Expired Registration in Colorado
A valid vehicle registration is mandatory to operate a vehicle in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles and local county Motor Vehicle Offices administer vehicle registration processes throughout the state, while the Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies enforce compliance with registration requirements on public roadways.
State Code Provisions in Colorado
Colorado's vehicle registration regulations are established in the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42, specifically Article 3, which establishes comprehensive procedures for registration, renewal, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms. These provisions outline the obligations of vehicle owners, the administrative processes managed by the Department of Revenue, and the consequences for non-compliance.
Article 3, Part 1 addresses registration requirements, establishing that vehicle owners must register their vehicles within specified timeframes. C.R.S. 42-3-114 governs registration expiration dates, while C.R.S. 42-3-112 details the penalty structure for late registration. The code specifies registration procedures, fee structures, renewal timelines, and enforcement authority granted to state and local agencies.
Registration Terms and Expiration in Colorado
Colorado implements an annual vehicle registration system. Vehicle registrations expire on the last day of the month at the end of each twelve-month registration period. The expiration date is set to the last day of the expiration month.
For example, if a vehicle's registration card indicates expiration on December 31, the registration expires at midnight on that date. The vehicle owner may not legally operate the vehicle on public roads after December 31, unless renewed during the grace period.
Colorado provides a one-month grace period for expired registration. Vehicle owners have until the last day of the month following their registration expiration month to renew without incurring late fees. For instance, if registration expires on December 31, the grace period extends through January 31. Late fees begin accruing on February 1, if the vehicle remains unregistered.
The Colorado DMV sends renewal notices approximately 60 days before registration expiration. However, vehicle owners remain responsible for timely renewal regardless of whether they receive notification. Vehicle owners can renew registration online through myDMV, by mail, at MV Express kiosks (in participating counties), or in person at county motor vehicle offices.
Important Note: This one-month grace period applies only to registration renewals for vehicles already registered in Colorado. The grace period does not apply to temporary registration permits, which expire on the date specified on the permit.
Penalties for Expired Registration in Colorado
Colorado imposes both administrative penalties for late registration renewal and traffic violations for operating a vehicle with expired registration. The penalty structure is progressive and substantial.
Administrative Penalties for Late Registration
The DMV assesses administrative late fees based on how long registration remains expired after the grace period ends. Under C.R.S. 42-3-112, late fees are calculated as follows:
| Time Period Past Grace Period | Late Fee per Month | Maximum Total Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Each month or partial month | $25 for motor vehicles $10 for trailers without motive power (16,000 pounds or less) | $100 |
Late fees accrue at $25 per month, or any portion of a month, following the expiration of the grace period. The maximum late fee cannot exceed $100 per registration instance. These fees are in addition to standard registration renewal fees and specific ownership taxes.
Statutorily Allowable Exemptions for Late Fees
Colorado law provides exemptions from late fees under specific circumstances, as outlined in C.R.S. 42-3-112. These exemptions include:
- Acts of God: Unforeseen and uncontrollable natural events (hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes) preventing registration
- Weather-related delays: Postponement of motor vehicle office services due to weather
- Office closures: Closure of motor vehicle offices during normal business hours
- Furloughs: Mandated closure of government offices
- Medical hardships: Certification by a medical professional of incapacitation preventing registration
- Information technology failures: Computer system malfunctions preventing transaction completion
- Active duty military: Service members with orders showing they were outside Colorado when registration was due
Traffic Violations for Operating with Expired Registration
In addition to administrative penalties, operating a vehicle with expired registration on Colorado public roads constitutes a Class B traffic infraction under C.R.S. 42-3-114. This violation is separate from administrative late fees assessed by the DMV.
A Class B traffic infraction for expired registration carries:
- Fine range: $15 to $100
- Court surcharges and costs (varies by jurisdiction)
- No DMV points assessed to the driving record
Government Agencies Contact Information
Colorado Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
1351 5th St., Suite 100
Denver, Colorado 80204
Phone: 303-205-5600
Website: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Colorado State Patrol Headquarters
700 Kipling Street
Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: 303-239-4500
Website: Colorado State Patrol
