Other Vehicle Registrations in Colorado

Summary: How to Register Special Vehicle Types in Colorado

For vehicle types other than standard cars and trucks, the registration process can be a little different—including requirements for ATVs, trailers, and boats. Other vehicles are easier, as they utilize standard registration processes; these include recreational vehicles and custom-built cars, though custom vehicles must first apply for a VIN.

This page gives you all the information you need to register your special vehicle and avoid being hit with a fine and other penalties.

ATVs and Snowmobiles in Colorado

Yes, you do have to register your ATV or snowmobile before you head to the back country to enjoy Colorado's great outdoors. In fact, all off-highway vehicles (OHVs) need registration, including dirt bikes, three-wheelers, and dune buggies.

The registration process is a little different to registering your car. Instead of registering through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you register through the Parks and Wildlife Registration Unit using a Registration Application (Form REGIS1102). Once you've completed the form, you can return it to:

Parks and Wildlife Registration Unit
13787 South Highway 85
Littleton, CO 80125

You may also go to a State Park office or OHV agent. Visit the appropriate website for a complete list of OHV agents or snowmobile agents. Many cities and counties have additional laws that govern off-road vehicles. It's important to check the rules at local land management office for where you want to ride your ORV.

Registration Fees

OHV registration currently costs $25.25 and is valid until March 31st. Snowmobile registration currently costs $30.25 and is valid from October 1 to September 30. Partial year registrations cannot be prorated.

Registration Renewal

The easiest way to renew your registration is online. All you need is the vehicle registration, payment for the appropriate fees, and to print out a temporary permit.

If you're more comfortable without a computer, you can always complete the registration renewal card and send it to the indicated address.

Custom-Built Car Registration

To register your custom-built car in Colorado, you will first need to apply for a vehicle identification number (VIN). First have it inspected by a member of law enforcement. If it passes the inspection, you will be given a Colorado Certified VIN Inspection form (Form DR 2704). The fee for the VIN inspection is $50.

Next, visit your local Colorado DMV office with:

Once you have your VIN, take the Colorado Certified VIN Inspection form (Form DR 2704) to an emissions testing center. It must pass the emissions test before you can register it.

Once this is done, you're ready to have it registered, which is the same process as registration a standard car or truck. Visit our Colorado Car Registration page for steps.

Trailer Registration in Colorado

Colorado requires you to title and register your trailer in the same way you would title and register a vehicle

Some states don't title or register trailers, so if this is the case you'll want to go to your local county office with documentation that proves you own the trailer. If you are using a Manufacturers Statement of Origin (MSO), it will only be accepted if it is printed on secure paper unless it meets exemptions

You will also need:

To register your custom-built, rebuilt or reconstructed trailer in Colorado, you will first need to apply for a vehicle identification number (VIN) by having your trailer inspected by a member of law enforcement. When it passes the inspection, you will be given a Colorado Certified VIN Inspection (Form DR 2704). There is a $25 fee for your trailer VIN inspection. You may be required to bring additional documentation with you when you apply for a VIN. Please contact the CO State Patrol for more information.

If you were handy enough to build or assemble your own trailer, it still needs titling. To get your title and registration, you'll use the same procedure as a regular trailer, but you'll also have to complete a Statement of Assembly of Homemade Trailer and Assignment of Trailer I.D. Number (Form DR 2409). In addition, you'll have to provide a bill of sale for all materials used to put the trailer together, such as axles and wheels.

In all cases you'll also want to have the following:

Boats and Small Vessels

There are quite a few people out there who say boats and trailers go hand in hand. Once you've titled and registered your trailer, you'll have to register your boat, too. See our boat registration page for more information.

RVs and Campers in Colorado

Recreational vehicles, motorhomes, and campers all use the same registration processes as standard vehicles in Colorado. You will simply need to be prepared to pay a different fee, based upon the size and empty weight of your RV. Visit our page on Colorado Car Registration for the steps to register your motorhome or RV.

Motorcycles and Mopeds

Yes, you do need to register your motorcycle or moped before cruising the Colorado mountain roads. See our guide to registering motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters

Forms

DR 2698
Verification of Vehicle Identification Number
Form required to verify the VIN on a Colorado vehicle previously titled/registered out-of-state OR to correct a title. Must be completed by a DMV-approved VIN verification provider.
DR 2374
Statement of Trailer Ownership
Form used to verify ownership of a trailer brought into Colorado from a state that doesn't issue titles or registrations for small trailers.
DR 2409
Statement of Assembly of Homemade Trailer and Assignment of Trailer I.D. Number
Form required to describe how you built a homemade trailer you'd like to title and register with the Colorado DMV.
REGIS1102
Registration Application
Application to register a boat, off-road vehicle, OR snowmobile with the CO Division of Motor Vehicles.
DR 2426
Rebuilders Title to Regular Title Checklist
Checklist of all the items required by the DMV to convert a Colorado rebuilder's title to a regular vehicle title.
DR 2408
Colorado Assigned Vehicle Identification Number Application
Request a vehicle identification number (VIN) from the CO DMV if your car's VIN was removed, destroyed, altered, OR never issued.
DR 2704
Certified VIN Inspection
Submit this form to the DMV after completing the required certified VIN inspection for vehicles that are rebuilt, reconstructed, have bonded title, OR are built from a kit. Form must be obtained from a certified Colorado VIN inspector. Not available online.
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