Here is the DMV's standard process for getting Identification, and here is the Exceptions Process, for those who can't provide the standard documents. If you require a voucher to cover the cost of an I.D. at the DMV, the Denver GIVE Center (located at 2929 W 10th Ave, Denver CO 80204) has vouchers for those that qualify. You can call them at (720) 944-4483.
The basic process to get your IDs or Birth Certificate would be to go to the local agencies that specifically handles those documents. So if you need an ID or to renew your ID, you'd go to the DMV, and if you need Birth Certificates, you'd contact the Vital Records section of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to request a copy. For places like these, it's important that you bring (multiple) documents as proof of your identity (such as an old ID, social security card, valid bill addressed to you at your current residence, etc).
If you are not able to cover the fees to get an ID or Birth Certificate, there are local non-profit agencies that can assist you in this process. These agencies are the Colorado ID Project, Metro Caring, Colorado Legal Services, and the Assessment, Intake, & Diversion (AID) Center. Below is detailed information regarding these organizations:
Colorado ID Project
The Colorado ID Project offers assistance to eligible low-income and senior Coloradans who need help gathering the documents needed to get a state ID, including birth certificates. The Project also assists in complex cases such as name changes, vouchers to cover the cost of ID, replacement of lost immigration or citizen documents, and delayed registrations of birth. There is no charge for these services. Note: Take the elevator to the 3rd floor first to check in with administration. You will not be able to get into the office on the 4th floor until you do this.
Service Area: Denver, Statewide
Phone Number: (303) 837-1313
Email Address: idproject@colegalserv.org
Street Address: 1905 Sherman St. #400, Denver, CO 80203
Services Provided: ID assistance, birth certificates, name changes, vouches to cover the cost of ID replacement, replacement of lost immigration or citizen document fees coverages, registration of birth fee coverage
Eligibility Criteria: To be issued a Colorado ID or driver’s license, you must prove the following four elements: full legal name, date of birth, identity, and lawful presence in the US. In some cases, a single “standalone” document may prove all four elements. If you do not have one of the acceptable standalone documents, you will have to provide a combination of other documents that satisfy all the required elements. All documents presented to the DMV must be certified originals, certified amended originals or true copies certified by the issuing agency. The DMV will not accept copies, photos of documents, faxes, or digital versions of any documentation.
To prove your residency, you need to provide two of the following that include your name, address, and are dated within the last year:
- Utility bill or phone bill
- Lease agreement, mortgage statement, or rental receipt in your name (receipt cannot be handwritten)
- First class mail dated with postmark
- Note: Mail addressed with a label or not postmarked first class mail by USPS will not be accepted.
- Credit card or bank statement
- Insurance policy
- Pay stub
- Vehicle registration or title
- Colorado ID/license with current address
Application/Intake Process: The Colorado ID project provides vouchers to whos cannot afford the cost to get an ID or replacement ID. The Colorado ID project partners with several organizations/locations to assist in providing these vouchers. To see a full list of the partnered orgs and their locations, click HERE.
Call before you visit, as some organizations have specific eligibility requirements, a limited supply, or vouchers may only be given out during specific times.
Wait Time: Depends on each location/organization's application process.
Locations where vouchers (through the Colorado ID Project) may be obtained are:
Boulder/Fort Collins Area:
Boulder Bridge House
5345 Arapahoe Ave., #5, Boulder CO 80303
303-442-8300
Boulder Shelter for the Homeless
4869 N. Broadway, Boulder CO 80304
303-442-4646
Colorado Legal Services – Boulder
2935 Baseline Rd., Suite 301, Boulder, 80303
303-449-7575
Colorado Legal Services – Fort Collins
215 W. Oak Street, Suite 800, Ft. Collins, CO 80521
970-493-2891
Colorado Legal Services – Greeley
912 8th Ave., Greeley CO 80631
970-353-7554
Emergency Family Assistance Association
1575 Yarmouth Ave., Boulder CO 80304
303-442-3042
Homeward Alliance (formerly Homeless Gear)
242 Conifer St., Fort Collins CO 80524
970-658-9878
Sister Carmen Community Center
655 Aspen Ridge Dr., Lafayette CO 80026
303-665-4342
United Way of Weld County
814 9th St,, Greeley CO 80631
970-353-4300
Colorado Springs Area:
Catholic Charities of Central Colorado
228 North Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs CO 80903
719-636-2345
Colorado Legal Services – Colorado Springs
102 South Tejon, Suite 430, Colorado Springs 80903
719-471-0380
