CO driver’s license

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 51 Comments

Benefits of the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act Cut for Undocumented Immigrants

Beginning February 2, 2015, foreign nationals living in the United States without authorization will have a much more difficult time getting a driver’s license in Colorado.  Following a vote by the Joint Budget Committee to restrict funding for the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act, the DMV has been forced to downsize their ability to offer driver’s licenses to immigrants who are in the country without authorization.

The DMV’s Denver Central office is now the only location in the State of Colorado that can issue driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.  These licenses are valid for three years and are restricted – meaning they do not serve as federal identification for air travel purposes, cannot be used for an I-9, and cannot be used to apply for public benefits.  Driver’s licenses for immigrants present in the United States without permission may be obtained by appointment only.  However, due to the lack of funding, the DMV office is not currently accepting new appointments.  Those seeking to make an appointment for a license are directed to visit www.colorado.gov/dmv on or after Jan. 5, 2016 to schedule an appointment.  Foreign nationals interested in learning more about obtaining a driver’s license can visit this website for more information.

 

 

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 46 Comments

Colorado Lawmakers Vote Against Noncitizen Drivers’ License Program

The Joint Budget Committee voted Wednesday against granting extended funding for DMV offices to issue driver’s licenses to noncitizens.  Prior to the vote, five out of the state’s fifty-six DMV offices were able to issue noncitizens driver’s licenses.  Now, after the Joint Budget Committee’s refusal to continue funding, only one office in the State of Colorado will maintain the ability to do so.  The Department of Revenue, which administers the DMV, will provide additional information about which office will administer noncitizen driver’s licenses and how noncitizens should go about applying for a license in the near future.

“The Denver Post estimated that the dearth of offices and the state’s decision to offer appointment-only slots to apply for the licenses meant some of the 150,000 in Colorado seeking the licenses would have to wait more than four years. With only one office offering the service, that wait could jump to more than 16 years.”

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 161 Comments

Update on the New CO Driver’s License and ID Law

Last week, we reported on the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (SB-251), which goes into effect August 1, 2014. Since then, several important changes have been made to the implementation of the new law.

Individuals who can demonstrate temporary lawful presence in the U.S. may apply for a driver’s license or identification card at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office location.  This is an important change as originally individuals with temporary lawful presence would have been required to make an appointment at one of only five DVM locations in the state.

Applicants who cannot demonstrate lawful presence in the U.S. will still be required to schedule an appointment at one of five DMV office locations.  Please visit the Colorado DMV website for more information about the five DMV locations and what you will need to bring to your appointment. It is critical that individuals who cannot demonstrate lawful presence consult an attorney before applying for a license if they have ever previously applied for a license as they may risk being charged with fraud.

Stern & Curray is following this issue closely and will be hosting a free teleconference on July 29th from 12:00-1:00 pm (MDT) to address concerns from employers and in-house counsel regarding the impact on their foreign-born employees. Please email conference@sterncurray.com to receive additional information.

 

 

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