Financed Purchase Checklist
The dealer will send paperwork to the Motor Vehicle Division for financed or leased vehicles. A postcard will be sent to the buyer when the paperwork is completed.
Provide the following to register a financed or leased vehicle from a dealer:
- Secure and verifiable ID
- Postcard notice from the Motor Vehicle Division
- Proof of insurance
- License plates and current registration from previously owned vehicle, if applicable
- Proof of emissions test, if required:
Contact the Motor Vehicle Division if the postcard notice is not received:
Cash Purchase Checklist
Provide the following to register a vehicle purchased from a Colorado dealer in cash:
- Secure and verifiable ID
- Paperwork from the dealer (mailed one month after purchase)
- Proof of insurance
- License plates and current registration from previously owned vehicle, if applicable
- Proof of emissions test, if required:
- Sales tax if only partially collected by the dealer
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 the month indicated on the registration or during the 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).