In order to register a vehicle in Colorado, you need a Colorado address, and proof of lawful presence (such as I-94 - Arrival/Departure record).
If you do not have a Colorado address, or are arriving on a visa waiver (e.g., ESTA), we recommend using visitor.us' services to register a vehicle that you buy in Colorado.
Colorado vehicle registrations are handled by Colorado's counties.
If you buy your vehicle from a dealer and plan to register it in Colorado, the dealer will issue you a 60-day temporary registration and apply for title and registration on your behalf. If you plan to register your vehicle elsewhere, the dealer will issue you a 60-day temporary registration.
If you buy your vehicle from a private party, you can apply for a 60-day temporary registration from from one of Colorado's counties. Some of Colorado's counties (including Denver) will only issue temporary registrations to county residents. If you plan to register your vehicle in Colorado, bring the required items (below) to the county clerk's office of the address where you'll register your vehicle.
For vehicles being registered in Colorado, applicable taxes are payable to the dealer upon sale, or the county upon registration (if purchased from a private party).
Fees: $79.20
Specific Ownership Tax: Annual use tax starting at 1.785% of the vehicle's MSRP when new, and decreasing to 0.383% of the vehicle's MSRP after 5 years.
Regional Transportation Tax: 1.10% (only applicable to vehicles registered in the Denver area)
Title Fee: $112.20 - $180.20
Specific Ownership Tax: Annual use tax starting at 1.785% of the vehicle's MSRP when new, and decreasing to 0.383% of the vehicle's MSRP after 5 years.
Denver Transportation Tax: 1.10% (only applicable to vehicles registered in the Denver area)
Title Fee: $53.20
Specific Ownership Tax: Annual use tax starting at 1.785% of the vehicle's MSRP when new, and decreasing to 0.383% of the vehicle's MSRP after 5 years.
Denver Transportation Tax: 1.10% (only applicable to vehicles registered in the Denver area)
The vehicle's title must be signed by the owner(s) printed on the title, its odometer reading recorded (if less than 10 years in age), and be free of all liens in order for the prior owner's interest to be released.
A current, government-issued photo ID is required to register a vehicle in Colorado.
A bill of sale is required to register a vehicle in Colorado.
The following counties require biennial emissions inspections for vehicles newer than 1975 and more than 6 years old: Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson; parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld.
A safety inspection is not required to register a vehicle in Colorado.
When registering a vehicle with a non-Colorado title, a VIN check (performed by any Colorado law enforcement officer) is required.
Colorado's minimum liability insurance limits are 25/50/15.
Colorado does not require proof of residency to register a vehicle.
Vehicles registered in Colorado must be registered to a Colorado address.