Disability Disclosure On Vehicle Registration In Colorado

With the passage of HB 21-1014 (Disability Symbol Identification Document Act), Coloradans who may be unable to communicate effectively with first responders due to cognitive, neurological, mental health, sensory needs, chronic illness, chronic pain, and physical disability can now choose to disclose their disability on their driver record for law enforcement to see. This information can also be removed at any time by the user. On July 1, 2022, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will allow those who qualify to add disability information to their account.

Overview Of Disability Disclosure

People with disabilities that affect their ability to communicate with first responders can now indicate this on their driver's licenses. According to a press release from the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, eligible Coloradans can choose to add a disability identifier to their driver's license or identification card. It informs first responders that the license or ID card holder has a non-visible disability that may impair communication ability, such as cognitive disabilities, neurological differences, mental health disorders, sensory needs, chronic illness, or physical disabilities. According to the release, to add the identifier, Coloradans must have a health care provider sign a form attesting that the person has a disability that may impair their ability to communicate with law enforcement. After that, the applicant must bring the completed form to their state driver's license office appointment. The identifier can be freely added and removed. According to the DMV, the identifier is also implemented following the Disability Symbol Identification Document Act of 2021. In the state legislature, it received bipartisan support. In addition, eligible individuals can voluntarily disclose their disability on vehicle registrations. Only law enforcement and DMV personnel have access to this information. It is nowhere to be found on the printed vehicle registration card. Adding an identifier to a vehicle registration is similar to adding one to a driver's license. It can also be freely added or removed.

Eligibility

Coloradans who may be unable to communicate effectively with first responders due to cognitive, neurological, mental health, sensory needs, chronic illness, chronic pain, and physical disability will benefit from the new service option. Eligible Coloradans can voluntarily add "disability" to their vehicle registration account at no cost.

Disclosure

Adding a disability is optional and does not appear on the registration. The new service option notifies first responders that a driver or regular passenger has a disability without the driver or passenger having to communicate it.

Process

A health care provider must fill out and sign the DR 2215 (Voluntary Disability Disclosure Application), which must then be submitted to a county motor vehicle office. The applicant is not charged for this service.

Upon Renewal

Coloradans can keep or remove the identifier when renewing their vehicle without bringing a signed Vehicle Services form (DR 2215 Voluntary Disability Disclosure Application).

Removal

If you no longer want the information in your account, you can have it removed for free. A Coloradan can remove the disability information by visiting a County motor vehicle office (at any time during the registration period) or by going to myDMV.Colorado.gov during a renewal transaction.