Driver's License in Colorado Without an SSN (2026)

Can You Get a Driver's License in Colorado Without an SSN?

Yes. Colorado allows residents to obtain a driver's license (or driving permit) regardless of immigration status under HB 13-1060 (2013). You do not need a Social Security Number or proof of legal U.S. presence to apply.

Colorado was among the first wave of states to pass this law in 2013. The license looks identical to a standard CO license but is marked as not valid for federal identification purposes.

⚠️ License type

Standard driver's license — not valid as federal ID (REAL ID). This license is valid for driving but cannot be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or as a federal form of ID. For air travel you will need your passport.

Required Documents

Bring the following to your Colorado DMV appointment:

1Proof of identity — valid foreign passport or foreign national ID card
2Proof of Colorado residency — 2 documents required: utility bill, bank statement, lease, pay stub, or government-issued mail

💡 Tip

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified translation.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Gather your foreign passport and 2 proofs of CO residency
Step 2: Visit a Colorado DMV office
Step 3: Complete the application form
Step 4: Pass the written knowledge test
Step 5: Pass the vision exam
Step 6: Pass the driving skills test
Step 7: Receive your license by mail

What This License Allows

Once you have your Colorado driver's license or driving permit, you can:

Drive legally anywhere in Colorado
Get car insurance (insurers require a valid license)
Use it as a state-issued photo ID for non-federal purposes
Use it as proof of identity at banks and credit unions — this can help with opening an account

You cannot use this license to:

Board domestic flights (need a passport or REAL ID)
Enter federal buildings or military bases
Prove immigration status or work authorization

💡 Next step: build credit

A driver's license is accepted by many banks as a second form of ID alongside your ITIN — making it easier to open an account. See which banks accept ITIN →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in Colorado? +

Yes. Colorado HB 13-1060 (2013) allows undocumented immigrants to get a standard driver's license. You need a valid foreign passport and two proofs of Colorado residency. No SSN or ITIN is required.

Does Colorado accept a matrícula consular for a driver's license? +

Colorado generally requires a valid foreign passport as the primary identity document, not a consular ID. Check with the Colorado DMV directly for current accepted document lists as policies can update.

Is a Colorado driver's license for undocumented immigrants a REAL ID? +

No. The license issued under HB 13-1060 is not a REAL ID. It cannot be used for federal identification purposes such as domestic air travel. It is valid for driving throughout Colorado.

Other States That Allow This

19 states and Washington D.C. currently allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license or driving permit. Browse by state:

CA CO CT DE HI IL MD MA MN NV NJ NM NY OR RI UT VT VA WA DC

For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →