Is Inspection Required for Registration in Colorado?
Colorado operates without a statewide safety inspection mandate for passenger vehicle registration. The Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division permits residents to register and renew vehicle registrations without submitting vehicles to brake checks, tire assessments, lighting evaluations, or other mechanical safety examinations.
New residents bringing vehicles from other states must complete a VIN verification—a straightforward identification confirmation that examines only whether the vehicle identification number matches title documentation. This verification differs fundamentally from comprehensive safety testing.
Emissions Inspection Requirements in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Air Pollution Control Division administers emissions inspection programs in the Metro Denver and North Front Range regions. Testing requirements apply to gasoline-powered vehicles registered in all or portions of nine counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld.
- Vehicles manufactured in 1982 or newer undergo biennial inspections (every two years), while 1981 and older model years require annual testing
- New vehicles benefit from a seven-model-year exemption period before entering the inspection cycle
- Vehicles sold during this exemption period remain exempt provided at least 12 months remain in the exemption window
- Electric vehicles, motorcycles, autocycles, kit cars, horseless carriages, street rods, and farm vehicles remain permanently exempt from emissions testing statewide
Colorado Vehicle Registration Requirements by County and Origin
| Vehicle Origin | Registration Type | VIN Inspection Required | Safety Inspection | Emissions Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-state vehicle | Initial registration | Yes | Not required | Required if registered in emissions program counties |
| Out-of-state vehicle | Renewal (after Colorado title obtained) | No | Not required | Required if registered in emissions program counties |
| In-state vehicle | Initial registration | No | Not required | Required if registered in emissions program counties |
| In-state vehicle | Renewal | No | Not required | Required if registered in emissions program counties |
VIN Verification Details:
- Colorado State Patrol, licensed auto dealers, licensed emissions inspection stations (Air Care Colorado), and authorized law enforcement agencies can complete VIN verifications using Form DR 2698
- House Bill 17-1105 eliminated VIN verification requirements for new vehicles purchased on a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
Emissions Testing Geographic Coverage: Counties outside the nine-county emissions program area—including El Paso (Colorado Springs), Pueblo, Mesa (Grand Junction), and 55 other counties—impose no emissions testing requirements. Residents can verify their address status using the emissions area map.
Contact Information
Department of Revenue - Division of Motor Vehicles
1351 5th Street, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80204
P.O. Box 173350
Denver, CO 80217-3350
Phone: (303) 205-5600
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Official Website: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Air Pollution Control Division
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: (303) 692-3121 (Emissions Technical Centers)
Phone: (303) 205-5603 (Vehicle Emissions Program)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Official Website: CDPHE Motor Vehicle Emissions
