Registration FAQs

How much does it cost to renew my registration every year?

Fees are based on the empty weight of a vehicle. Although these fees are fixed, total registration costs will vary depending on the taxes imposed by your county and the ownership tax on your vehicle(s).

What is an "ownership" tax and why is it listed on the registration renewal?

This tax, which is paid annually with other registration fees, is essentially another way of saying personal property tax. It is assessed based on the value of the vehicle and slowly inches down in four-year increments.

Can I register my car at the same place I get a driver license?

No. Registering and titling issues are handled by individual title and registration offices. Driver license issues are taken care of by the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicle driver license offices.

Do I need insurance to register my car?

Most definitely. You cannot register a car in Colorado without proof of valid insurance. This can include an insurance card, the actual policy papers, or a letter from the insurance company on appropriate letterhead. Check out further information on Colorado's Motorist Insurance Identification Program.

I recently moved. How do I change the address on my registration?

You are required to notify your county title and registration office of the change within 10 days of moving.

I live in Summit County but work in Denver; do I really need an emissions test?

Although that is quite the drive down from the mountains, people do surprisingly commute from great distances to work in Denver. Summit County does not require emissions testing on vehicles, but Denver does. If you live in a county that does not test and you commute into an area that does (90 days or more), you will need to meet the emissions requirements of that area. In the case of Denver, you will need an "enhanced" emissions check that is provided by Air Care Colorado.

I use an ATV when I go hunting; does it need to be registered?

Yes, but not at the same place that you register your car or truck. The state of Colorado does not consider off-road vehicles to be motor vehicles, thus, they are not under the domain of the division of motor vehicles. Instead, you will need to register ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, and dirt bikes through Colorado State Parks using this form.

How do I get a duplicate title?

If you permanently misplace or damage your title beyond repair, you can apply for a duplicate―but you have to jump through a few hoops first. If you are in the state, simply go to your nearest county title and registration office. Make sure to take proper identification. Additionally, jot down the VIN and vehicle title number and bring along a notarized lien release if the vehicle is paid off. There is a duplicate fee of $8.20.

If you are out of state and need a duplicate, fill out a Duplicate Title Request Form. Mail the document along with $8.20 to the address listed on the form.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

What's the skinny on nonoperable 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.

See our article about Car Registration for more information.