Colorado Vehicle Registration

Registration of a Vehicle Purchased from a Dealership

Mostly, dealership agents submit their buyers' registration papers. It is essential to confirm this before leaving.

In other circumstances, the dealer should hand the necessary documents to the buyer. The following papers supplied by the dealer must be presented to any Colorado DMV offices:

• A valid form of ID for the new owner
• Proof of automobile insurance coverage
• Emissions test, if applicable
• Purchase receipts provided by the dealer
• Payment for the registration fee and applicable taxes

Colorado residents must bring proof of a Colorado vehicle emissions test. Again, the conduct of emissions tests will depend on the county where the vehicle owner resides.

Vehicle Registration for New Residents in Colorado

After establishing residency, new residents in Colorado are given 90 days to register their vehicles. For the resident eligibility check, any of the criteria should be met:

• If the person is employed in Colorado
• If they own or operate a business in Colorado
• If the person resides in Colorado for 90 days continuously

Once residency is established, the vehicle owner is advised to visit the CO DMV registration office where they reside. Late fees are incurred if the owner fails to register within 90 days.

If the vehicle was titled outside Colorado and purchased secondhand, the owner must prepare Form DR 2698. A licensed CO emissions testing station agent, a licensed car dealer, or a law enforcement officer must complete this.

Aside from the abovementioned requirements, the new resident must prepare the following:

• Vehicle registration certificate/car title
• A valid form of ID
• Documents of car insurance
• Payment for the registration fee and applicable taxes

New residents of Colorado should obtain an insurance policy that complies with the Colorado Revised Statutes Section 42-3-105(1)(d) before registering a vehicle in the state. Insurance policies outside the state are not honored.

Registration of a Military Vehicle in Colorado

A specified rule is applied for military vehicles, whether a resident of the Colorado military or a non-resident stationed in Colorado.

If the military personnel currently serve within the state, they must follow the same registration procedure outlined for new or used vehicles.

If the personnel are stationed outside the state and want to register a car in Colorado, they are further advised to seek the assistance of the Colorado DMV by calling (303) 205-5600.

Non-resident military personnel stationed in Colorado may renew vehicle registration in their home state. They can also register the vehicle in Colorado if they stay for an extended period.

If non-resident military personnel decide to register a vehicle in Colorado, they must comply with the state's emissions laws and requirements. Fortunately, they can enjoy privileges, such as exemption from Colorado's Specific Ownership Tax.

To qualify for this exemption, non-resident military personnel should bring the following documents to the nearest DMV office:

• Document of orders proving the person is stationed on a Colorado military base
• Statement of Leave and Earnings (present)
• A completed Nonresidence and Military Service Exemption from Specific Ownership Tax Affidavit (Form DR 2667); one form per vehicle

Colorado License Plates

After registration in Colorado, vehicles need two valid license plates displayed on the front and rear. These plates are valid for up to 12 months. Plates of sold vehicles are not transferable, so sellers should remove their plates before selling.

A privilege of 36 hours is given to buyers who are yet to obtain a license plate, provided they have the endorsed title and a bill of sale.

For vehicles purchased at a dealership, plates are mailed via the United States Postal Service (USPS). Expect a waiting time of 2-6 weeks. While waiting, buyers are advised to request a secondary temporary permit from the dealer if needed.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Colorado?

Vehicle owners who opt for personalized or vanity plates may transact online through Vehicle Services of the myDMV portal or by completing and submitting the Personalized License Plate Application form.

Note that not all plates can be personalized. However, this process undergoes scrutiny, and there are cases when it is disapproved. To learn more about features of personalized plates disapproved by CO DMV, lists of rejected requests for license plate configurations are provided.

Owners need a minimum list of two and a maximum of six choices for their personalized plates.

A one-time personalization fee of $60 is collected upon the initial registration and an additional $25 for yearly renewal.

Motor Vehicle Sales Tax

All car sales in Colorado are subject to a 2.9% state tax. However, the overall tax rate will include county and local taxes, which may exceed 8%. In addition to the state sales tax, there is a county tax of up to 5% and a city or local tax of up to 8%. The state's average total car sales tax is approximately 6.98%.

Registration Fee

This fee will go to the Highway Users Tax Fund, counties, and cities.

• Motorcycles and autocycles: $3
• Passenger vehicles (2,000 lbs): $6 and $0.20 extra per 100 lbs up to 4,500 lbs
• Passenger vehicles (4,500 pounds or more): $12.50 and an additional $0.60 per extra 100 lbs

Surcharge for Road Safety

This fee is credited to the Highway Users Tax Fund. Effective January 1, 2022, fees were reduced by $11.20.

• Motorcycles, trailer coaches, autocycles, and vehicles with 2,000 lbs or less: $16
• Vehicles (2,001 to 5,000 lbs): $23
• Vehicles (5,001 to 10,000 lbs): $28
• Passenger buses and vehicles (10,001 to 16,000 lbs): $37
• Vehicles (more than 16,000 lbs): $39

Surcharge for Bridge Safety

This fee is credited to the Bridge Special Fund.