Independence Center
729 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs CO 80903
719-471-8181
Springs Rescue Mission
5 W. Las Vegas St., Colorado Springs CO 80903
719-632-1822
Denver Metro Area:
The Action Center
8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood CO 80215
303-237-7704
Aurora Mental Health Center
1544 Elmira St., Aurora CO 80010
303-364-3481
Christ’s Body Ministries
850 Lincoln St., Denver CO 80203
303-860-1272
Colfax Community Network
1585 Kingston St., Aurora CO 80010
303-360-9175
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
2111 Champa St., Denver CO 80205
303-293-2217
Colorado Legal Services – Denver Metro
1905 Sherman St., 3rd Floor, Denver CO 80205
303-837-1313
Community Table (formerly Arvada Community Food Bank)
8555 W. 57th Ave., Arvada CO 80002
303-424-6685
The Delores Project
Women only
info@thedeloresproject.org
303-534-5411
Denver Works
929 29th St., Denver CO 80205
303-433-0300
Douglas/Elbert Task Force
1638 Park St., Castle Rock CO 80109
303-688-1114
Father Woody’s Haven of Hope
1101 W. 7th Ave., Denver CO 80204
303-607-0855
Giving Heart Englewood
4358 S. Broadway, Englewood CO 80113
720-460-0953
Saint Francis Center
2323 Curtis St., Denver CO 80205
303-297-1576
Second Chance Center
9722 E. 16th Ave., Aurora CO 80010
303-537-5838
Urban Peak
Youth only
730 21st St., Denver CO 80205
303-974-2908
Grand Junction Area:
Colorado Legal Services – Grand Junction
422 White Avenue, Suite 300, Grand Junction CO 81501
970-243-7940
Grand Valley Peace & Justice
740 Gunnison Ave., Suites 218 & 220, Grand Junction CO 81501
970-985-4253
Pueblo Area:
Colorado Legal Services
1000 West 6th Street, Pueblo CO 81003
719-545-6708
Pueblo Cooperative Care Center
326 West 8th St., Pueblo CO 81003
719-543-7484
San Luis Valley:
Colorado Legal Services – Alamosa
603 Main St., Alamosa CO 81101
719-589-4993
Southeastern Colorado:
Colorado Legal Services – La Junta
10 West 3rd St., La Junta CO 81050
719-384-5438
Southwestern Colorado:
Colorado Legal Services – Durango
835 East 2nd Avenue, # 300, Durango CO 81201
970-247-0266
Metro Caring
Do you need an ID, driver's license, or birth certificate? Through the Colorado ID Project, Metro Caring can provide you with a voucher for one of these documents, which are essential for employment, housing, healthcare, and more. You can redeem your voucher at qualifying locations to receive an ID, driver's license, or birth certificate for free.
- Colorado State Documents
For Colorado-state ID, driver's license, and birth certificate requests, vouchers are available at Metro Caring during our Fresh Foods Market hours, without an appointment. Not able to get to Metro Caring? Our ID, driver's license, and birth certificate vouchers are available all over the state of Colorado. Check and see if we have vouchers at a more convenient location! - Out-of-State Documents
Metro Caring is not currently able to provide vouchers for out-of-state documents. For out-of-state voucher requests, please visit our ID Project partners at Colorado ID Project and Holy Ghost Ministries. - For all other ID Project questions not related to out-of-state birth certificates, please contact our Community Development team at idproject@metrocaring.org.
Service Area: Denver
Phone Number: (303) 860-7200
Email Address: info@metrocaring.org
Street Address: 1100 E. 18th Ave., Denver CO 80218
Services Provided: Food security, Colorado Identification, Resource navigation
Application/Intake Process: For Colorado-state ID, driver's license, and birth certificate requests, vouchers are available at Metro Caring during our Fresh Foods Market hours, without an appointment. Availability is limited and first-come, first-serve.
Additional Information: Please note: Vouchers are not eligible for ID or license reinstatement fees.
Assessment, Intake, and Diversion (AID) Center
Terrific Thursday takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month, giving individuals an opportunity to connect with systems-based and community service providers all in one place including I.D. card services.
Service Area: Denver, Statewide
Phone Number: 720-865-5981
Email Address: CarlonL.Manuel@Denvergov.Org
Street Address: The Assessment, Intake, and Diversion (AID) Center - 1370 Elati St. Denver 80204
Services Provided:
- Housing Services
- Substance Misuse Support
- Mental Health Support
- Food Resources
- Hygiene Products
- LEAD Program
- Support Services
- Case Coordination
- Sober Living Services
- Veterans Services
- Employment Preparation and Connection
Eligibility Criteria: Anyone age 18 or over. Individuals can access the AID Center during operating hours by way of walk-ins, referrals or DPD referral in lieu of arrest.
Application/Intake Process: The AID Center’s primary goal is to operate as a barrier-free connection point to systems and community-based services. Participants do not need to undergo a background check, nor do they need to show an ID to receive services or program referral. Citizenship will also not be asked. Anyone who needs services or program referral is welcome at the AID Center.