Identification and Voting in Colorado

Within Colorado, there are only two situations in which you need to provide an acceptable form identification for voting: 

  • Registering to Vote: First, when you register to vote for the first time with the Colorado Secretary of State's Office
  • Voting in Person: Second, when you choose to vote in-person at a vote center during an election

Being an ID-Required Voter

When you register to vote, most voters provide their ID by entering their Colorado Driver's License number on a voter registration form. Many voters are also automatically registered when they get their Driver's License, too. However, if you didn't provide an acceptable form of identification when you registered to vote—perhaps because you don't have a Driver's License, or you used the last four digits of your social security number—you'll need to provide a photocopy of your ID with your mail ballot before your vote can count. 

Instructions for Providing Required ID

Providing ID

Please note: Providing ID is only necessary for a very small number of voters. Unless you've received explicit instructions to do so with your ballot, you do not need to provide ID. Once you've registered to vote and have provided ID, we use the signature on your official return envelope to verify your identity

If you need to provide ID, you'll receive additional instructions with your mail ballot (which most voters will receive about three weeks before Election Day). Follow the instructions as provided. If you do not return a photocopy of your ID, your vote will not count. To return a photocopy of your ID:

  1. Find your ID: First, find your ID. 
    1. Make sure your ID is current and valid. Additionally, if your ID shows an address, it must be a Colorado address. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found in the next tab.
  2. Make a Copy: Then, make a photocopy of your ID with a scanner, printer, or copy machine.
  3. Return it with your ballot: Finally, place the photocopy of your ID in your official return envelope with your ballot.

If you prefer, you can also send us a digital copy of your ID as an attachment via email at elections@larimer.gov. If you have any questions, please give us a call or send us an email at (970) 498-7820 or elections@larimer.gov

Acceptable Forms of ID

Please note: If your ID shows an address, it must be a Colorado address. Your ID must be current and valid, too.

If you are choosing to vote in-person at a vote center or have been asked to return a photocopy of your ID with your ballot, please make sure you are providing an acceptable form of identification as listed below:

  • A Colorado Driver's License
  • A U.S. Passport
  • An ID Card from the Department of Revenue
  • A student ID card with your photograph from an institute of higher education in Colorado
  • A certified copy of your U.S. Birth Certificate that was issued in the U.S.
  • A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
  • A military ID card with your photograph
  • A veteran ID card with your photograph from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration
  • An ID Card from a federally recognized tribal government certifying your tribal membership
  • A Medicare or Medicaid card issued by the United States Health Care Financing Administration
  • A pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration or other authorized agency of the U.S.
  • Certified documentation of naturalization
  • A Government Employee ID card with your photograph from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the federal government, state, municipality, board, authority, or other political subdivision
  • Written correspondence from the County Sheriff or their designee to the County Clerk indicating that you are confined in a county jail or detention facility
  • Verification that you are committed to the Department of Human Services and are eligible to register and vote
  • Verification that you are a resident of a group residential facility