Legal Help

🪪 Getting a Colorado ID

A government ID unlocks almost everything — jobs, benefits, housing, banking. Here's how to get one:

Colorado ID card: Visit any Colorado DMV office. You'll need proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or another government document) and proof of Colorado residency (a shelter letter works).

Fee waivers: If you can't afford the fee, ask your case manager at St. Francis Center or Denver Rescue Mission — they can often help with fee waivers or cover the cost.

Birth certificate: Colorado charges $17.75 for a birth certificate. If you were born out of state, you'll need to contact that state's vital records office. Case managers can help navigate this.

📋 Dealing with Municipal Tickets

If you've received tickets for trespassing, camping, or other municipal violations, don't ignore them — they can turn into warrants. Denver has problem-solving courts and diversion programs that can help resolve tickets without jail time.

Contact Colorado Legal Services or ask your case manager about options for addressing outstanding tickets or warrants.

✊ Rights as an Unhoused Person in Denver

You have the right to be in public spaces during the day. You have the right to access public services like libraries and parks. You have the right to vote — you do not need a permanent address to register.

Police must give you notice before sweeping an encampment — your belongings cannot be destroyed without warning. If your property was seized, contact Colorado Legal Services immediately.

Denver Homeless Out Loud (denverhomelessoutloud.org) provides Know Your Rights trainings and advocates for unhoused people's civil rights.