New resident -- confused about getting drivers license & buying a car (living, airport)

[icequeen2008]

In Minnesota it is thirty days and also in Ohio. Do you guys in Co. have emission checks? I know we dont in Mn.

[phetaroi]

Originally Posted by formercalifornian

I was always under the impression that you were required to obtain a CO license no later than ninety days after establishing permanent residency.

I actually think that's what the website means to say, but that it is poorly worded.

[BarryK123]

Originally Posted by phetaroi

I actually think that's what the website means to say, but that it is poorly worded.

I read it the other way around. You're not considered a resident until you've been here for 90 days.

[phetaroi]

Originally Posted by BarryK123

I read it the other way around. You're not considered a resident until you've been here for 90 days.

Well, here's the problem.

You no longer own a property or rent a residence in your old state.
You own a property in which you reside in in Colorado.
You need to buy a new car in Colorado.

So someone coming from outside the state can't drive for 3 months? That doesn't make sense, either.

[Amy WJ]

We live in VA and have a home in CO. We have VA driver's licenses and bought a truck in CO, where it stays (and is insured). If I remember correctly we needed to show proof of residence in CO but didn't require a CO driver's license to get the vehicle registered. We also did not pay any taxes in VA for this purchase. Most states require you to obtain a driver's license within 30 days of becoming a permanent resident but this is not required in order to purchase a vehicle in CO. So buy the vehicle first if you like. It makes no difference. Emmission checks are not required in CO either, like they are in many other states.

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by Amy WJ

Emmission checks are not required in CO either, like they are in many other states.

Incorrect. They are required if you live in the Denver metro area and a few other counties. The rural areas don't require emissions checks. Department of Revenue - Division of Motor Vehicles:Emissions Information

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by Amy WJ

Emmission checks are not required in CO either, like they are in many other states.

Wrong. Depending on what county you reside in and the type and year of vehicle, Colorado does have emission testing. Info here:

Department of Revenue - Division of Motor Vehicles:Emissions Information

[Amy WJ]

Thanks for the clarification(s)!

[formercalifornian]

Originally Posted by phetaroi

Well, here's the problem.

You no longer own a property or rent a residence in your old state.
You own a property in which you reside in in Colorado.
You need to buy a new car in Colorado.

So someone coming from outside the state can't drive for 3 months? That doesn't make sense, either.

I've looked at the information on the Department of Revenue website, and while I agree that the information is confusing, this is what I understand it to mean.

* Drivers may operate a motor vehicle in Colorado with a valid driver's license from any other state.

* Drivers must obtain a Colorado license if they have resided in the state for 90 consecutive days and do not qualify for an exemption (e.g., military or student). In other words, if you are unemployed and have been crashing on the couch at a friend's house for more three months, you are considered a Colorado resident, even if you never bothered to rent a place of your own.

* A driver can also meet the residency requirement by owning/operating a business in Colorado or being gainfully employed within the state. There a lots of loopholes, but based on the OP's situation, the state likely considers him a resident.

* After meeting the requirements of Colorado residency, a driver has thirty days to obtain a license.

[PokerMunkee]

Hey, what kind of car did you end up buying? Just curious