How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Colorado?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Colorado residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while county motor vehicle offices handle registration services throughout the state.
Colorado Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Colorado vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Colorado Insurance: Proof of current liability insurance meeting Colorado minimum coverage requirements
- Vehicle Identification: Colorado license plate number and last six digits of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Secure and Verifiable Photo Identification: Current Colorado driver's license or state-issued identification card as outlined in Form DR 2841
- Emissions Testing Certificate: Proof of current emissions inspection (where required by county)
- Registration Card: Current Colorado vehicle registration certificate with verification code
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Monthly Expiration System: Colorado vehicle registrations expire during the assigned month and must be renewed during that month or within 30 days after the last day of expiration
- Registration Periods: New vehicle registration required within 60 days of purchase; new residents must register within 90 days of establishing Colorado residency
- Late Fee Assessment: Vehicles not registered within required timeframes incur late fees of $25 per month ($10 for trailers) for each month or portion thereof
- Colorado Registration Fairness Act: Late registrants must pay additional back taxes and fees dating to January 1, 2023
Colorado Registration Renewal Schedule
Vehicle registration renewal follows a standardized monthly schedule based on the assigned expiration month:
Renewal Window Structure:
- Primary Renewal Period: Registration must be renewed during the month of expiration
- Grace Period Extension: Renewal permitted up to 30 days after the last day of expiration month
- Digital Registration Options: Registrations available digitally through myColorado app for convenient access
- Renewal Notice Distribution: County motor vehicle offices mail renewal notices to registered owners before expiration
Important Note: Temporary tags no longer qualify for late fee exemptions as of January 1, 2023, under House Bill 22-1254.
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Colorado in 2025
2025 Colorado Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows base registration fees established by the Colorado Department of Revenue:
| Vehicle Weight Category | Base Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | $13.00 |
| Vehicles 2,000 lbs or less | $13.00 |
| Vehicles 2,001 - 5,000 lbs | $18.00 |
| Vehicles 5,001 - 10,000 lbs | $23.00 |
| Vehicles 10,001 - 16,000 lbs | $33.00 |
| Vehicles 16,001 lbs or more | $35.00 |
Specific Ownership Tax (SOT) Assessment
Colorado's primary vehicle cost component is the Specific Ownership Tax calculated as follows:
| Tax Class | Vehicle Type | Taxable Value Base |
|---|---|---|
| Class B | Commercial trucks/trailers | 75% of MSRP (under 16,000 lbs) |
| Class C | Standard motor vehicles | 85% of MSRP |
| Class D | Trailers/recreational vehicles | 85% of MSRP |
| Class F | Special mobile machinery | Variable based on equipment |
Annual SOT Rate Schedule by Vehicle Age
| Vehicle Age | Tax Assessment Rate |
|---|---|
| First year | 2.10% of taxable value |
| Second year | 1.50% of taxable value |
| Third year | 1.20% of taxable value |
| Fourth year | 0.90% of taxable value |
| Fifth through ninth years | 0.45% of taxable value |
| Tenth year and later | $3.00 (Class B, C) or 0.45% minimum (Class D) |
FASTER Safety Fees (Effective September 1, 2025)
| Vehicle Category | Road Safety Surcharge | Bridge Safety Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles/2,000 lbs or less | $12.30 | $13.00 |
| 2,001 - 5,000 lbs | $19.30 | $18.00 |
| 5,001 - 10,000 lbs | $24.30 | $23.00 |
| 10,001 - 16,000 lbs | $33.30 | $29.00 |
| 16,001 lbs or more | $35.30 | $32.00 |
Electric Vehicle Additional Fees (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Annual Road Usage Fee |
|---|---|
| Plug-in Electric Vehicle | $60.05 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle | $12.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | $8.00 |
Additional Mandatory Fees
| Fee Component | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk hire fee | $4.00 | County clerk administrative fee |
| County road and bridge | $0.94 - $2.50 | Based on vehicle weight |
| Emergency medical services | $2.00 | All vehicles except trailers |
| POST training fee | $1.00 | Peace Officer Standardized Training |
| Age-based fee | $5.00 - $9.00 | Based on vehicle age |
| Material fees | Variable | License plates and validation tabs |
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Colorado
Online Renewal Availability
Online registration renewal is available through myDMV Colorado and the myColorado mobile app. The system provides secure, convenient access to renewal services with digital receipt storage and mailed validation materials.
Online Renewal Eligibility
Vehicle owners qualify for online renewal when:
- Current Colorado insurance coverage is maintained and verifiable
- Emissions testing requirements are satisfied (where applicable)
- No changes to vehicle ownership or registration information are needed
- Registration is current or within acceptable renewal timeframe
- All required fees and taxes are current
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Access myDMV Colorado System
- Visit myDMV Colorado or download the myColorado mobile app
- Create account or log in with existing credentials
- Select "Vehicle Registration Renewal" from available services
Step 2: Enter Vehicle Information
- Provide Colorado license plate number
- Enter last six digits of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Input verification code from current registration card
- Assign nickname for vehicle identification (optional)
Step 3: Verify Insurance and Emissions Compliance
- System automatically verifies current Colorado insurance coverage
- Confirm emissions testing compliance where required by county
- Upload additional documentation if system cannot verify electronically
Step 4: Review Registration Details and Fees
- Verify vehicle make, model, year, and weight classification
- Review calculated fees including SOT, FASTER fees, and county charges
- Confirm current mailing address for validation materials
Step 5: Complete Payment and Confirmation
- Process payment using credit card, debit card, or electronic check
- Receive electronic confirmation and digital registration receipt
- Print temporary receipt for immediate proof of registration
- New validation tabs and registration card mailed within 7-10 business days
Alternative Renewal Methods
Colorado MV Express Kiosks
Use self-service kiosks located throughout Colorado:
- Touch-screen interface similar to ATM operation
- Immediate validation tab printing at most locations
- Cash and card payment options available
- Extended hours beyond traditional office schedules
County Motor Vehicle Office Renewal
Visit local county motor vehicle offices:
- Full-service registration renewal with immediate processing
- Resolution of complex registration issues
- Appointment scheduling available at most locations
- Cash, check, and credit card payment accepted (varies by county)
Mail-In Renewal
Submit renewal payment to designated county office:
- Include renewal notice and payment for calculated fees
- Provide proof of insurance and emissions (if required)
- Allow additional processing time for mail delivery
Contact Information
Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles
1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214
Phone: (303) 205-5600
Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles
