Q: I am a naturalized citizen, and when I went to renew my expired Colorado ID, I was told I was being investigated. I’m no terrorist. Is this a bizarre administrative error?— Eva Brent, Denver
A: Not at all. The Colorado Department of Revenue is required to confirm a person’s identity, age, name and lawful presence in the United States before it will issue an ID card or driver’s license.
Though you had a state-issued ID, it was probably expired for more than a year. That means it can’t be used to prove those four things and, by law, you have to undergo a background check by the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system.
What that does is ensure you are eligible to obtain state and federal benefits, as well as to be issued a new ID card.
The issue was particularly sticky last year, mostly for the homeless who lacked sufficient documentation to prove the basic four elements.
Once the background check is completed and your identity verified, you’ll likely be receiving your new card.
What really turned things on its ear was the state’s move from a 10-year ID to a five-year ID. The confusion has caused some ID holders, like you, to forget about renewing.
An ID expired for less than a year is sufficient to provide proof of the requirements needed for a new one.
The state’s website has more information at www.revenue.state.co.us/main/home.asp
David Migoya wants to get the answers to your consumer questions. E-mail consumertips@denverpost.com or write to Consumer Shopping Bag, The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, CO, 80202.
