Registration Renewal in Colorado
Here's exactly how to renew your Colorado vehicle registration — every route the state offers, what it costs, and what to do if your tags already expired. Start below, or ask Sam about your exact case.
How to renew your vehicle registration in Colorado
Vehicle Registration Renewal in Colorado
To continue operating your vehicle legally in Colorado, you must renew your registration every 12 months. It must be renewed with the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
On this page you'll find information about renewing your Colorado vehicle registration online, by mail, and in person.
CO Registration Renewal Notice
The Colorado DMV will send you a renewal notice before your vehicle registration expires.
Your notice will include:
- Your registration fees.
- The mailing address of your local county clerk.
- Proof of insurance requirements, if applicable.
- Emissions testing requirements, if applicable.
If you never received your registration renewal notice, you should contact your local Colorado county registration office.
The CO DMV allows you to renew your vehicle registration up to 1 month after the expiration month. After that, you must pay a $25 late fee for every month or any portion of a month, your registration is expired. The late fee can be up to a total of $100.
Renew Your Colorado Vehicle Registration
You can renew your Colorado vehicle registration by mail or in person. Only some counties will allow you to complete your registration renewal online.
DID YOU KNOW?: Proof of car insurance is REQUIRED when renewing your registration!
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Online Renewal
NOTE: Please check your renewal notice to see if your county allows online renewal.
To renew your registration online, visit the Colorado DMV online renewal portal and provide:
- Your Colorado license plate number.
- Current insurance information on file.
- Current emissions test on file, if applicable.
- Payment for the renewal fee. (See “Fees for Your CO Registration Renewal" below.)
- Your e-mail address.
You should receive your vehicle registration documents and license plate sticker in the mail. If you don't, you can check the status of your registration renewal by contacting the DMV.
By Mail & In Person
To renew your Colorado vehicle registration by mail or in person, you'll need:
- Your CO registration renewal notice.
- Make sure all information is correct.
- Proof of your emissions test, if applicable.
- Proof of your insurance policy, if necessary.
- Payment. (See “Fees for Your CO Registration Renewal" below.)
Take the above to your local Colorado DMV county registration office, or mail it to the address indicated on your renewal notice.
Military & Out-of-State Colorado Residents
If your CO vehicle registration will expire while you are temporarily out of state and you need an emissions test, you'll need to apply for an emissions extension.
To apply for an emissions extension, you'll need to send the following to your local Colorado county clerk office:
- Your registration renewal notice.
- Payment for your renewal fee. (See “Fees for Your CO Registration Renewal" below.)
- A completed Application for an Affidavit of Emissions Extension (Form DR 2376).
- If your vehicle is in a county that requires emissions testing, you must pass the out-of-state emission test.
OR
- If your vehicle is somewhere that doesn't require emissions testing, have a law enforcement officer (including military and campus police) complete a Verification of Vehicle Identification Number (Form DR 2698).
- If your vehicle is in a county that requires emissions testing, you must pass the out-of-state emission test.
Vehicle Emissions Testing in Colorado
Your Colorado vehicle registration renewal notice will inform you whether or not your vehicle needs an emissions test.
Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing include:
- Hybrid and electric vehicles 7 model years and newer.
- Diesel vehicles 4 model years and newer.
- New vehicles 7 model years and newer.
- Collector vehicles model year 1975 or older.
- Motorcycles.
- Farm vehicles.
- Special vehicles such as: kit cars, all electric vehicles, street rods and vehicles registered as horseless carriage.
To find out if your vehicle needs an emissions test, what kind and how often please call Air Care Colorado Hotline at (303) 456-7090 for more information.
NOTE: Emission tests for diesel-powered vehicles will be valid for a varied number of years, depending on their age and weight. You will pay a maximum fee of 1 hour of the posted labor rate at the inspection station.
Visit the Colorado DMV website to find an emissions testing location near you.
Fees for an Emissions Test
It will cost you the following fees for an emissions test in Colorado:
- Gas-powered vehicles with a model year of:
- 1982 and newer: $25.
- 1981 and older: $35.
- Diesel-powered vehicles: Varies by inspection station.
Contact your local Colorado emissions station for more information about testing fees.
Fees for Colorado Registration Renewal
Colorado DMV vehicle registration fees may vary by county, and are based on your vehicle's:
- Age.
- Weight.
- Taxable value.
- Purchase date.
- License plate type.
Refer to your vehicle registration renewal notice for your fee, or visit your county registration office to determine the registration fees that you owe. Registration renewal fees are not given over the phone.
The CO DMV allows you to renew your vehicle registration, without a penalty up to 1 month after the expiration month.
After that, you must pay a $25 late fee for every month or portion of a month your registration is expired. The maximum late fee is $100.
Accepted Payment Methods
If you are renewing your CO vehicle registration online, you must pay by:
- Credit or debit card.
OR
- Providing your bank account information.
For mailed-in registration renewals, you must pay by check made payable to your local county clerk.
Payment options vary by county and offices. Please contact your local county registration office to confirm accepted payment methods.
Colorado Registration Renewal: FAQs
How do I check my vehicle registration status in Colorado?
You can check your CO vehicle registration status by contacting your local county motor vehicle office.
Can I register my vehicle online?
Yes, you can register a Colorado vehicle online for the first time, as well as renew your expiring your registration.
How much is it to register my car in Colorado?
The cost to register your car in Colorado is based on where you live, your vehicle type and weight, the taxable value of your car, and other factors. The best way to estimate your fees is to check the DMV's taxes and fees guide.
What do I need to renew my Colorado registration?
To renew your Colorado registration, you'll need your proof of insurance, license plate number, VIN, completed emissions test (if applicable), and payment for your renewal fees.
While you're at it
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Frequently asked questions
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