How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Colorado

Renewing your Colorado vehicle registration takes place annually.

You will receive a renewal notice sometime before its expiration. The notice includes information about your expiration date, expected fees, county clerk address (for mail-in renewals), and applicable requirements.

The renewal gets handled by the Colorado Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle.

You’re expected to renew your registration in a timely manner before the expiration.

Those forgoing renewal can face a monthly $25 late fee past the expiration (up to $100). You may also face extra penalties and restrictions to your driving privileges if you decide to drive on an expired registration.

You can renew your vehicle’s registration:

  • In-person
  • Online
  • By Mail

We’ve detailed the steps needed through the various methods to make the process as hassle-free as it gets.

Follow along and you’ll be set to drive in no time at all.

Colorado Car or Truck Registration Renewal: Step-by-Step

Will you need an emissions test before renewing your CO registration? Possibly!

Your notice mentions if an emissions test is required.

Call 303-456-7090 and ask the Air Car Colorado Hotline or an emissions station for information regarding if you need to complete this test if you need clarification about your vehicle’s needs.

With the emissions in order, personal/vehicle documents ready, and a bit of free time, you can follow one of the step-by-step guides below to complete your renewal.

Renewing In-Person

Rather handle your business face-to-face?

  1. Find and visit a CO DMV office
  2. Provide your information:
    1. Renewal notice
    2. Emissions (if applicable)
    3. Insurance
  3. Pay your renewal fee(s)
    1. Varies by county

You’ll receive your documents and sticker on-the-spot.

Renewing Online

Online renewal has some restrictions based on your county residence.

Your renewal notice notes whether this option is available. Or, you may check with a local DMV for more information.

Do the following if you’ve met the requirements:

  1. Visit the Colorado DMV website
  2. File your information:
    1. License plate number
    2. Insurance
    3. Emissions (if applicable)
    4. Email
  3. Pay your renewal fee(s)
    1. Credit, debit, or banking information

Complete these steps and you’ll receive your documents and sticker in the mail.

Renewing by Mail

The mail-in renewal process follows the same steps as doing so in-person.

You’ll provide the same documents and a check made to the local county clerk. Then, mail them to a local DMV or the address listed on the notice.

Colorado Registration Fees and Taxes

How much does it cost to renew your registration in Colorado?

Typical fees and taxes include:

  • Gas-powered vehicle emissions test: $15 – $25
  • License fees: $50 – Hundreds (based on weight, age, etc.)
  • Ownership tax (around 2.1% for 1st year, 1.5% 2nd, 1.2% 3rd, and so on)

These are estimations – contact your local DMV for a better breakdown of your expected fees and taxes.

Congratulations, You’re Done!

You’ve successfully completed your CO vehicle registration renewal.

Note the expiration date on your forms and plan to redo this process annually. And, practice safe driving on the roads out there!