Starting March 31, 2025, Colorado is easing driver’s license requirements for immigrants by removing the 2-year residency mandate and social security/ITIN requirements. Additionally, from May 7, 2025, residents must have a STAR-compliant license for air travel, and Colorado is actively revoking certain improperly issued commercial licenses.
Key 2025-2026 Colorado Driver’s License News:
- Easier Access for Immigrants (Effective March 31, 2025): The new law removes requirements for Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) and eliminates the need to prove a two-year residency in Colorado.
- REAL ID Deadline (May 7, 2025) will stop accepting non-compliant IDs for boarding flights. Look for the black or gold star on Colorado licenses.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Restrictions: Following a federal audit finding unlawful issuances, Colorado is cancelling hundreds of commercial licenses issued to non-citizen foreign nationals with temporary status.
- Electronic ID Limits: While you can use the My Colorado app for a digital license, it cannot be used for TSA screening at Denver International Airport.
- Design: The current license, introduced in 2022, features Mount Sneffels on the front, Sprague Lake on the back, and improved polycarbonate security features.