Register Car in Colorado

General Requirements

Registration Renewals

Looking for renewal information? You can find everything you need to know at our Registration Renewals page.

First-Time Registration

Some typical first-time registration scenarios include:

• Purchasing a vehicle.

• Relocating to the state.

• Receiving a vehicle via inheritance, gift, or from a family member.

You have sixty days to register, following the date of purchase. New residents must register within ninety days of establishing residency.

Get Insurance

Registering also requires carrying mandatory car insurance. You can conveniently search for the best rate at our Insurance Center.

Prepare the Paperwork

Buying a new vehicle should alleviate you from filing registration papers. But, before exiting the dealership, make sure your dealer is handling the processing.

After purchasing a used car you'll need:

1. The vehicle's signed-over title. (Learn how to obtain a replacement if you can't find yours.)
2. Proof of passing a Colorado Emissions exam (if applicable).
3. Proof of car insurance.
4. A Bill of Sale, for sales tax purposes.
5. Proper ID.
6. Payment for registration fees (cash or check only).

Before buying, be sure to your protect yourself with a vehicle history report for any car you're considering.

NOTE: If you just moved to Colorado, and your vehicle was titled in a different state, vehicle identification number (VIN) verification is required.

Calculate the Fees

The DMV bases registration fees on your vehicle's weight, age, taxable value, purchase date, and type of license plate you order. DMV officials will not provide estimated fees over the phone. Some county websites, however, will help calculate your registration fees. While the state tax for your new vehicle sale tax rate does not vary, there may also be county and even city tax rates that will effect your total tax to be paid.

Go to the DMV

After collecting all of the required documents bring them to your local title and registration office.

You'll choose license plates when you register. You can settle for standardized plates, or opt for specialized or personalized ones for an additional fee. You may even want to browse special frames for your plates.

Affix Your Stickers

Affix the registration decals to the rear plate. Make sure you follow the included instructions on where to properly place the month and year decals.

Get a Tax Deduction

You can claim ownership tax as a tax deduction. This rate is based on your vehicle's original taxable value and year of service. For more on this, you should either consult a tax attorney or an accountant.

Safely Get on Your Way

Once registration is out of the way, turn your focus to protecting yourself and your vehicle.

Subscribing to a roadside assistance package will guarantee help should your car unexpectedly breakdown, and an after-market auto warranty will shield your budget from any exorbitant repair bombs. And finding a mechanic you can trust will go a long way towards keeping your vehicle running properly.

Don't discount some of the items on today's market that have safety in mind. For instance, child safety seats will help keep your kids protected, while a hands-free headset will improve your focus on the road while you're chatting on the phone. And every vehicle, regardless of size or manner of use, should carry a car emergency kit.

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