driver's license, registration and emissions (Fort Collins: vehicle registration, insurance, transfer)

[mrfeh]

Asking here because I can't find explicit answers on the DMV web sites, and can't get an answer on the DMV phone systems...

As a new resident of Fort Collins and CO, I need to get a driver's license and register 2 cars, both of which need emissions tests.

Is there an order in which these things need to be done?

Thanks.

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by mrfeh

Asking here because I can't find explicit answers on the DMV web sites, and can't get an answer on the DMV phone systems...

As a new resident of Fort Collins and CO, I need to get a driver's license and register 2 cars, both of which need emissions tests.

Is there an order in which these things need to be done?

Thanks.

From the Colorado DMV https://dmv.colorado.gov/new-to-colorado

"After becoming a Colorado resident, you must transfer your driver license within 30 days and register your vehicle within 90 days. Vehicle registration is completed in the county you reside." Registration information here https://dmv.colorado.gov/registration-requirements

So, get your license first, then register the cars. I suspect you can get the emissions tests done at your convenience. You may need the Colorado DL to get insurance in the state, but that's just a guess.

[mrfeh]

Originally Posted by WRM20

From the Colorado DMV https://dmv.colorado.gov/new-to-colorado

"After becoming a Colorado resident, you must transfer your driver license within 30 days and register your vehicle within 90 days. Vehicle registration is completed in the county you reside." Registration information here https://dmv.colorado.gov/registration-requirements

So, get your license first, then register the cars. I suspect you can get the emissions tests done at your convenience. You may need the Colorado DL to get insurance in the state, but that's just a guess.

Thanks. I'm aware of the deadlines, and I have an appt to get my DL.

Do you know if emissions needs to come before registration, or vice versa? I've seen language on various CO web sites that indicates both.

[Parnassia]

You didn't find this? Seems pretty clear. It has to pass emissions before it can be registered in Larimer County:

https://www.larimer.org/clerk/vehicl...tion/emissions

[mrfeh]

Originally Posted by Parnassia

You didn't find this? Seems pretty clear. It has to pass emissions before it can be registered in Larimer County:

https://www.larimer.org/clerk/vehicl...tion/emissions

I don't see anything that says the emissions test needs to happen before registration.

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by mrfeh

I don't see anything that says the emissions test needs to happen before registration.

Be realistic, they aren't going to register your vehicle without the emissions test, regardless of whether the website is clear or not. I can pretty much guarantee you that if you go to register the vehicle without an emissions test, and one is required, you will be turned away and told to return once you've had the test.

[bluescreen73]

If the cars are less than seven years old they won't need an emissions test. If they do need one get the test before you register the car unless you just like wasting your time. You may also need to get VIN verifications before you register your cars.

[mrfeh]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

If the cars are less than seven years old they won't need an emissions test. If they do need one get the test before you register the car unless you just like wasting your time. You may also need to get VIN verifications before you register your cars.

Thanks.

I've never had to have a car smogged before, so what some people take for granted is new to me. It doesn't help that some CO DMV sites mention getting the emissions test after registration.

I assume that is a possibility for renewals, but not first-time registrations. Unfortunately, the web sites do not make this clear.

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by mrfeh

Thanks.

I've never had to have a car smogged before, so what some people take for granted is new to me. It doesn't help that some CO DMV sites mention getting the emissions test after registration.

I assume that is a possibility for renewals, but not first-time registrations. Unfortunately, the web sites do not make this clear.

The website for Larimer County is clear that an emissions test is required for registering a car from out of state:

The test is required on:

Vehicles being registered for the first time in Larimer County

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by mrfeh

Thanks.

I've never had to have a car smogged before, so what some people take for granted is new to me. It doesn't help that some CO DMV sites mention getting the emissions test after registration.

I assume that is a possibility for renewals, but not first-time registrations. Unfortunately, the web sites do not make this clear.

For first-time registrations, unless your car is exempt from needing an emissions test, you should count on having one done and on-hand when you register.

As I mentioned earlier, you will probably also need a VIN verification on a new registration. https://www.larimer.org/clerk/vehicl...tles/out-state

For renewals: You may or may not need an emissions test. Your renewal card will clearly state whether one is needed or not in the lower left on the front of the card. You can avoid the yearly emissions test (and save yourself some money) by driving past one of the mobile emissions vehicles and getting a clean result twice in a 14 month period, but no later than 60 days before your renewal is due. More info on where the vans can be found here - https://aircarecolorado.com/location...y_24_27th_gix1