Drivers in the Military

As one might expect, Colorado has rather lenient policies when it comes to certain license issues for those serving out-of-state or abroad on active duty in the military.

Basic Driver License

If you are stuck in some desert foxhole overseas in 100-degree heat with bullets the size of sidewalk chalk buzzing by, most likely the last thing you are thinking about is the state's license renewal procedures.

Of course, not every person in the military is engaged in combat or even overseas, but there are plenty that are residents but currently reside outside of the rectangle that is Colorado. Fortunately, military folks and their dependents are eligible for a three-year extension at no cost. But, even so, you will need to provide a few things to receive the extension.

• Name

• Date of birth

• Driver license number

• Photocopy of military ID card (front and back)

• Current address to mail the extension

Phone in the information to (303) 205-5613 or send via mail to:

• Driver Control Section

• Colorado Department of Revenue

• Room 164 - ROS

• Denver, CO 80261-0016

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)

The process of extending a CDL while serving out-of-state on active duty in the military is even simpler. It is done automatically, without you having to worry about contacting anyone. The extension is for good for a maximum of three years. Simply present your old license along with a military ID card or orders and you are valid.

Emissions Testing

Military personnel and/or their spouses can be granted a 12-month emissions renewal reprieve by completing and mailing in this Application for an Affidavit of Emissions Extension to a local driver license office.

Registration Renewal

Although there are extended amnesty periods for license renewals and emissions, it is not so with registration renewal. If you have a car sitting around back home and are off on military duty somewhere, you will still need to pay the required fees by the end of the 30-grace period.

If you are the resident of another state, but stationed in Colorado, you can register your vehicle without paying ownership tax by completing this Affidavit of Nonresidence and taking it to your county title and registration office.