Resources
Registering a Vehicle

How to own a vehicle in

Colorado

as a non-US resident

Colorado
Address requirements
None required.
Identity requirements
For international visitors, a valid foreign passport with I-94 Record of Arrival and Departure attached (attached I-94 not required for Canadian passports). ESTA's are not eligible.
Average cost to own a vehicle
8.31% of the vehicle's value
Plus registration fees of:
$111

Presence requirements

The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.
In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.
These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:

Address

Colorado address required to own a vehicle in Colorado.

Proof of Residency at Address

None required.

Identity

For international visitors, a valid foreign passport with I-94 Record of Arrival and Departure attached (attached I-94 not required for Canadian passports). ESTA's are not eligible.

Cost of owning a vehicle

When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:
  • Sales tax
  • Registration fees
Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.
These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.
Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

Sales tax (state + local average)

8.31% of the vehicle's value

Registration fees

$111

Inspection Requirements

In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:
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, Weld. When registering a vehicle with a non-Colorado title, a VIN check (performed by any Colorado law enforcement officer) is required.

There are 38 states that

Don't require proof of residency.

There are 21 states that

Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.

There are 7 states that

Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
Don't require vehicle inspections.

Montana is the only US state that

Allows non-residents to register vehicles through a company.
Doesn't require a US driver's license.
Doesn't require vehicle inspections.
Doesn't have vehicle sales tax.

Want an easier way?

Let visitor.us register your vehicle in Montana, which has:
• No US driver's license requirement
• No vehicle inspection requirement
• No sales tax (purchase your vehicle in any US state)
Mountain West

How to register a vehicle in other states in the region

How to register a vehicle in Arizona as a non-US resident

Arizona

How to register a vehicle in Arizona as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Idaho as a non-US resident

Idaho

How to register a vehicle in Idaho as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Montana as a non-US resident

Montana

How to register a vehicle in Montana as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Nevada as a non-US resident

Nevada

How to register a vehicle in Nevada as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in New Mexico as a non-US resident

New Mexico

How to register a vehicle in New Mexico as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Utah as a non-US resident

Utah

How to register a vehicle in Utah as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Wyoming as a non-US resident

Wyoming

How to register a vehicle in Wyoming as a non-US resident

Let's Get You on the Road

We make US vehicle ownership easy so you can enjoy your visit.