address, no P.O. Boxes. Be dated within the past year Minors under 18: Can use a parent's proof of address as long as that parent is present at the appointment. The parent's Colorado driver license or ID will count as one proof of address if the address is current. Acceptable documents: Bank statements, pay stubs, utility/credit card bill, lease/mortgage statement, vehicle registration/title, homeowners/renters insurance policy, first-class mail from a government agency, or USPS Change of Address Form. Unacceptable documents: Junk/bulk mail, handwritten documents/receipts, documents with only a P.O. Box addres, or envelopes with labels or handwritten corrections.
Name Change Documents (if applicable)	Original legal documents (e.g., court order) OR updated USCIS document (e.g., I-551, Employment Authorization Card, I-797 with a foreign passport). Marriage certificates are accepted for TLP name changes.
Transfer from Another State	You must provide: Valid driver license expired less than one year. OR A motor vehicle report (also known as a driver history record) from your previous state/U.S. territory, dated within 30 days Does not substitute for other required identification documents. Colorado only issues REAL IDs to US Citizens and Permanent Residents in the United States. If you received a REAL ID from another state, you can transfer the driving privileges from the driver license or permit issued from that state, but it will be downgraded to a STANDARD driver license or permit that will display the restricted banner, “NOT VALID FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION, VOTING OR PUBLIC BENEFIT PURPOSES."
Document Checklist	DR 2300B Temporarily Lawfully Present Residents Identification Checklist or DR 2300CS Lista de Verificación de Identificación de Residentes Legales Temporales

Pre-Register Online: All first-time applicants should pre-register online. Click here to pre-register.
Make an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a driver license office. Click here to schedule an appointment.
Appointment Check-In: Arrive shortly before your appointment and check in online or at a kiosk no earlier than 15 minutes prior.

Bring the required documents
Other requirements:
- Pass a basic Vision Exam given by the technician.
- Submit Fingerprints (C.R.S. 42-2-107 and 42-2-302) .
- A new Photograph will be taken (must remove eyeglasses, bulky clothing, hats/headwear except for religious reasons).
Fees: Be prepared to pay applicable fees. Click here for applicable fees.
Translators/interpreters: Translation devices are available at some offices, or you may bring a friend/family member to translate (interpreter must show unexpired driver’s license or ID card). The interpreter's name and driver license/ID card number will be recorded and will be included with the applicant’s permanent motor vehicle record. Depending on the service, additional restrictions may apply.
ASL interpreter: Click here to request assistance.
ADA accommodation: To request an ADA accommodation, click here: Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodation Request for Driver License Services.

A temporary paper credential will be issued at the appointment and is valid immediately.
- To be fully compliant with Colorado law, ensure you have the paper temporary license with you while operating a motor vehicle UNTIL your new, permanent physical credential arrives in the mail.
The permanent physical card will be mailed to your address within 30 days.
Check the status:
- Online via the “Where is my driver license/ID?” page.
- Email the Returned Credential Office to dor_dmv_dl_returned_credentials@state.co.us.
- Call 303-205-5600 (press 1, then press 3.).
- Return to the office that issued your credential (You do not need an appointment for this) or contact the office.

Didn't receive your credential within 30 days? Click here for options: Lost, Stolen, or Damaged DL/Permit/ID.

If you lack the required documents:

Non-lawfully present (undocumented) customers: Currently not eligible for exceptions processing. Check back on January 1, 2027.
Temporarily lawfully present customers: May be eligible for exceptions processing if you can establish proof of lawful presence but are missing an identification document for identity and/or date of birth. Click here to find out more.

Renewing Your Standard Credential

Online renewal: Renewing online requires the proof document last presented and a new, completed Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (CO-RCSA) Affidavit (DR 2122A).
- Click here to find out more about renewing online.
In-person renewal: Renewing in-person requires your most recently issued Colorado DL/Permit (or identity documents if not available) and one proof of physical Colorado address (dated within the previous year) in addition to a new, completed Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (CO-RCSA) Affidavit (DR 2122A).
- Click here for Appointment Scheduling Information.

In-office renewal ONLY: TLP customers are not eligible to renew online.
You must bring your most recently issued Colorado DL/permit/ID, most recently issued unexpired lawful presence documents and/or extension letters, and one proof of physical Colorado address (dated within the previous year).

If you are upgrading a permit to a license, you may be able to skip the trip and use our online services. To upgrade to a license online, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver license by following the instructions provided here: Replace Your Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Driver License/Permit/CDL/ID.

You must make an appointment to get a duplicate driver license or ID card. It is not available online. Find out more on the Replace Your Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Driver License/Permit/CDL/ID web page.

The identification requirements listed on this page apply to all first time permit, driver license, or identification card applicants. To learn more about specific requirements for minor permits and driver licenses please refer to the Teen and Minor Driver webpage here.

To learn more about adult permits, view the Adult Permit webpage here.

Appointments can be scheduled through our online appointment scheduler here: Appointment Scheduling Information webpage.

You must bring certified documents that show any name changes since your last Colorado card was issued. Find out what you need to do here: Change or Manage Your Name on Your Credential.

You can find information about requirements and testing for motorcycle endorsements here: I'm a Motorcycle Driver.

You can find out about Colorado identification card requirements here: Identification Cards.

The same identification document requirements listed on this page are required for identification cards.

You can find out information about obtaining a driving record, letters of clearance, reinstating after suspension, revocation, cancellation, denial, or after a DUI here: Driver Records, License Suspensions, & Reinstatement.

Vehicle registration is available in the same manner as all other residents. Click here for more information: Vehicle Registration.

You can find searchable, printable DMV forms in number order here: Forms in Number Order.

These groups work on a volunteer or nonprofit basis and are not employed by the DMV. Coloradans seeking these credentials can work with these groups to schedule appointments.

For a list of partners, click here.