MyColorado App Review 

 The myColorado app is an app that allows its users to have a digital copy of various documents that they would normally carry with them in their car or person. If you are a person that carries minimal items at all times this is a great app for you to have. The documents that are available for digital carry-on the app are your Colorado state ID, covid19 vaccination record, Colorado parks and wildlife licenses, car registration, and car insurance. All of these documents are in one convenient place, The myColorado app. This app comes in handy when you might forget your wallet or are going on a long hike and want to save on weight.

Once you can confirm your identity and log in the app offers more options for you to take advantage of. The main purpose of the app is to give the user access to important Colorado documents. There are other resources the app provides links on how to renew your license, shop for Colorado parks and wildlife, and other helpful things that you might need to deal with the state. The app is compatible with both iOS devices and Android users. The user interface is easy to navigate, very intuitive, and simple so the user does not feel overwhelmed or feel like there is a lot of experimenting with it.

Although the app does make it convenient to have these documents in one location, the app is there to complement the physical copies that you should carry around until the digital forms are accepted everywhere. Certain places will not allow you to use a digital ID like when you are trying to purchase a firearm. There is fear that some of the documents can be replicated or falsified. Another problem that could arise from this app is someone using someone else login credentials to pretend to be them for nefarious reasons. The app does use multi-factor authentication every time you need to log in for added protection.

The first recommendation I have for this app is the initial login process could be easier to get through than the way it is now. The app asks to use the camera to try to identify your facial features, but this process seems to fail often and doesn’t work for everyone. The problem that can arise from this is that if the person does not look like they did when their ID picture was taken. My process was difficult and was surprised that it worked because I do not look like my ID picture. I have since then grown a beard and changed my hairstyle it was only after two days of trying that I got past the authentication process. I understand the reason behind why it is done this way so they can see who is trying to gain access to the ID. Once this process is done with you only need to log in with your user ID and password.

The second recommendation that I have for the app should allow you access to your ID without some sort of internet service. The app should be able to store your credentials on your mobile device for you to access the documents you need in case it is the only form of identification you carry. Having access to this can help you if you are ever questioned by authorities* and all you have on your person is your phone. Having these documents could be used as well if they are stolen or lost. There are many reasons you could use these documents on your phone without internet service.

The third recommendation I have for the myColorado app is limiting the number of times one has to log in to have access to these documents. The app automatically logs you out and you have to log in with the multi-authentication factor as well. If you do not have internet service, you will not be able to log in and have access to your documents. Sometimes service can be limited on your cell phone making it impossible to log in to the app so staying logged in would illuminate the hassle of login in often. If the app would let you know when you need to log in you could be proactive and login if you know you will not be able to later when you need access to these documents.

 

*I do not recommend handing your phone to the authorities for any reason and I recommend that you have your device locked with a secure password.