Car Registration In Colorado State
Any vehicle purchased in Colorado must be registered before it can be driven. You have 60 days from the purchase date to inspect the vehicle and register with the DMV. If you bought the car from a dealership, they usually file the paperwork for you (check with the salesperson first, as not all will automatically handle this step for you). If you bought it from an individual, you must register it in person at the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles.
Registering Your Car
A car registration can usually be obtained by visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Registrations are typically handled at the local or county level. As a result, additional local-level requirements, such as emissions testing requirements, may apply.
Even though most vehicle registration renewal procedures are available online, a new car registration must be obtained in person.
New Car
In Colorado, registering your car or truck is relatively simple. Because Colorado vehicle registration is only valid for a year, you will only need to do this once every 12 months. The first registration must be completed in person at the DMV, but subsequent registrations can be completed by mail or online. Vehicle registration fees in Colorado are determined by the vehicle's weight, taxable value, and purchase date. The sales and ownership taxes are calculated using the vehicle's net purchase price and its taxable worth when new. The best way to find out how much your specific registration fee will be is to check your county's website for an estimate or go to the DMV and ask.
You must bring the following items to your Colorado car registration appointment:
- The title or current registration certificate of the vehicle
- Acceptable identification
- Vehicle Identification Number Verification (Form DR 2698) (this verifies your vehicle's VIN and must be completed by a licensed car dealer, an officer of the law, or a licensed CO emissions testing technician)
- Evidence of passing an emissions test (applicable only in certain counties)
- Proof of the vehicle's minimum liability insurance
- You should have enough money to cover your registration fees (though some counties also accept credit cards)
Used Car
Registering a used car entails proving to the DMV that the motorist legally owns the vehicle in question and that it meets the state's safety and emissions standards. This procedure may also require applicants to prove their identity, residency status, insurance status, and authority to register the vehicle. Drivers should expect to need the following items during the DMV registration process:
- A properly completed car registration
- A current photo ID.
- Vehicle titles or bills of sale are required to prove ownership and to document cost.
- Insurance proof can be obtained through an electronic system, insurer statements, or copies of insurance policies.
- Obtaining certificates for safety and emissions testing.
- Certifications for VIN inspections
- If applicable, homebuilt or salvage inspection certifications.
- In the case of leased vehicles, power of attorney documents is required.
- Acceptable payment methods
New Resident Of Colorado
New residents typically have between 30 and 90 days to apply for DMV registration. New residents, like motorists registering used vehicles, may need safety, emissions, and VIN inspections before applying for vehicle registrations.
After meeting these requirements, applicants usually only need to submit car registration application forms, photo identification cards, and out-of-state registrations to the appropriate authorities to transfer these credentials to their new state of residence.
Military Members
If you are in the military and have been stationed in Colorado, you have two options for registering a car. If you only stay for a short time, you can leave your vehicle registered in your home state. Bring a copy of your military ID and your current military stationing orders if you decide to register your vehicle. You must also bring a copy of your most recent leave and earnings statement and your VIN verification form. If you are stationed in Colorado and live there, follow the standard vehicle registration procedure.
For information regarding disability disclosure on vehicle registration, click on the link below:
