Car Registration Problem (Denver: attorney, transfer, DMV)

[david831]

So I'm from California and have been living in Denver for just over a year. I'm a full time student here so I have been able to drive with my California drivers license and plates. Well my tags are up and I can't renew my registration through California because it requires a smog check. Anyways my issue is the car title is under my parents name and in California. Am I wrong to believe that if I have my father mail me the title it wouldn't do much because it's still under his name. Unless can I register the car here even if it's under his name? If I can't what do I do

[cowboyxjon]

A search of the forum turned up this: Car due for smog check, but I'm out of state?

It seems like you should be able to work with the State of California on this issue by filling out some paperwork. Also, as a student, you don't have to register your car here in Colorado. (source: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/new-colorado-0)

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by david831

So I'm from California and have been living in Denver for just over a year. I'm a full time student here so I have been able to drive with my California drivers license and plates. Well my tags are up and I can't renew my registration through California because it requires a smog check. Anyways my issue is the car title is under my parents name and in California. Am I wrong to believe that if I have my father mail me the title it wouldn't do much because it's still under his name. Unless can I register the car here even if it's under his name? If I can't what do I do

I would try cowboyxjon's advice first because unless your dad transfers the title to your name or gives you power of attorney you can't do the initial registration/title transfer on the car in Colorado because his name is on the title.

[david831]

Originally Posted by cowboyxjon

A search of the forum turned up this: Car due for smog check, but I'm out of state?

It seems like you should be able to work with the State of California on this issue by filling out some paperwork. Also, as a student, you don't have to register your car here in Colorado. (source: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/new-colorado-0)

Thank you so much. I knew I didn't have to register here but I didn't know what to do because of the smog thing. Thank you for this link.

[rumline]

But everybody told me that if you have CA plates in CO, your car will be upside down and on fire within a week.

[alloo66]

So you would rather pay a higher CA registration and Smog then register the car in CO?

[david831]

It was much cheaper to keep it with California plates. Plus with the temporally out of state fit smog I didn't have to pay for smog. Plus I would've had to pay for smog, plus a new VID or VIN plus new the registration itself for my car was more expensive here than CA

[alloo66]

Contact the CA DMV with your questions.

[reed303]

For future refernce for those with CA cars temporarily in CO ( or any other State)

This from Q&As: Smog Check Program


42. My renewal notice says my vehicle needs a Smog Check but the vehicle is located out of state and will not be back for many months. It's too far to bring back to California for a smog inspection. Can I get my vehicle tested in another state and send the results to DMV? No. There is no need to get a smog inspection in another state, as it will not be valid in California. In order to complete your registration, simply fill out and sign DMV's Statement of Facts form stating the reason why the vehicle cannot be tested. DMV will mail the registration and license plate sticker to wherever the car is currently located.

[Timmyy]

Originally Posted by rumline

But everybody told me that if you have CA plates in CO, your car will be upside down and on fire within a week.

Ha, it is a ruse to get your money faster.