DENVER, Friday, June 2, 2023 — Celebrating the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act’s (CO-RCSA) 10 year anniversary, Gov. Jared Polis and the Division of Motor Vehicles announced that all 36 State driver license offices now offer licensing services to undocumented residents on Friday at the History Colorado Center in Denver.
“Here in Colorado, we know that our immigrants strengthen the fabric of who we are,” Gov. Polis said. “With the bipartisan SB251, over 250,000 Coloradans have been able to get their driver licenses and insurance, making all of us safer on the roads and helping reduce automobile insurance rates for everyone and we are proud to continue building on this important work today and expand access to all DMV locations.”
The bill, which was signed into law on June 5, 2013 by then Gov. John Hickenlooper, created a self-funded program that enabled undocumented residents and international students to legally obtain a Colorado driver license or identification card.
“Ten years ago, we signed the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act into law to empower new Coloradans — like international students and immigrants — to drive their families to work, school, medical appointments and the supermarket,” Sen. Hickenlooper said from Washington, D.C. “Expanding where the program is offered will make our roads safer and cut red tape for folks working toward their American dream.”
Others in attendance agreed, and DMV Senior Director Electra Bustle said the legislation has made Colorado roads safer.
“The DMV’s mission is to provide motor vehicle, driver and identity services that promote public safety, trust and confidence, and having trained and licensed drivers on our roads is critical,” Bustle said. “This legislation provided an opportunity for all Coloradoans to get properly trained, credentialed and insured, and since 2013 the DMV has issued 252,396 driver licenses, ID cards and instruction permits under the CO-RCSA. We are also excited to expand this service to all of our State driver license offices making it more convenient for these customers.”
Looking back on the 10 year anniversary, many described the legislation’s impact on Colorado’s undocumented residents' daily lives as a game changer.
“Being able to obtain a driver license was a step toward greater security on our roads and in our communities,” said Evelyn Rodriguez, a community leader with Grupo Mayas Pueblo. “It has given me the confidence to drive my kids to school, to the doctor, to sports, and in my daily life. I was able to register my car to my own name and obtain car insurance and now I drive without fear.”
Originally the DMV offered CO-RCSA services at just four driver license offices — Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, Lakewood and Lakewood Westgate, but has since added the services to all 36 DMV offices across the state as well as DMV2GO this year. The most recent driver license offices to offer are Canon City, Delta, Lakewood, Meeker, Salida and Steamboat Springs. All state driver license offices now offer CO-RCSA services.
The DMV also announced a move to streamline the program’s nomenclature and better align terminology with other states. The DMV has started calling credentials issued under the CO-RCSA program as “standard” driver licenses and ID cards since they are not REAL ID compliant.
“As a member of the I Drive Coalition, a group of organizations and community leaders across the state that have been working to ensure that all Coloradans, regardless of status, have access to a license or ID, I am thrilled to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the law and implementation of the standard license,” said Nancy Díaz, the founder of Lamar Unidos. “Today, over 200,000 people have managed to obtain their driver license or permit through this program and our streets and highways are safer. The work of the I Drive Coalition continues, now looking to improve the license program and ensure equity for all beneficiaries.”
Undocumented residents can schedule an appointment by calling 303-205-2335 or by visiting DMV.Colorado.gov/AppointmentScheduling.
The DMV works closely with the I Drive Coalition, a collection of nonprofit organizations throughout the Centennial State, helping to ensure Coloradans seeking a standard license or ID card have the resources needed to be issued a credential. These nonprofit groups help schedule appointments free of charge and ensure applicants have the documents needed to start the licensing process. A list of these nonprofit organizations is at DMV.Colorado.gov/nonprofit-co-rcsa-partners.
By expanding the number of offices offering CO-RCSA services, more Coloradans have better access to training and licensing services, helping to ensure all Colorado motorists are licensed and able to obtain motor vehicle insurance. This will help make driving safer for all Coloradans.
Visit DMV.Colorado.gov for more information on Colorado Road and Community Safety Act services.
The DMV is committed to providing services for all Coloradans where they are needed most, whether it’s in-office, online or on the go. Visit DMV.Colorado.gov/Anywhere to find out how you can DMV anywhere. Yes, anywhere.
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