How to register a vehicle in
Colorado
as a non-US resident
State Overview and Advice
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.
The Registration Process
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).
Taxes and Fees
Sales Tax
State sales tax
Average local sales tax
Average combined sales tax
Registration fees
Light Vehicle
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)
RV
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)
Motorcycle
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)
$15,000 car
$50,000 RV
$5,000 motorcycle
Total taxes and fees
Registration Requirements
Prior owner's title
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.
Identification
A current, government-issued photo ID is required to register a vehicle in Colorado.
Bill of sale
A bill of sale is required to register a vehicle in Colorado.
Application
DR2395 - Application for Title and/or RegistrationInspection
Emissions (smog)
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.
Safety
A safety inspection is not required to register a vehicle in Colorado.
VIN
When registering a vehicle with a non-Colorado title, a VIN check (performed by any Colorado law enforcement officer) is required.
Insurance
Colorado's minimum liability insurance limits are 25/50/15.
Residency
Colorado does not require proof of residency to register a vehicle.
Local Address
Vehicles registered in Colorado must be registered to a Colorado address.
The Alternative
Company Formation
Vehicle Purchase
The seller will list your LLC and its address as the buyer on the vehicle's title, and visitor.us will arrange for it to be couriered to us for processing.
Insurance
Vehicle Registration
- MT sales tax: 0%
- Inspections not required in MT
