Colorado ID Guide
Colorado license and ID designs, what to check on each, plus Colorado ID in phone wallets and the state's age verification laws.
- Current card design
- 2022The Iconic Credential, issued since 28 Feb 2022
- Older design still valid
- 2016Until each card expires, by the end of 2027 (our estimate)
- Digital ID
- 4 phone walletsmyColorado, Apple, Google and Samsung. It does not replace the card
- Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana
- 21Check ID from anyone who appears under 50 for alcohol and tobacco
Colorado licenses and IDs
Sample images: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (2022 press images published by KUNC and North Forty News, samples on dmv.colorado.gov, and the 2016 new design poster). Images were cropped to the card; the 2016 poster art was converted from print colours; nothing else was changed.
2022 design, REAL ID
CurrentBack of the card
- Magnetic stripe
- Across the top of the back. The DMV says it helps businesses verify the card.
- Restrictions and endorsements
- Restrictions on the left and endorsements on the right, just under the stripe, with the class explained below them.
- Barcodes
- A 2D barcode along the bottom and an upright 1D barcode at the left edge, with a number printed beside it.
- County names
- All 64 counties are printed in tiny text on the back.
- Previous Type
- Lower left. It shows the kind of card held before.
- Record
- CO-DL-2022
- First issued
- 28 Feb 2022
- Last issued
- Still being issued
- In circulation until
- Still being issued
- Checked
- 15 Nov 2026
The Iconic Credential, issued since 28 Feb 2022. The sample carries the VETERAN mark at the lower left.
What to check on the front of the 2022 design, REAL ID
Press a letter or a row to see its source and what the check does not prove.
A card that passes every check is consistent with a genuine Colorado document. No visual check proves it is genuine or still valid. The DMV does not publish all of its security features.
Checking a card against state records
- Record check through AAMVA
- Takes partAAMVA lists Colorado as taking part in its Driver's License Data Verification service with no restrictions. The service is for approved businesses and agencies, not the public.
- Public status check
- None foundNo public online check of another person's license was found. The DMV's status tool is for the holder's own card.
- Relying on the card
- ProtectedState law says no liability falls on a person who relies on the date of birth on a Colorado license that later proves wrong or fraudulent.
- Scanning for alcohol
- Not a defense aloneThe liquor rule names a current ID book or a biometric verification device. The marijuana rule does count an electronic scanner.
- Keeping a fake ID
- Liquor sellers mayA liquor licensee may confiscate a fake ID and must give it to police within 72 hours.
- Scan data law
- None foundNo Colorado law on scanning a license or keeping scan data was found.
Sources: Colorado DMV, REAL ID and Colorado (opens in a new tab) · Colorado DMV, Standard licenses and IDs (opens in a new tab) · Colorado DMV, Identification cards (opens in a new tab) · Colorado DMV, Disability identifier (opens in a new tab) · Colorado DMV, Temporary driver license and identification (opens in a new tab) · Colorado DMV, Iconic Credential feature sheet, Feb 2022 (opens in a new tab) · Colorado DMV, new design poster, 25 Feb 2016 (opens in a new tab) · Colorado DMV, new design fact sheet, 2016 (opens in a new tab) · KUNC on the 2022 design (28 Feb 2022) (opens in a new tab) · C.R.S. 42-2-114 (opens in a new tab) · C.R.S. 42-2-303 (opens in a new tab) · C.R.S. 42-2-304 (opens in a new tab) · AAMVA, participation map (opens in a new tab) · Liquor rules, 1 CCR 203-2 (opens in a new tab)
How to read a Colorado card
- Star in a black circle, upper rightREAL IDOn the 2016 and 2022 designs. Older cards had a gold star.
- Gold starREAL ID, older cardOn cards from before 2016. By the five year rule none should still be valid.
- Black banner: NOT VALID FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATIONStandard cardA valid Colorado card for age and identity. Not usable at TSA.
