New Resident License and Registration (4/2010) (Denver: sales, transfer, sales tax)

[VALGAL222]

Originally Posted by Moonwalkr

I don't think they'll do anything until you try to renew your license, then they'll notice that note. I was from a non-lawful presence state (NC) but used my passport for verification.

I am going to get my license next week, I will post an update if there was a penalty.

[BarryK123]

Originally Posted by the3Ds

The one I thought was ridiculous was the VIN verification. There is a person who stands out on the sidewalk next to the emissions testing site with a clipboard, looks into your vehicle, verifies the VIN, and takes a check for $12. It's required when you first register your car in Colorado.

Yes, absurd, along with the emissions inspection. I drove 20 miles round trip, spouting more pollutants into the air to have someone say my emissions are fine. How many vehicles actually fail it?

What they should do is a SAFETY inspection - tires, brakes, lights, etc.

It's interesting that one company has the emissions contract. They must have paid some politicians a pretty penny for that.

[davidv]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

What about car insurance? Does Colorado make you present proof of insurance to register a car? If my current insurance company doesn't operate in Colorado and I'd need a Colorado registration to insure a car with a local carrier, it sounds like a chicken and egg situation when moving from out of state.

Yes. You cannot initially register a car without proof of insurance. However, after I registered my car the first time, I have not been asked for proof of insurance since.

[the3Ds]

Originally Posted by BarryK123

Yes, absurd, along with the emissions inspection. I drove 20 miles round trip, spouting more pollutants into the air to have someone say my emissions are fine. How many vehicles actually fail it?

Funny you should ask because as we were sitting in that little "cage" waiting for our car to go through, someone nearby asked one of the workers, "do many people actually fail the emissions test?" and the worker replied, "I would say between 20-50 cars fail EACH DAY on an average day and I assumed the worker was only talking about the location HE worked at.

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

Does anyone know how residency works when only one spouse has a job? I'd like to get rid of my CA license and plates as soon as possible but only my wife will have a job initially.

You don't have to have proof of residency, and you can ignore the "90 days" thing. All you have to have is a Colorado address-- the state will be glad to take your money and give you a new ID.

[ebeth79]

BTW... regarding the talk of driving a ways to have the emissions test done. We purchased a new vehicle a week or so ago. Since it was previously owned I asked about emissions testing... the dealership told me that I wouldn't have to do this b/c the car is only 2.5 years old. And, he said the emissions test centers are going to be a thing of the past eventually. If you've noticed those "emissions vehicles" that sit at the end of the on ramps on the itnerestate... those are going to put the testing centers out of business. Supposedly when you drive by the thing captures your vehicle tag # and does a test. After you drive by and are tested a few times it goes into the system and you don't have to go to the center.

I don't know exactly how this works, but the dealership was telling us that within a few years the centers will be shut down and the testing will be run by those roadside vehicles. interesting.

[Brian_M]

Too bad they only work for gas vehicles (I drive a diesel Jetta), AND you can only use them if you're already in the system.. so CO transplants will still need to have some place to go to get it done the first time.

[treedonkey]

Originally Posted by erino

Do they just look at me and say "yes, she totally is a CO resident?"

Yes, they just peer over the desk at you to make sure you're wearing a north face soft shell and a pair of lightweight hiking boots or crocs and then some guy in the corner goes, 'pssst!' and waves you over and hands you your new license and registration papers.

Seriously, I haven't been following the whole thread here but it looks like most of your questions have been addressed. One thing to know though is that you have to take the car by a dealership first to get the vin verified. But first you have to get some paperwork from CDOT for the dealer to sign. I can't remember all the details, but I did post them in a similar tread back when I first registered my cars in the fall of 2008. Try searching for the thread, it may save you some headache.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

What about car insurance? Does Colorado make you present proof of insurance to register a car? If my current insurance company doesn't operate in Colorado and I'd need a Colorado registration to insure a car with a local carrier, it sounds like a chicken and egg situation when moving from out of state.

Proof of insurance is required to register the car. Simply present your insurance card at the DMV. The VIN on the card must match the VIN on the car. That's it.

[VALGAL222]

I had no issues getting my license this week, thank goodness. The DMV office in Littleton on County Line Rd? In and out in 10 minutes!