• Motorcycles, trailers, trailer coaches, and any vehicle with 2,000 lbs or less: $13
• Vehicles (2,001 to 5,000 lbs): $18
• Vehicles (5,001 to 10,000 lbs): $23
• Vehicles (10,001 to 16,000 lbs or passenger buses): $29
• Vehicles of more than 16,000 lbs: $32

Authority Fee for Public Highway

The $10 Public Highway Authority Fee is collected annually for registered vehicles operating within public highway authority territories. The proceeds of this fee will be used for maintenance, construction, and financing of public highways.

Fees for Emissions Control

The emissions control fees are credited to the AIR account. The Public Health, Environment, and Revenue Departments use the fees collected to administer emission programs.

A fee of $0.50 is collected for all vehicles, including an additional $0.70, collected by the county within areas of the emission program.

Additional Highway Fee based on Vehicle's Age

A temporary reduction in this fee takes effect until June 30, 2026. Every $1 is credited to the Licensing Services Cash Fund to assist in collecting late registration fees. The remaining payments are credited to the Highway Users Tax Fund, counties, and cities.

• Vehicles below seven years old: $9
• Vehicles between 7 and 10 years old: $7
• Vehicles 11 years old and older: $5

Emergency Medical Services Fee

$2 is collected for this fee. The collected payments will go to the Emergency Medical Services Account in the Highway Users Tax Fund.

Additional Registration Fee

Fees are credited to the Colorado Driver License, Record, Identification, and Vehicle Enterprise Solution Vehicle Services Account in the Highway Users Tax Fund.

• Motor vehicles not exempted from the Motor Insurance Identification Fee: $0.50
• Motor vehicles exempted from the Motor Insurance Identification Fee: $0.10

Other fees, such as motorist insurance identification, depend on the type of vehicle. This fee is adjusted annually. Additionally, $4 is collected for motorcycle surcharge fees.

A $1 fee is also collected for Class A, B, and C vehicle registration. The fee is called the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Board Fee and supports the POST Board's training activities.

Aside from those, County Road and Bridge fees of $.94 are collected to maintain county highways, roads, and bridges.

Finally, $50 is paid for the Electric Motor Vehicle Fee. $30 of the fee will go to the Highway Users Tax Fund, and $20 will be credited to the Electric Vehicle Grant Fund. While the Equalization Fee for Electric Motor Vehicle Road Usage varies on the type of car and year it was registered, the fee ranges from $3.0 to $96.

As for the payment process, all Colorado DMV offices accept cash. Other county offices accept payments via MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express.

Online Renewal

Vehicle owners in Colorado can renew their registration online until the last day of the grace period. Within the last ten days of the grace period, the vehicle owner will receive a printable temporary registration while waiting for the new registration, which is sent via email. To renew online, visit the myDMV portal.

Click "Renew a Vehicle Registration," and applicants will be given instructions on how to renew their vehicle registration.

The estimated time for online renewal may take up to 10 minutes, and registration is mailed to the applicant's mailing address in approximately 14 days.

By Mail

When renewing via mail, check any renewal notice for emissions or insurance requirements. Notice and payment must be received on the last day of the grace period. Otherwise, late fees are incurred.

Before renewing, make sure the motor vehicle type is granted with insurance to be driven on Colorado highways. Owners of Class B and C vehicles, such as passengers, light trucks, motorhomes, and motorcycles, should have with them proof of insurance.

Besides the document mentioned above, owners must provide the following:

• Mailing address (in case of a changed address, complete the Change of Address form or DR 2285)
• Proof of emission
• The last eight digits of the VIN
• License plate number
• Payment (check or money order only; cash is not accepted)

Vehicle owners need to address the mail to the address of their respective county office. They must seal the envelope and wait 14-15 days to complete the transaction.

By Kiosk

The best option for applicants seeking immediate results is to renew their registration via DMV kiosks, also known as Colorado MV Express kiosks. However, owners must check if their vehicles are eligible for this option. Eligible vehicles include:

• Personal automobiles
• Pickup trucks
• Motorcycles
• Motor homes
• Utility trailers
• Camper trailers

Prior to registration renewal, owners should check if emission tests are required. Once finished, the owner can visit kiosks in any participating counties.

Moreover, be ready with the following requirements:

• License plate number and VIN
• Proof of Colorado insurance (if needed)

Note that renewals are accepted from the month before the expiration month. It also extends until the last day after the expiration month.

After paying, the registration is printed instantly via the kiosk. The process may take around 2 minutes.

At a County Motor Vehicle Office

In addition to the options above, residents can visit their local county motor vehicle office to renew their vehicle registration in Colorado.

Local offices handle the renewal process and have the necessary registration documents and license plate stickers readily available. Upon arriving, the vehicle owner must provide their license plate number and current registration details. After paying the applicable fees, the county staff will issue the new registration credentials.