- Upright card with UNDER 21Issued to someone under 21UNDER 21 runs down beside the photo. No date follows it.
- i symbol beside the photoDisability identifierOptional, since 1 Jul 2022. It does not change what the card proves.
- Receipt plus old cardTemporary documentAfter online renewal the receipt and the expired card act as the temporary credential.
How long a Colorado card lasts
Sources: C.R.S. 42-2-114 (opens in a new tab) · C.R.S. 42-2-304 (opens in a new tab) · C.R.S. 42-2-106 (opens in a new tab) · Colorado DMV, Standard licenses and IDs (opens in a new tab)
Colorado digital ID
- Colorado ID in a phone wallet
- 4 walletsApple Wallet since 9 Nov 2022, Google Wallet since 24 Oct 2023, Samsung Wallet since Nov 2024 (reported date) and the myColorado app.
- Built on
- ISO 18013-5The DMV says the Colorado ID mobile license is based on ISO/IEC 18013-5. AAMVA Digital Trust Service status is not confirmed.
- Age only
- PossibleThe DMV says the date of birth can be hidden while over 21 is shared.
- Free reader for businesses
- myColorado appIts mDL Reader checks over 18 or over 21 from myColorado, Apple, Google and Samsung wallets. Age only, iOS 17 or later, not on iPads.
- Colorado Digital ID (older app ID)
- Different credentialValid in Colorado under a 2019 executive order. It cannot be read by the mDL Reader and police do not accept it at traffic stops.
- Replaces the card
- NoHolders should still carry the physical card.
Sources: Colorado DMV, Colorado ID on Mobile Device slides (Feb 2026) (opens in a new tab) · myColorado, mDL Reader (opens in a new tab) · Colorado Newsline on TSA and the myColorado mDL (1 Sep 2026) (opens in a new tab) · SB24-090 (lost) (opens in a new tab)
Colorado ID by wallet
The same Colorado ID, held in the state app or a phone wallet.
| myColorado appAvailable | Apple WalletAvailable | Google WalletAvailable | Samsung WalletAvailable | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Showing it | ||||
| In person | YesTapped or shown to a reader. The holder approves what is shared | |||
| Online, to a website or app | Not statedNot stated | |||
| Age only, without other details | YesOver 21 can be shared with the date of birth hidden | |||
| Acceptance | ||||
| Airport security | YesTSA since 31 Aug 2026, at more than 250 airports | YesTSA, at participating checkpoints | YesTSA, at participating checkpoints | YesTSA, at participating checkpoints |
| Alcohol and tobacco sales | YesAlcohol, tobacco and marijuana rules accept verified digital ID | |||
| Police at a traffic stop | NoPolice do not accept a phone ID in place of the card at traffic stops. A 2024 bill to change this failed | |||
| Replaces the physical card | NoThe card should still be carried | |||
| For verifiers | ||||
| Follows the ISO mobile license standard | YesISO/IEC 18013-5, per the DMV | |||
| On the issuers' trust list | Not statedAAMVA Digital Trust Service not confirmed | |||
| How a business reads it | The free mDL Reader in the myColorado app or another ISO reader. A screenshot is not verified ID. | |||
| Cost to the holder | Free. | |||
myColorado appAvailable
Showing it
- In person
- YesTapped or shown to a reader. The holder approves what is shared
- Online, to a website or app
- Not statedNot stated
- Age only, without other details
- YesOver 21 can be shared with the date of birth hidden
Acceptance
- Airport security
- YesTSA since 31 Aug 2026, at more than 250 airports
- Alcohol and tobacco sales
- YesAlcohol, tobacco and marijuana rules accept verified digital ID
- Police at a traffic stop
- NoPolice do not accept a phone ID in place of the card at traffic stops. A 2024 bill to change this failed
- Replaces the physical card
- NoThe card should still be carried
For verifiers
- Follows the ISO mobile license standard
- YesISO/IEC 18013-5, per the DMV
- On the issuers' trust list
- Not statedAAMVA Digital Trust Service not confirmed
- How a business reads it
- The free mDL Reader in the myColorado app or another ISO reader. A screenshot is not verified ID.
