Texas to Colorado - Drivers License and Vehicle Registration Questions (Denver: insurance, credit)

[glambot69]

Hi Y'all,

I'm moving to Colorado right about the time my Texas DL expires, and also my truck's annual registration expires. Should I renew my stuff in Texas or wait for Colorado?

Also - does anyone know if it's advantageous to transfer vehicle titles in CO vs TX?

In Dallas for instance they charge tax on their perceived value, not what you actually pay. So if I got a great deal on a motorcycle for $2900 but the "blue book" is $4000, I pay taxes on $4k instead of $2.9k. I know it's dumb. Is that the same in Denver or will they accept what you say you actually paid?

[WiW]

Titles and Registrations

[steve0617]

Originally Posted by glambot69

Hi Y'all,

I'm moving to Colorado right about the time my Texas DL expires, and also my truck's annual registration expires. Should I renew my stuff in Texas or wait for Colorado?

Also - does anyone know if it's advantageous to transfer vehicle titles in CO vs TX?

In Dallas for instance they charge tax on their perceived value, not what you actually pay. So if I got a great deal on a motorcycle for $2900 but the "blue book" is $4000, I pay taxes on $4k instead of $2.9k. I know it's dumb. Is that the same in Denver or will they accept what you say you actually paid?

You're driver's license is fairly cheap. You have to go to the DMV for your county. There is no one Secretary of State Driver's Facility type place that covers the whole state. Note that the driver's license and the car's license plate facility might be in two different buildings (it is in Castle Rock for Douglas County).

Your license plate registration fees will be based on that particular vehicle's MSRP minus 15% and then multiplied by a % factor based on it's age. New or 1 year old? 2.1%. Two years? 1.5% etc.

See here: //www.city-data.com/forum/17378604-post50.html

They claim you need to prove 30 days residence for the driver's license but when I went, they never asked for proof.

You will also need a VIN Verification (ask your dealer - it's free) and an emissions check if it's over a certain age. Check Air Care Colorado :: Home ) DO NOT use the emissions place for the VIN verification. They charge a good bit for it. The dealer is free. Some counties will even come to you to do it, but then there is a small fee for it. Douglas County came to my house to VIN verify my motorcycle (yes, even they need the VIN verification).

There are also some misc. fees that I can't remember.

But don't renew your stuff in TX as you'll pay TX fees then new CO fees, and I'm pretty sure CO won't rebate or credit back anything paid in TX.

[lovely40]

Originally Posted by glambot69

Hi Y'all,

I'm moving to Colorado right about the time my Texas DL expires, and also my truck's annual registration expires. Should I renew my stuff in Texas or wait for Colorado?

Also - does anyone know if it's advantageous to transfer vehicle titles in CO vs TX?

In Dallas for instance they charge tax on their perceived value, not what you actually pay. So if I got a great deal on a motorcycle for $2900 but the "blue book" is $4000, I pay taxes on $4k instead of $2.9k. I know it's dumb. Is that the same in Denver or will they accept what you say you actually paid?

I have the same question just going the other way. My CO tags expire in March, approximately 30 days prior to my move to Dallas. Do I renew here in CO or should I just wait until I get to TX? If I renew tags before leaving, will TX give me a credit that I can apply to TX tags?

[md21722]

You can get your DL at any state DMV office and some county tag offices. Tags are only done at the county level.

Statewide you need a VIN inspection before you can get tags. The purpose is to make sure the VIN on the title matches the vehicle. Many auto dealers offer this service, as do some law enforecement offices. Expect to pay an average of $15 for the VIN inspection. If you are living or working in the Denver area you will need an emissions test before you can get tags and you can get the VIN inspection at the emissions center. Emissions testing is $20.

You will also need Colorado insurance on your vehicle. Bring your insurance card.

The advantage of getting Colorado tags is that you will be complying with the law and won't seem like a deadbeat Texan to your new neighbors. Colorado has administrative fees for not changing your registration soon enough (90 days from move).

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by md21722

The advantage of getting Colorado tags is that you will be complying with the law and won't seem like a deadbeat Texan to your new neighbors. Colorado has administrative fees for not changing your registration soon enough (90 days from move).

100% agree. Another advantage is you'll be less likely to be pulled over by cops.

[apelbaum]

if a change my drivers license from texas to colorado do i need to change my car plates and insurance?thanks

[Pesare]

The requirement is to change your car plates after 30 days of residency here although some people get away with waiting 5-6 months until their insurance or plates need renewal. For your drivers license it is not as strict of a requirement to get a new one in this state right away unless you want to establish residency sooner then it would be a good idea to get a new one.

[apelbaum]

i move from texas to colorado and want to get my colorado drivers license.i have my mom car with registration,plates,inspection and insurance that has my name on from texas.can i drive my mons car without change anything,or do i need to get at least insurance from colorado.thanks

[knjmcdonald]

We moved into our house in December and I have yet to register my husband's car. I've been to the county office 3 times (waiting on average an hour), each time they tell me I need something else and they won't give you an exact figure for the cost (at least at the Douglas County office in Lonetree) even if you show up with all the details of the car. I understand that I will have to pay a penalty but, it's such a small fee in comparison to the outrageous cost of registration (if your car is fairly new). The Parker PD will do a VIN verification for $5.

It was fairly painless to get a CO drivers license. I did have to show two proofs of residence though.

This is one of the few annoyances about moving to CO. In the end I know it will be worth it but, I dread going down to that office again! At least I have a list now of all the required documentation.