Moving to Denver - Vehicle Registration (rental, insurance, home)

[daniboi81]

Hi Everyone,

I am moving to Denver next week from Grand Rapids, MI and have a few questions about what are the best steps for getting my car registered in CO. In researching the information on the DMV site, I gather that I would need to do the following:

1. Get an emissions test. I drive a 2006 Corolla
2. After the emissions test, go to the DMV to get my title transferred from MI to CO and also pay for taxes, registration, and license plates
3. Surrender my MI Drivers license and get a CO license...or can I wait on this until my MI drivers license expires?

If the above steps are not accurate, I'm hoping y'all can correct me. The DMV mentioned that I have to wait 90 days after becoming a resident of CO to do this; however will be going back to work on 11/6 and would like to get this done before that time. Has anyone run into issues with this?

[bouncing]

After the emissions test and before changing your registration, you'll need to get a Colorado insurance policy. Other than that, that's about right.

[tigerwings]

Plates here are a LOT more than Michigan. My 2006 F150 would have been $160 in MI last year, cost me $400 here.

Never cars are pricy, but the price declines steeply the older the car or truck (they use different scales). Based roughly on MSRP.

Adams County website can give you a rough estimate.

"http://co.adams.co.us/index.cfm?d=standard&b=1&c=9&s=21&p=815"

As far as driver license, $21. Bring your STATE issued birth certificite, as a MI driver license is NOT proof of legal presence for Colorado.

[tigerwings]

The good news is your insurance should be about half the price here.

[mimomof2]

Having moved here in July from MI, we just did this. You also need to get a Vehicle Identification Verification done at the emissions place.

Now, as far as the emissions test, it states that new gas powered vehicles are exempt for 4 model years so I would check into that.

I paid $76 for a 2002 Dodge Dakota in MI. Here in CO, $133 plus the emisions and VIN Verification. I am afraid to see the price for my 2008 Town & Country.

Vehicle insurance for 2 cars and Home rental insurance altogether is about $20 less a month than just the 2 vehicle insurance in MI.

Good luck,

~C~

[robertzimmerman]

You'll need to get a license much sooner than that.

Colorado Department of Revenue

says

If you are a Colorado resident who operates a motor vehicle or motorcycle on public streets and highways in Colorado, you must have the appropriate valid Driver's License. A resident is defined as a citizen who has lived in Colorado for 90 continuous days; or upon becoming employed, whichever occurs first.

[daniboi81]

Is how they calculate the fees for plates based on the county of residence or is this a state mandate?