- Cost to the holder
- Free.
Sources: Colorado DMV, Colorado ID on Mobile Device slides (Feb 2026) (opens in a new tab) · myColorado, mDL Reader (opens in a new tab) · Colorado Newsline on TSA and the myColorado mDL (1 Sep 2026) (opens in a new tab)
Age verification laws in Colorado
Checked 15 Nov 2026. Not legal advice.
- Laws tracked
- 14
- In effect
- 11
- Touched by a court case
- 2
Status keyIn effectIn effect, partly blockedBlocked by courtTakes effect later
| Law | Who must comply | Age | What you must do | Status | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | |||||
| Proof of age for alcoholC.R.S. 44-3-901 · Regulation 47-912 (opens in a new tab) | Liquor licensees and their staff | 21+ | Off-premises sellers must check valid ID unless the buyer is or reasonably appears to be over 50 | In effectIn effect | License suspension or revocation · Liquor Enforcement Division and local authorities |
| Alcohol delivery and takeoutRegulations 47-426 and 47-1101 · C.R.S. 44-3-911 (opens in a new tab) | Liquor stores, drugstores, beer and wine retailers, bars and restaurants | 21+ | Deliver only to someone 21 or over and log the name and ID number | In effectIn effect | License action · Liquor Enforcement Division |
| Tobacco and vapor | |||||
| Tobacco and nicotine, age 21C.R.S. 44-7-103 · Rule 7-900 (opens in a new tab) | Licensed tobacco and nicotine retailers | 21+ | Check government photo ID for anyone who appears under 50 | In effectIn effect | License action · Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement Division |
| Tobacco delivery and online salesC.R.S. 44-7-104.7 · Rule 7-1200 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone shipping or delivering tobacco or nicotine products | 21+ | No shipping to consumers. Licensed retailers may deliver with a photo ID check | In effectIn effect | License action · Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement Division |
| Cannabis | |||||
| Marijuana sales and deliveryRules 3-405 and 3-615, 1 CCR 212-3 (opens in a new tab) | Retail and medical marijuana stores and delivery permit holders | 21+ retail · medical with registry card | Check valid, unexpired ID before every sale and at delivery | In effectIn effect | License action · Marijuana Enforcement Division |
| Other products | |||||
| Natural medicine (psilocybin)Rule 8015, 1 CCR 213-1 (opens in a new tab) | Healing centers and limited natural medicine sales licensees | 21+ | Confirm age 21 from a listed ID, physical or digital | In effectIn effect | License action · Natural Medicine Division |
| KratomSB25-072 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling kratom | 21+ | No sale to anyone under 21. No ID procedure is set | In effectIn effect since 29 May 2025 | Deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act |
| Online gambling | |||||
| Sports bettingC.R.S. 44-30-1506 · Rule 7.11 (opens in a new tab) | Licensed sports betting operators | 21+ | A full identity check before any wager | In effectIn effect | License action · Division of Gaming |
| Lottery ticketsRule 3.4, 1 CCR 206-1 (opens in a new tab) | Lottery retailers | 18+ | No sale to anyone under 18. No ID procedure is set | In effectIn effect | Not checked |
| Firearms | |||||
| Firearms and ammunition, age 21C.R.S. 18-12-112.5 (SB23-169) · HB25-1133 (opens in a new tab) | Licensed gun dealers and ammunition sellers | 21+ | No firearm sale to anyone under 21. Ammunition at 21 with exceptions, since 1 Jul 2026 | In effectIn effectCourt: Rocky Mountain Gun Owners v. Polis: the district court blocked the firearm age law in 2023; the 10th Circuit reversed on 5 Nov 2024, and the district court ruled for the state on 5 Jun 2025 (reported). No Supreme Court action confirmed. | Class 1 misdemeanor for the seller |
| Social media | |||||
