CO Car Registration

Colorado vehicle registration is a requirement for all motor vehicles in use in the state. While there are special vehicles that may not require registration in Colorado, basic private passenger vehicles do and must be registered appropriately with the state DMV registration and titling office.

First-Time CO Registration

  • You will need first-time Colorado vehicle registration for a number of reasons, including moving to the state, purchasing a vehicle, or obtaining a vehicle as a gift, donation, or inheritance. Once the vehicle is in your possession, you are given a maximum of 60 days to complete registration for your vehicle. Any new residents to the state have a maximum of 30 days from the date of becoming a legal CO resident before registration is required.
CO Auto Insurance

  • Before you are eligible to register your vehicle in Colorado, you will first have to obtain at least the state minimum required auto insurance.  In order to find a policy for your vehicle, as well as learn the requirements in Colorado for insurance, you can visit 4DMV.com’s insurance centers.
Colorado Registration Paperwork

  • If you have purchased a brand new vehicle through a dealership, you won’t have to do much to register the vehicle as the dealer will send in all the paperwork needed to the DMV. However, always make sure before you assume it has been done so you aren’t found operating a vehicle without the appropriate registration.
If you buy a used vehicle in Colorado, however, the paperwork is up to you and you must have it prepared before reporting in-office to the DMV.

  1. Vehicle Certificate of Title
  2. Colorado Emissions Pass Report
  3. Vehicle Insurance Policy Number or Card
  4. Bill of Sale
  5. Proper Identification
  6. Registration Costs
If you do decide a used vehicle is for you, remember that a vehicle history report is highly valuable and should be obtained for the best vehicle research possible.

Calculate CO Registration Fees

Your vehicle’s registration fees are based on a few factors.

  • Vehicle weight
  • Vehicle age
  • Vehicle’s taxable value
  • Purchase date of vehicle
  • License plate type ordered
You will not receive an estimated cost from the DMV by phone, as only an assessment of the vehicle and the proper documentation will provide you with the appropriate estimation. There are some county DMV websites however,found at  Colorado Counties Inc, that may provide you with a registration fee calculator for determining the fees to prepare.

Remember that the state sales tax will remain the same for your vehicle, but the county and city taxes could change and affect your overall total.

Visit DMV Office

  • Once you have collected all your CO registration documents and have prepared the fees based on the vehicle you are registering, you can visit the county title and registration Colorado DMV office.
  • The plates you wish to place on the vehicle can be chosen at this time, with standard, specialized, and personalized Colorado plates offered. These plates cost an additional fee, but offer a personal touch you won’t receive through the standard plates. To browse through the selection offered in Colorado, visit License Plates and Placards in Colorado with a special frame selection found at License Plate Frames
Affixing Your Tag Stickers

  • As your registration is issued, you will receive your registration decals, which must be affixed to the rear plates on the vehicle. Follow the instructions so the month and the year decals are in the appropriate place.
Tax Deduction for Colorado Vehicle Registration

  • When you register your vehicle in Colorado, keep the receipt as it will serve useful when tax time rolls around. You can receive a tax credit for the amount you paid in ownership taxes for the vehicle, which is based on the vehicle’s original tax value and the year of service as well.
If you aren’t sure what deduction applies to you or how to receive your tax credit you can consult a Colorado tax attorney or an accountant for consultation.