Colorado is now issuing driver’s licenses to all immigrants

DENVER — Colorado has started issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards to immigrants regardless of their legal status, marking a dramatic change in a state that less than a decade ago passed strict immigration enforcement laws.

There was a festive mood at one Denver office issuing the documents Friday morning, as state Department of Revenue Director Barbara Brohl congratulated applicants once they had their cards approved.

“You reward illegal behavior, you beget more illegal behavior,” said state Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch.

Brohl called the law a matter of public safety.

“We really want to have anyone who’s driving on the roads to have a valid license, because that means that they’ve passed the written test, they passed the driving test, and they have auto insurance, and that’s really important,” she said.

Only those in the country illegally need to make appointments. They must present documents like a utility bill to prove they’ve lived in Colorado the previous two years, in addition to an identification number they’ve used to pay taxes. They must also show a passport or other identification from their home country.

Those with a temporary legal status must present the documents that prove that, as well as evidence of Colorado residency.

Only certain clerks were trained to issue the licenses and IDs, which will cost more than what legal residents pay. The cards are marked to say they can’t be used for voting or to obtain federal benefits.