Replacement Of Colorado Vehicle Registration

A lost or damaged car registration may jeopardize your ability to drive a registered vehicle. In general, registration certificates are important documents that show that your vehicle is insured and that all required property taxes have been paid. To avoid problems if you are pulled over by local law enforcement, you should obtain a copy of your vehicle registration. If something happens to your registration and you drive without it, you may face traffic tickets and fines. You can get a replacement if something happens to your original car registration. If you prepare and follow their specific application steps, getting a duplicate credential through your local DMV can be very simple.

Overview

If you lose, steal, or damage your car registration documents or license plate stickers, you should request a replacement as soon as possible. When driving on public roads, you must carry your driver's license, proof of car insurance, and proof of your valid car registration. This takes the form of:
  • Stickers from the current registration month/year on your license plate.
  • Current registration papers contain your personal, vehicle, and registration details.
When stopped by a police officer, failing to provide proof of registration may result in a traffic ticket. Driving without valid license plate stickers can also result in a traffic stop. When you request a replacement in person, you should be able to obtain a proof of registration receipt right away. Items that must be mailed to you can usually be expected to arrive within a couple of weeks.

Getting A Registration Replacement

To successfully replace a DMV lost registration in Colorado, you must submit an official request through your county's motor vehicle office. Most counties accept both in-person and mail-in applications. You can also replace damaged or lost car registration papers through the state DMV's online services platform. If you apply for a replacement registration online, your duplicate card will be mailed to you. You have the following options for obtaining a duplicate car registration:

Online

In Colorado, obtaining a copy of your vehicle registration online is the quickest way to apply for a replacement registration card. MyDMV, the DMV's online services portal, can help you obtain a duplicate registration card. Follow these steps to successfully replace your car registration online:
  • MyDMV provides access to the relevant service.
  • Log in using your license plate, vehicle identification number, or DMV verification code.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts, such as entering your personal information and vehicle data.
  • Pay the necessary replacement fee.
  • Verify your payment and, if desired, print the confirmation page.
The state DMV will manufacture a replacement card and mail it to your address on file within two weeks of processing your online request for a CO duplicate vehicle registration.

By Mail

Most counties in Colorado will also allow you to replace your vehicle registration by mail. To obtain a copy of your car registration by mail, you must submit an application packet that includes the following items:
  • An application form filled out with your full name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle information, such as:
    • The license plate number
    • Vehicle identification number.
    • Vehicle model and year
  • A duplicate of a secure, verifiable identification form
  • The Supplemental Secure and Verifiable Identification Information and Attestation Clause must accompany the ID (Form DR 2842).
  • Payment of the applicable fee
When your county DMV receives your CO replacement vehicle registration application, it will create a duplicate document and mail it to the address you provide. It should be noted that the form required to obtain a DMV copy of registration varies by county. Boulder County, for example, employs a distinct Request for Duplicate Registration Application, which is accessible via its county motor vehicle website or by selecting corresponding offices.

In Person

Suppose you cannot replace your damaged, stolen, or lost vehicle registration in Colorado using one of the above methods. In that case, you can always make an in-person request at your county's DMV office. The requirements for replacing your car registration in person are similar to those outlined above for the mail-in option. As a result, you can obtain a duplicate registration card in person by completing your county-specific application form, presenting official identification proof, and paying the applicable replacement fee.

Fees

Arranging payment for the applicable fees is one of the most important steps in replacing your car registration in Colorado. It is important to note that the total cost will differ depending on whether you are requesting a duplicate registration card only or additional registration items. Fees may also differ from county to county. The following are some examples of typical costs of replacing car registration in CO:
  • $2.20 for a duplicate registration in Douglas County
  • $2.37 for replacement tabs and registration card in Douglas County
  • $4.00 standard replacement registration fee in Boulder County
  • $4.00 for an online replacement card