| Social media warnings for minorsHB24-1136 · C.R.S. 6-1-1601 (opens in a new tab) | Social media platforms | Under 18 | Show pop-up health notices to users under 18 | Blocked by courtBlocked by court since 6 Nov 2025Court: NetChoice v. Weiser (D. Colo.): preliminary injunction against the notice section on 6 Nov 2025. The state's appeal to the 10th Circuit is pending (reported). | Not in force |
| Children's online data (privacy law)SB24-041 (Colorado Privacy Act) (opens in a new tab) | Online services covered by the Colorado Privacy Act | Under 18 | Extra care when the service knows or willfully disregards that a user is a minor. No age check required | In effectIn effect since 1 Oct 2025 | Attorney General and district attorneys |
| AI chatbots and minorsHB26-1263 (opens in a new tab) | Operators of public conversational AI services | Under 18 | Estimate users' ages with commercially reasonable methods and add protections for minors | Takes effect laterDuties begin 1 Jan 2027 | Not confirmed from the bill page |
| App stores | |||||
| Age signals from devices and app storesSB26-051 (opens in a new tab) | Operating system providers, app stores and app developers | Under 18 | Collect an age or age bracket at device setup and pass an age signal to apps | Takes effect laterTakes effect 1 Jul 2028 | Up to $2,500 per minor (negligent) or $7,500 (intentional) · Attorney General |
This page lists Colorado law only. Federal rules apply here too and are covered on the United States page. Colorado has no age verification law for adult websites: SB25-201 was lost in 2025 and a 2026 resolution died in committee.
Timeline
- 1 Jul 2028Upcoming · App storesDevice and app store age signal law SB26-051 takes effect
- End of 2027Upcoming · LicenseLast 2016 design cards expire by the five year rule (our estimate)
- 1 Jan 2027Upcoming · AI chatbotsAI chatbot duties under HB26-1263 begin
- 31 Aug 2026Effective · Digital IDTSA accepts the myColorado mobile license
- 1 Jul 2026Effective · FirearmsAmmunition age rises to 21
- 6 Nov 2025Court · Social mediaCourt blocks the social media warning law
- 1 Oct 2025Effective · Social mediaChildren's data protections in the Privacy Act take effect
- 24 Apr 2025Bill failed · Social mediaSocial media bill SB25-086 vetoed; the House override falls short
- 14 Apr 2025Bill failed · Adult contentAdult website age check bill SB25-201 stalls and is lost
- 5 Nov 2024Court · FirearmsAppeals court upholds the age 21 rule for buying guns
- 9 Nov 2022Effective · Digital IDColorado ID added to Apple Wallet
- 28 Feb 2022New design · LicenseThe Iconic Credential design launches
Questions
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Match the card to its design first. A 2022 card has a bold green or red COLORADO with a second Colorado inside it, a black and white photo, a small second photo at the lower right, raised print and a magnetic stripe on the back.
Then scan the 2D barcode and compare it with the front. A match does not prove the card is genuine.
Yes, until the date printed on it. Adult cards last about five years, so the last 2016 cards should expire by the end of 2027. That date is our estimate, not a DMV figure.
Both designs use a star in a black circle for REAL ID.
Yes for age and identity. The DMV calls Standard cards a valid Colorado identification, and the liquor rule accepts any state license or ID card.
It only means the card cannot be used for federal purposes such as TSA.
Yes. The liquor rule accepts any verified digital identification. The free mDL Reader in the myColorado app confirms over 21 from myColorado, Apple, Google or Samsung wallets.
A screenshot or a photo of a card is not verified ID.
For alcohol sold to take away and for tobacco and nicotine, check ID from anyone who appears to be under 50.
Marijuana stores must check ID for every sale.
A liquor licensee may confiscate a fake ID and must hand it to police within 72 hours. Failing to do so is not a crime.
No such power was found in the tobacco or marijuana rules.
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