Moving from Washington to Colorado
Moving from Washington to Colorado covers about 1,285 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.
Generate My ChecklistWA vs CO at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
Modest cost-of-living shift
Overall costs in Colorado are about 11% lower than in Washington — enough to notice on housing, but not a dramatic change.
New state income tax to plan for
Washington has no state income tax, but Colorado's top rate is about 4.4%. Factor the change into your take-home pay and monthly budget.
Much drier climate
Colorado is far drier than Washington — roughly 21" less precipitation a year. Expect to adjust to lower humidity and drier air.
Before You Leave Washington
Check whether a capital gains sale counts as Washington income
Washington has no individual income tax, so there is no part-year return to file. It does tax long-term capital gains at 7 percent, after a standard deduction of $278,000 for 2025. Since 2025, gains above $1 million pay an extra 2.9 percent. The tax applies only to gains allocated to Washington. Under RCW 82.87.100, a gain from stock or other intangible property is allocated here if you were domiciled in Washington on the sale date. File a return if you owe the tax. Also file one if you made a payment or asked for an extension, even with no tax due.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, Capital gains taxOpt in within one year to keep WA Cares coverage
WA Cares is the state long-term care program funded from your paycheck. To keep it after you move, opt in within one year of setting up your main home in another state. You need 500 contributing hours a year for three years since July 1, 2023, and no active exemption. Out-of-state benefits start July 1, 2030. You then file a wage report every year. If you stop reporting or paying, coverage ends and cannot be reinstated.
Source: WA Cares Fund, Out-of-State CoverageDispose of your Washington plates
Take old plates to a vehicle licensing office or mail them to DOL. You can also recycle them if your recycler accepts plates. Remove or invalidate the month and year tabs first, then bend the plates. Personalized plates and some special plates must go back to DOL. You cannot recycle those.
Source: Washington DOL, Dispose of old platesAsk for a refund if you renewed your registration before you moved
You may get your registration fee back if you moved the vehicle out before the new registration period began. Mail the Vehicle/Vessel Refund Application to DOL. Include a copy of your new out-of-state registration that shows the VIN and the issue date. A refund takes 1 to 3 months.
Source: Washington DOL, RefundsFile a Report of Sale within 5 days if you sell the vehicle
If you sell the vehicle before you move, file a Report of Sale within 5 days of the sale. This protects you from tolls, tickets, and towing charges the new owner runs up. Remove the plates before the buyer drives away.
Source: Washington DOL, Sell a vehicleCancel your Washington voter registration
You can be registered at only one address. To cancel, sign the cancellation form and return it to your county elections office by mail or email. The state needs your signature. Then register to vote in your new state.
Source: Washington Secretary of State, Residency RequirementsAfter You Arrive in Colorado
Get a Colorado driver license within 30 days of residency
You become a Colorado resident when you take a job here or own or run a business here. You also become a resident after you live here 90 days in a row. After that, you have 30 days to transfer your driver license. You have 90 days to register your vehicle.
Source: Colorado DMV, Welcome to ColoradoMake an appointment for the license
Every applicant needs an appointment at a driver license office. Bring your identification and proof of address documents. Bring your out-of-state license, valid or expired less than one year. A driving record dated within 30 days also works. The office punches a hole in your old license. You may have to take tests.
Source: Colorado DMV, Welcome to ColoradoPass an emissions test before you register the vehicle
You need the test if you live in a designated emissions county. Vehicles seven model years old or newer do not need it. The counties are Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson, plus parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld.
Source: Colorado DMV, Vehicle RegistrationTitle and register the vehicle at your county motor vehicle office
First, get a VIN verification on form DR 2698. Law enforcement, a Colorado dealer, or an emissions station can do it. Then go in person to the county motor vehicle office where you live. State driver license offices do not register vehicles. Bring the out-of-state title. If a lender holds it, bring your most recent out-of-state registration and the lender's name and address. Also bring proof of Colorado insurance, your ID, and form DR 2504 with a proof of residency.
Source: Colorado DMV, Vehicle RegistrationExpect a vehicle tax based on the original price
The largest part of the registration cost is the Specific Ownership Tax. For most passenger vehicles, the taxable value is 85 percent of the original MSRP. The rate starts at 2.1 percent of that value in the first year and drops as the vehicle ages. Fees also vary by county. You cannot register without proof of Colorado insurance. The minimum is $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
Source: Colorado DMV, Taxes and FeesRegister to vote, and check the 22-day rule
To vote in a Colorado election, you must live here for the 22 days right before it. Register online at GoVoteColorado.gov through the 8th day before Election Day. You need a Colorado driver license or ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. After that day, register in person at a voter service and polling center in your county. You can do this through Election Day.
Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Voter Registration FAQsYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 1,285 miles (~23.5 hours), you can drive a rental truck or hire movers — compare both. If you drive, plan an overnight stop and factor in fuel and lodging.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Colorado DMV, register to vote in CO, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Washington
Marine west coast with mild temperatures, rainy winters, and warm, dry summers.
Colorado
Semi-arid and alpine with cold winters, abundant sunshine, and warm summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Washington
Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Washington to Colorado?
The driving distance from Washington to Colorado is approximately 1,285 miles — about 23.5 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Washington to Colorado?
A professional interstate move from Washington to Colorado typically costs between $4,000 and $7,500, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
What is the cost of living difference between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has a cost of living index of 114.6 versus 101.8 for Colorado (US average = 100).
- Overall, Colorado is about 11% lower than Washington.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Colorado?
After establishing residency in Colorado, you have 30 days to update your driver's license at a Colorado DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Colorado DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Colorado?
Colorado has semi-arid and alpine with cold winters, abundant sunshine, and warm summers.
- The annual average temperature is 45°F, with about 17 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $101.