When do you become a resident? You become a resident of Colorado 6 months after when you start employment and obtain a Colorado Drivers License and Colorado vehicle license plates. In order to purchase a fishing license, hunting license, etc., you must meet the 6 month requirement. You may register to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles locations at the same time. If you desire to register to vote at a later time, you may do so during normal business hours at the County Clerk's office at Mesa County courthouse. What about school registration? School registration requirements varies by county and district. It is best to contact the School District #51 as soon as possible to determine their particular procedures. If possible, contact the district prior to your move and have birth certificates available and, if possible arrange approximately 14 to 30 days in advance to have your child's previous school records transferred to the school district. Instate tuition is available for Colorado's institutions of higher education, but you must reside in Colorado for at least 12 months to be eligible and you must meet the formal residency requirements outlined above. How do I get automobile tags and a drivers license? Upon starting work in Colorado, the state requires you to obtain a Colorado Drivers License and license plates for you car or truck within 90 days. (Driver's License-222 S. 6th Street, Grand Junction, CO 970-248-7010) and License Plates-Mesa Mall, JC Penny's Wing, 2424 US Hwy 6&50-970- 244-1664, E-mail:  Mesa County Motor Vehicle).

Vehicle Registration? With in the specified 90-day period, you are required to register and license all automobiles garaged in Colorado. License landowners' tax fees are determined by the age and value of the vehicle. An an example, 1 1995 Ford F-150 pickup truck with a taxable value of $20,000 will require payment of a $36.00 license fee and approximately $400.00 in ownership taxes. The amount decreases yearly. Titles In order to title your vehicle you must first show proof of purchase with sales tax paid in a previous state or you will be subject to Colorado sales tax of 3%, plus any county and city taxes at your residence. These taxes can add up to a total sales tax of 7.75%. Collector's License Plates Your vehicle must be 25 years or older to qualify for a Colorado Collectors Plate. The charge to purchase the plate for a five-year period is $125.00. Insurance Vehicle insurance is mandatory in Colorado and coverage must be verified at the time of vehicle registration. The mandatory liability minimum in the state is $25,000 bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage. State of Colorado's Home Page COLORADO: A Newcomer's Manual Citizen's Guide to Colorado General Information About Colorado State Taxes Top Ten "FQA" Distance Calculator Salary Calculator

Cliff Kramer Broker Associate Bray and CO Realtors/GMAC 1015 N. 7th Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 1-970-242-3647 1-800-926-6862 Fax: 1-970-242-0436

Just a click away! E-Mail: cliff@brayandco.com

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