New Colorado residents are required to register a vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency.
Definition of Colorado Resident
- Any person who owns or operates any business in the State of Colorado
- Any person who has resided within the State of Colorado continuously for 90 days
- Any person who has obtained gainful employment within the State of Colorado
Registration Requirements
Provide the following to register a vehicle with an out-of-state title:
- Secure and verifiable ID
- Out-of-state title or current registration:
- A copy of the title is acceptable if held by a lien holder
- Out-of-state registrations less than six months expired are accepted
- Proof of insurance
- Verification of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Security agreement if the lender requires you to file the lien
- Weight slip required for the following:
- Motor homes, cargo vans, and trucks if the empty weight is over 4,500 pounds and not listed on title
- Trailers weighing more than 2,000 pounds
- Proof of emissions test if required:
Estimated Fees
Registration fees cannot be estimated over the phone or by email. Estimates may be obtained by using the calculator.
License Plate Information
Colorado issues license plates for a 12-month period. Renew your registration during either the:
- Month indicated on the registration
- Following month, known as the one month grace period
Late Fees
Colorado law requires residents to pay late fees. Late fees may not exceed $100. Temporary permits are not subject to a one-month grace period (C.R.S. 42-3-112, 42-3-114).