Another tricky car registration question (Denver, Golden: purchasing, DMV, taxes)

[missingcol]

My CA car registration will be expired on 4/12. My plan to land on Denver is 4/25. Do I must renewal my CA registration and then apply a new CO car registration after I arrive (means pay twice)? Or any better idea? Thanks in advance.

[WolfBoy914]

your registration expires in the middle of the month? are you sure it doesn't run until the last day of April?

[missingcol]

The plate month stiker is April. But if you check your car registration card, it has exact date on it. I just found this too.

[sunsprit]

California registration does, in fact, expire on the day of the month as noted on the registration, without any "grace" period. IF you don't renew on or before the day of expiration, 10% penalties are in effect the next day.

Colorado requires that you register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to the state and obtaining a job here.

So, you really are subject to paying in both states ... in California, on time ... and then, in Colorado, on time. If you don't renew if California, then your vehicle is "unregistered" after 4/12, which may have seriously adverse consequences if you are stopped for a moving violation, or if your vehicle is involved in an accident. Best to keep it legal before your move, and then register in Colorado as required.

[sterlinggirl]

In CO, the police won't hassle you before the end of the month.

You could always call the CA DMV and ask what your options are. Even after your plates are expired, you should be able to get a temporary (transit) tag that will let you drive to CO without having to get your vehicle inspected and paying a full year's fee.

[missingcol]

Thanks all. To be safe, I probably have to pay double registration fees.

[formercalifornian]

Having lived in California, I don't suggest playing fast and loose with the Golden State registration. You could get burned badly if you get caught. However, I know lots of people here in Colorado who simply renewed when their previous state's registration expired. In fact, a previous neighbor of mine is still maintaining his New Jersey plates three full years after purchasing a house. I don't recommend it, but lots of people here get away with it. As for me, I just sucked it up and paid.

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by formercalifornian

Having lived in California, I don't suggest playing fast and loose with the Golden State registration. You could get burned badly if you get caught. However, I know lots of people here in Colorado who simply renewed when their previous state's registration expired. In fact, a previous neighbor of mine is still maintaining his New Jersey plates three full years after purchasing a house. I don't recommend it, but lots of people here get away with it. As for me, I just sucked it up and paid.

It's illegal to wait beyond the lawful time to re-register a vehicle when relocating to Colorado. It's also being a tax cheat, which--contrary to popular belief--does not "cheat" the government out of money--it just cheats one's law-abiding neighbors, who have to either pay higher taxes or live with fewer services because deadbeats don't pay their lawful fair share of the tax burden.

As to your New Jersey neighbor, I would have reported him to law enforcement in a heartbeat. He's a deadbeat, cheating skunk--and you are helping to pay for his law-breaking behavior.

[formercalifornian]

Oh, yes, Jazz, I'm a terrible person for not reporting my neighbor! Sorry, but my life is complicated enough without policing my friend's and neighbor's license plates. As I said, I don't recommend cheating, but it happens. Personally, I paid on time, because it wasn't worth taking the risk.

For the OP, I believe that once you are officially registered in Colorado, you can apply for a refund from the state of California. Of course, with the Golden State facing insolvency, it's unlikely that you'd get it. Still, it's worth checking out.

[HighlandsGal]

I'd take sterlinggirl's advice -- and try to get a transit sticker. Otherwise, renew in CA and wait until next year to get your CO plates and registration. It is stupid to pay twice!!