Moving to Colorado
About 232,700 people moved to Colorado from other states in 2023.
- Texas sent about 32,200 and California about 26,100.
- Florida and Arizona sent about 12,800 and 12,400, North Carolina about 10,400, and Virginia about 9,700.
- The clock starts when you become a resident.
- That happens when you take a job here, run a business here, or live here 90 days in a row.
- Then you have 30 days for the license and 90 days for the car.
- This page covers every Colorado-destination route we track.
Colorado at a Glance
Taxes
Climate
Semi-arid and alpine with cold winters, abundant sunshine, and warm summers.
Cost of Living
Why People Move to Colorado
On cost, Colorado sits near the national average.
- The MERIC first quarter 2026 series put the cost of living index at 101.8, ranked 35th.
- Housing is the high component at 107.4, and groceries are close to average at 100.9.
- The Tax Foundation lists a flat 4.40 percent income tax and a 0.50 percent effective property tax rate on owner-occupied homes.
- The state sales tax is 2.90 percent, and the average combined state and local rate is 7.89 percent.
Registering a car costs more in its early years.
- The biggest part of the bill is the Specific Ownership Tax, which works like a property tax on the vehicle.
- It is based on the original MSRP and the vehicle's age, not its market value.
- Electricity bills are below the national average.
- In the EIA 2024 data, the average Colorado home used about 674 kWh a month, with an average bill of about $101.
- The U.S. average bill was about $142.
Popular Routes Moving to Colorado
After 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 FAQsColorado DMV & Registration
The license and the car are handled in different places.
- For the license, make an appointment at a state driver license office.
- Bring your identification and proof of address documents and your out-of-state license.
- For the car, go to the county motor vehicle office where you live.
- Bring the out-of-state title, proof of Colorado insurance, your ID, form DR 2504 with a proof of residency, and a VIN verification on form DR 2698.
- If you live in a designated emissions county and the vehicle is more than seven model years old, pass the emissions test before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to get a Colorado driver license after moving?
30 days after you become a resident.
- You are a resident if you work in Colorado, own or run a business here, or live here for 90 consecutive days.
- 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, or a driving record dated within 30 days.
- The office punches a hole in the old license.
- You may have to take tests.
How do I register my car when I move to Colorado?
You have 90 days after you become a resident.
- Go in person to the county motor vehicle office where you live, because 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, an approved ID, and form DR 2504 with a proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- Get a VIN verification on form DR 2698 before you go.
- Colorado law enforcement, a Colorado dealer, or an emissions station can do it.
How much does it cost to register a car in Colorado?
The biggest part is the Specific Ownership Tax.
- For most passenger vehicles, the taxable value is 85 percent of the original MSRP.
- The tax is 2.1 percent of that value in the first year, 1.5 percent in the second, 1.2 percent in the third, and 0.9 percent in the fourth.
- From the fifth through the ninth year it is 0.45 percent.
- From the tenth year it is $3.
- Registration fees and other surcharges are added, and fees vary by county.
Does my car need an emissions test in Colorado?
Yes, if you live in a designated emissions county and the vehicle is more than seven model years old.
- The counties are Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson, plus parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld.
- Diesel vehicles are exempt for their first four model years.
- All-electric vehicles and motorcycles are exempt.
Can I bring high capacity magazines when moving to Colorado?
Colorado law makes it a misdemeanor to sell, transfer, or possess a large-capacity magazine.
- For most firearms, that means a magazine that can accept more than 15 rounds.
- The law has an exception for a person who owned the magazine on July 1, 2013 and has kept continuous possession of it.
- Read C.R.S.
- 18-12-301 and 18-12-302 before you move.
When is the voter registration deadline in Colorado?
You can register through Election Day.
- To vote, you must have lived in Colorado for at least 22 days right before the election.
- Online registration at GoVoteColorado.gov, and applications by mail or at a driver license office, close on the 8th day before Election Day.
- To register online, you need a Colorado driver license or ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- After that, register in person at a voter service and polling center in your county.