Register a Vehicle in Colorado

Colorado Vehicle Registration

CO drivers are required to register their vehicles through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can register your car:

• Online, using the DMV online portal.
• In person in a motor vehicles office in your county.

Requirements for Vehicle Registration in Colorado

No matter how you register vehicle, you’ll have to provide:

• Proof of identity.
• A vehicle title signed over to you.
• Proof of insurance. This may be your:
  • Insurance card.
  • Printed insurance policy or screen shot on your phone.
  • Printed document from your insurance company.
  • Letter from your insurance company on the official letterhead.
  • Email from the insurance company.
• Proof the vehicle met emissions standards.

You must register your vehicle within:

• 60 days of purchase.

OR

• 90 days of establishing Colorado residency.

New Colorado Residents

When you move to Colorado, you’ll have to title your vehicle before registering it. If you wish, you can register at the same time you title your vehicle at the county motor vehicle office. You must provide:

• A verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This can be completed by a Colorado:
  • Police officer.
  • Vehicle dealer.
  • Emissions statement.
• Proof of insurance.
• Proof of identity.
• The bill of sale.
• Current title or other ownership document like a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).
• The original security agreement or certified copy if there is a lien on the vehicle. The statement must include the:
  • Lien amount.
  • VIN. 
  • Year, make, and model of the vehicle.
  • Name and address of the lienholder.
  • Signature of the owner.
• A certified weight slip if the weight is not provided on any of the other items.

If there is more than 1 owner, the joint tenancy section of the Application For Title and/or Registration (DR 2395) must be completed.

CO Title and Registration Fees

• Registration for:
  • Passenger vehicles 2,000 pounds or less: $6.
  • Vehicles between 2,000 and 4,500 pounds: Additional $0.20 per 100 pounds (max $9).
  • Passenger vehicles over 4,500 pounds: $12.50 + $0.60 per additional 100 pounds.
  • Motorcycles: $3.
• Ownership taxes: Taxable value of 85% of the vehicle’s original price.
• Title fee may vary by county.

Additional surcharges may apply. See the Colorado General Assembly website for a detailed breakdown of costs.