Car Registration

If it has an engine or motor and is able to roam the roads and highways of Colorado legally, it most likely needs to be registered with the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The registering party is basically defined as one accountable for a vehicle whether or not the owner of said vehicle. In Colorado it is generally an annual process for residents and in most cases, once you are set up with tags and plates, can be done via mail.

The exception is when a vehicle is due for emissions testing, or if a vehicle has been tagged by Colorado's insurance identification program as uninsured.

The DMV provides registration forms for various plates and vehicle types available for download.

License fees are constant and assessed by the empty weight of the vehicle being registered. The only variations in costs from year to year are based on fluctuation in local sales taxes or various ownership taxes. Cash and check are the only means of payment.

Non-resident exemptions from ownership taxes are given in certain circumstances to those in the military. A completed affidavit of nonresidence is required.

Recent Residents

You must register your vehicle (or vehicles) within 30 days of establishing Colorado residency. Residency is defined by being in-state for a string of 90 days, owning a business or being employed in the state, or just having a Colorado license in your wallet.

If this screams wow-I-officially-live-in-Colorado to you, and you harbor a driveway filled with cars or trucks bearing another state's tags, then you need to quickly head into your county title and registration office with an armful of the following documents. Besides, you are not truly official until you are boasting the green and white mountain plates or one of the 100 other available Colorado license plates to choose from.

Requirements

• An out-of-state title or registration.

• Proof of a successful Colorado emissions test, if applicable.

• A completed Verification of Vehicle Identification Number form by a law enforcement officer, a certified Colorado dealer, or an accredited Colorado emissions station.

• An accurate odometer reading.

• Proof of minimum insurance coverage (i.e., insurance card, photocopy of policy or letter the insurance company showing the appropriate letterhead).

• If the title is still being paid off to an out-of-state lienholder not listed on the registration, then you will need to provide a name and address for the company.

• Proper identification.

• Applicable fees, which vary by county.

Note: If you are due to receive the title you can expect it in the mail in four to six weeks.

Current Residents

If you already carry the title of Colorado citizen and you buy a vehicle (new or used), there are certain procedures you need to take care of in order to complete the registration process at your title and registration office. The following is a comprehensive list of the things you will need to bring.

Note: New and used vehicles bought from a dealer in Colorado generally come with a temporary registration permit which is valid for 60 days.

Requirements

• Seller transferred title or the proper papers provided by a dealer.

• Bill of sale for sales tax purposes.

• A passing emissions test, if applicable.

• A legitimate vehicle odometer reading.

• If it is an out-of-state title, you need a completed Verification of Vehicle Identification Number form filled out by a law enforcement officer, an approved Colorado dealer, or a certified Colorado emissions station.

• Proof of insurance (i.e. insurance card, photocopy of policy or letter from the insurance company showing the appropriate letterhead).

• For noting a lien, you need to produce a mortgage document (original, carbon, or certified copy) or security statement with a vehicle description (year, make, and vehicle identification number), the lien company's name and address, total lien, and the owner's signature.

• Proper identification.

• Applicable fees and taxes, which vary by county.

Note: If you are due to receive the title you can expect it in the mail in four to six weeks.

Change of Address or Name

You have 10 days after you have moved or changed your name to send the county title and registration office notification of the change. Denver residents can submit their new information online.

Nonoperational Vehicles

Colorado does not impose any registration mandates when you take your vehicle off the road. It's your call whether to maintain your vehicle's registration or not.

From a financial standpoint, it makes sense to keep your nonoperable vehicle's registration and insurance current. Otherwise, the state will slug you with back ownership fees (two-year maximum) and a late renewal fee when you attempt to reinstate your vehicle's registration.

Regardless of which option you choose, when it comes to re-registering your vehicle at your local title and registration office, you will need to provide:

• Proof of insurance.

• Proof of ownership (old registration or title).

• Proof of an emissions test, if applicable.

• Cash or check to pay all applicable fees, which vary by county.

Find more registration information at Registration & Titling, Boat Registration, RV & Motorhome Registration, Custom-built Car Registration, Motorcycle Registration, Smog & Emission Checks, License Plates & Placards, and Registration FAQs on this site.