Colorado DMV Information
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles defines a new Colorado resident as: owning or operating a business in Colorado; gainfully employed in Colorado; or residing in Colorado for 90 consecutive days. Every new resident has up to 30 days to qualify for a Colorado driver's license and up to 90 days to register any vehicle owned.
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Colorado Driver's License and Identification Cards
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The Driver's License Section of the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles issues the driver's licenses, instruction permits and identification cards to the residents. A person applying for any of these is required to show proof of lawful presence in the United States. Identification documents accepted include certified originals, certified amended originals and true copies certified by the issuing agency.
An applicant is allowed to have either a driver's license or an ID card. When applying for a non-commercial or commercial driver's license, the applicant should pass the knowledge and skills tests. If not seeking driving privileges, a person should apply for an ID card.
Teen Drivers
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For minors who want to obtain driver's licenses, they should first get permits while they hone their driving skills with the assistance of parents/guardians who have valid driver's licenses. They should accompany permit holders whenever they drive. The available driving permits include: driver education permit (for minors aged 15 years to 15 years, 6 months); driver awareness permit (for minors aged 15 years, 6 months to 16 years); and minor instruction permit (for minors aged 16 years to 21 years).
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Adult Driver
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For adult drivers 21 years of age and older, each driver's license applicant is entitled to the issuance of an instruction permit if all residency and identification requirements are presented. This permit expires three years after issuance. An adult is not required to hold a permit for any required amount of time, but he should purchase a permit before taking the driving test. The permit is only issued once all requirements are met, including passing the written and vision tests and payment of the fee.
Vehicle Registration
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Vehicle registration in Colorado must be obtained within 60 days after purchase of the vehicle or within 90 days after becoming a new Colorado resident. A vehicle titled in another state requires VIN (vehicle identification number) verification. Colorado requires proof of Colorado vehicle emissions, proof of insurance and payment of taxes and fees.
Active-duty Military Personnel
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For an active-duty U.S. military personnel and his spouse, they are exempt from obtaining a Colorado driver's license if they have valid licenses from another state. Those who claim another state as their home state of residence still need to register the vehicle(s) they own in Colorado. To be exempted from paying specific ownership tax, the active-duty military personnel must complete the form DR 2667. The affidavit must be completed with each yearly renewal.
Out-of-state Students
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A non-resident temporarily staying in Colorado for school is exempt from getting a Colorado driver's license if he is at least 16 years old, has a valid driver's license from state of residence and is considered a non-resident with his school tuition fees. The same thing applies to out-of-state plates for students whose primary purpose in Colorado is to study.
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References
- Photo Credit driving position image by Robert Kelly from Fotolia.com
