I Just Moved to Colorado. How Do I Transfer My Driver's License and Vehicle Registration

by Joshua on May 09, 2022

Tags: colorado dmv, co drivers license, move to colorado

Welcome to the Centennial state! As a new resident of Colorado, there are a few tasks you are responsible for completing, such as transferring your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration. Here are the steps you need to take to get your out-of-state documents transferred correctly.

Required Documents to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Colorado

You’ll need different documents to successfully complete the transfer of your out-of-state documents to the Colorado DMV. Here are the documents you’ll need:

Valid Out-of-State Driver’s License

If your valid out-of-state driver’s license does not display your full legal name, such as your middle name spelled out, you need to provide your certified original state or county-issued birth certificate, U.S. passport (if applicable), or military ID (if applicable) to confirm your legal middle name.

Certified Original State or County-Issued Birth Certificate

You will need to present your certified, original state or county-issued birth certificate in order to establish lawful presence in the U.S. If your name has changed, be advised that you will also need to provide a valid name change document, such as a marriage or divorce certificate. You are allowed to present a valid, unexpired U.S. passport to show your full, current legal name.

If you are under the age of 21, you will need an Affidavit of Identity (Form DR 2304) to be signed by your parent or legal guardian in front of a Colorado driver’s license employee or notary if you do not have any identification documents. An Affidavit of Liability or Guardianship (DR 2460) is also required if you are transferring your driver’s license. You will also need to present:

Your social security card or other proof of your social security number
Two proofs of current physical CO address documentation
Payment for all applicable CO fees

Colorado Vision Screening

As a new resident of Colorado attempting to transfer their out-of-state driver’s license, you are required to take a vision screening. Keep in mind that the CO DMV can require supplemental vision testing in specific situations.

In order to pass the CO vision screening for your driver’s license, you must show a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one eye. If you normally wear contact lenses or glasses for vision correction, you will be allowed to take the CO vision screening while wearing them. In this situation, your new Colorado driver’s license will reflect a corrective lens restriction.

If you are unable to meet the required Colorado vision standards, you will be referred to an eye specialist to determine whether you can operate a motor vehicle safely with some type of restrictions. The eye specialist will need to complete an Eye Examination Report (Form DR 2402). Be advised that you are responsible for payment for this consultation.

Colorado Written Exam

The Colorado written exam consists of 25 questions. You must answer 20 questions of the 25 questions correctly in order to receive a passing score of 80%. You must be at least 15 years old to apply for and take the CO DMV written exam. The permit test for CO is $21.

Colorado In-Car Test

The Colorado in-car test is used to determine how safely you can operate a motor vehicle. You will be tested on how well you turn the vehicle, use your turn signals, park, and follow all Colorado traffic laws and road signs.

Registering a Vehicle in Colorado

In order to successfully register your vehicle in the state of Colorado, you need to visit your local Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (CO DMV) office with different documents, such as your vehicle’s title, proof of ID, vehicle identification number (VIN), and other documents. In Colorado, vehicle registration is required for all vehicle owners in Colorado.

New Resident of Colorado

Once you establish residency in the state of Colorado, you have 90 days to register your vehicle and obtain valid CO license plates. In Colorado, residency is defined as:

You own or operate a business within Colorado
You’ve resided in Colorado for at least 90 days
You work in Colorado

Failure to register your vehicle within the 90-day period will result in a late fee.

Once you establish Colorado residency, you need to visit your local CO DMV in person and present:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification (Form DR 2698) - IF your vehicle was titled in a different state and was not purchased brand new.
- If you purchased your vehicle brand new, your documentation must state these facts. If the VIN verification is required, this step must be completed by a law enforcement officer, a licensed car dealer, or a licensed CO emissions testing station agent.
The vehicle’s current title or current registration certificate

Valid, secure, and verifiable identification (e.g., out-of-state photo driver’s license, U.S. passport, or valid US military ID)
Proof of passing an emissions test (if applicable) - the emissions requirement will depend on the county you reside.
Proof of a valid CO auto insurance policy

Payment for all applicable CO vehicle registration fees

Be advised that Colorado vehicle registrations are valid for 12 months. When you register your vehicle, you may be required to submit to a smog check, depending on the age of your vehicle and your county of residence.

Vehicles Purchased From a Dealership

When you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, in most situations, the dealer handles the CO vehicle titling and registration process on your behalf. Make sure you confirm whether the dealer will handle the titling and registration process for you before leaving the dealership.

Vehicles Purchased or Transferred From a Private Seller

In order to register a vehicle that was purchased or gifted from an individual other than a dealer, you need to visit your local CO DMV office and provide:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification (Form DR 2698) - if your vehicle was titled in a state other than Colorado (Keep in mind that this verification must be completed by a law enforcement office, a licensed CO emissions testing station agent or a licensed car dealer.
The vehicle’s current registration certificate or the vehicle’s title

Verifiable identification (e.g. valid driver’s license, U.S. passport, or valid U.S. military ID)
Proof of a valid CO vehicle insurance policy
Proof of passing an emissions test (if applicable)
Payment for all applicable CO vehicle registration fees and taxes

There are three factors that play a role in the vehicle registration fees for Colorado:

License fee - based on your vehicle’s weight, purchase date and taxable value
Sales tax - based on your vehicle’s net purchase price
Ownership tax - this is a personal property tax that is based on the worth of your vehicle when it was brand new

All CO DMV offices accept cash. However, some county offices also accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover.

Colorado Vehicle Inspections

The following Colorado counties require mandatory smog checks for all residents:

Boulder
Broomfield
Denver
Douglas
Jefferson

There are certain sections of the following counties that require emission tests, such as:

Adams
Arapahoe
Larimer
Weld

Colorado License Plates

When you’re applying for a CO vehicle registration, the CO DMV has a variety of license plate options. You can choose a standard CO license plate at no additional cost, or order a specialized CO license plate for an additional fee.

Colorado Department of Motor Vehicle Locations

There are multiple Colorado Department of Motor Vehicle Locations throughout the state of Colorado where you can transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration.

Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles - Golden Office

16950 W. Colfax Ave Ste. 104

Golden, CO 80401

(303) 205-5600

Monday - Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles - Craig Office

221 West Victory Way

Suite 200

Craig, Colorado 81625

(970) 824-9104

Monday - Friday (8 AM to 4:45 PM)