This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Denver • Colorado has started issuing driver licenses and identification cards to immigrants regardless of their legal status, marking a dramatic change in a state where legislators once passed strict immigration enforcement laws.

There was a festive mood at one Denver office issuing the documents Friday morning as state Department of Revenue Director Barbara Brohl congratulated applicants once they had their cards approved.

Five offices across the state are taking appointments from immigrants, including those with temporary legal permits and those in the country illegally. About 9,500 people are signed up for appointments through the next 90 days.

Colorado is among eight states that last year passed laws allowing identification documents for immigrants in the country illegally. The change is notable in Colorado because Democrats and Republicans in 2006 passed a package of laws cracking down on illegal immigration.