Signed by Governor John Hickenlooper

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that authorizes driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Department of Revenue to issue an identification document to an individual who is an undocumented immigrant in the United States if certain requirements including, but not limited to, the following are met (Sec. 4):
• The individual qualifies for the identification document;
• The individual provides a passport, a consular identification card, or a military identification document from the individual’s country of origin; 
• The individual signs an affidavit confirming residency; and
• The individual presents proof of Colorado resident income tax return filing for the preceding year.

• Defines “identification document” as a either a driver’s license, minor driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card issued by the Department of Revenue (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes the Department of Revenue to issue an identification document to an individual who is “temporarily present” in the United States if the following requirements are met (Sec. 4):
• The individual provides documents to the Department of Revenue to demonstrate lawful presence in the United States; and
• The individual’s status is confirmed by the federal government.

• Prohibits an individual from using an identification document for federal identification, voting, or public benefit purposes (Sec. 4).

• Requires the identification document issued under this bill to be “distinguishable” from other identification documents and expire 3 years after issuance (Sec. 4).

• Prohibits a peace officer from arresting an individual merely for possessing an identification document issued under this bill (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Department of Revenue to issue an identification document to an individual who is an undocumented immigrant in the United States if certain requirements including, but not limited to, the following are met (Sec. 4):
• The individual qualifies for the identification document;
• The individual provides a passport, a consular identification card, or a military identification document from the individual’s country of origin; 
• The individual signs an affidavit confirming residency; and
• The individual presents proof of Colorado resident income tax return filing for the preceding year.

• Defines “identification document” as a either a driver’s license, minor driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card issued by the Department of Revenue (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes the Department of Revenue to issue an identification document to an individual who is “temporarily present” in the United States if the following requirements are met (Sec. 4):
• The individual provides documents to the Department of Revenue to demonstrate lawful presence in the United States; and
• The individual’s status is confirmed by the federal government.

• Prohibits an individual from using an identification document for federal identification, voting, or public benefit purposes (Sec. 4).

• Requires the identification document issued under this bill to be “distinguishable” from other identification documents and expire 3 years after issuance (Sec. 4).

• Prohibits a peace officer from arresting an individual merely for possessing an identification document issued under this bill (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text