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How to Get ID & Documents in Colorado

Colorado issues state identification cards through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within the Colorado Department of Revenue. Birth certificates are managed by the Vital Records Section of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

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Quick Answer

You can get a Colorado state ID at any DMV office for $14.50. The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) offers pre-release ID assistance to help individuals obtain identification before returning to the community. Birth certificates cost $17.75 from CDPHE Vital Records.

Colorado ID Agency

Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Website: dmv.colorado.gov

Phone: (303) 205-5600

State ID Card

Cost: $14.50

REAL ID: $14.50 (same cost for REAL ID compliant card)

Processing: 10-14 business days by mail; temporary ID issued same day at office

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card)
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 with full SSN)
  • Proof of Colorado residency (two documents such as utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement)
  • Proof of legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)

Colorado state ID cards are valid for 5 years (10 years for those under 60). REAL ID compliant cards are available at the same cost. You can apply at county DMV offices or online for renewals. A temporary paper ID is provided at the office while the permanent card is mailed.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records

Cost: $17.75

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 2-3 weeks by mail; same day in person at Denver office

Order online: cdphe.colorado.gov/vitalrecords

You can order Colorado birth certificates online through the CDPHE website, by mail, or in person at the Vital Records office in Denver. VitalChek online ordering is also available. You must provide valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) provides pre-release ID assistance. Case managers help individuals obtain birth certificates, Social Security cards, and coordinate with the DMV for state ID applications. The process should be started at least 90 days before the expected release date through your case manager.

Homeless Provisions

Colorado does not have a formal statewide fee waiver specifically for homeless individuals. However, the low $14.50 cost helps reduce barriers. Local organizations and homeless service providers may assist with covering the cost and gathering required documents.

Fee Waivers

No general fee waivers are available for state ID cards. Some community organizations and county human services departments may provide financial assistance for identification documents.

Colorado Reentry ID Law

HB 18-1346 (C.R.S. 17-24-120, 2018)

Requires the Colorado Department of Corrections to assist individuals in obtaining a state-issued identification card, birth certificate, and Social Security card before release. The DOC partners with the DMV for in-facility ID processing.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Colorado: $17.75.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DMV. Cost: $14.50.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DMV, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DMV office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DMV as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DMV offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Colorado-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DMV to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DMV offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Colorado, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Colorado but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the ColoradoState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Colorado and register to vote. See our Colorado voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Colorado Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to get a Colorado state ID?
You need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number, and two documents proving your Colorado address. You must apply in person at a DMV office for your first ID.
Can I get a Colorado state ID with a criminal record?
Yes. A criminal record does not prevent you from obtaining a Colorado state ID. If you are being released from CDOC custody, your case manager can help you start the ID process before your release.
How do I get a birth certificate if I was born in Colorado?
You can order a certified copy from CDPHE Vital Records online, by mail, or in person at the Denver office. The cost is $17.75 per copy. You will need valid photo ID and proof of eligibility to request the record.
What if I have no ID and no documents?
Start by requesting a replacement Social Security card from SSA (free). Then order your birth certificate ($17.75). With those two documents and proof of address, you can apply for your state ID ($14.50). Organizations like Colorado Legal Services can help with the process.
Can I renew my Colorado ID online?
Yes, online renewal is available for eligible renewals through the DMV website. You must have previously applied in person and meet certain criteria. Check dmv.colorado.gov for eligibility.
How long is a Colorado state ID valid?
Colorado state ID cards are generally valid for 5 years. Cards issued to individuals under 60 may be valid for up to 10 years. You can renew in person or online if eligible.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DMV, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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