What Colorado license plates are available and how to get them

Colorado offers several plate types through the DMV, each with different costs and purposes. Standard passenger plates are the most common and required for regular vehicles. Specialty plates—including those for veterans, disabled drivers, environmental advocates, and supporters of specific causes—cost more but let you display your affiliation while funding particular programs or organizations.

You order plates directly from the Colorado DMV, either online at dmv.colorado.gov, by mail, or in person at a local office. The process takes two to four weeks by mail or online; in-person orders may be ready the same day or within a few days depending on the office.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Colorado plates cost around $27.25 for a two-year registration; specialty plates add $25 to $100 or more depending on the type.
  • Disabled driver plates and veteran plates have specific may be able to access requirements and require supporting documents from the state or federal government.
  • You can order plates online at dmv.colorado.gov, by mail with Form MVPL-1, or in person at any DMV office.
  • Personalized (vanity) plates are available for an additional fee and require approval before you can use them.
  • Replacement plates cost less than new registration plates and are issued when your current plate is damaged, lost, or stolen.

Standard plates versus specialty plates

A standard Colorado plate is what comes with your vehicle registration. It displays your registration number and expires every two years. The cost is included in your registration renewal fee, which varies by vehicle weight and county but typically runs $27 to $35 for two years.

Specialty plates cost extra but support specific causes or identify you as part of a group. Colorado offers plates for veterans, disabled drivers, environmental conservation, wildlife, parks, and various charitable organizations. Each specialty plate has its own fee—usually $25 to $100 added to your registration—and that money goes to the organization or program the plate supports.

Some specialty plates have waiting lists or limited availability. Check the current list and fees at dmv.colorado.gov before ordering, because options and costs change.

Disabled driver and veteran plates

Colorado issues special plates for disabled drivers and veterans, but you must meet specific requirements and provide proof.

For a disabled driver plate, you need a Disabled Person Parking Permit issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife or a letter from your physician stating your disability. The plate itself is free, but you still pay standard registration fees. You can order it online, by mail, or in person.

For a veteran plate, you must provide a copy of your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs confirming your service. Veteran plates cost the same as standard plates—no extra fee. You order them the same way as any other plate.

Personalized (vanity) plates

Personalized plates let you choose your own combination of letters and numbers instead of using the random assignment. They cost an additional $50 to $75 on top of your registration fee and must be renewed every two years.

Not every combination is available. Colorado rejects plates that are offensive, obscene, or too similar to existing plates. You submit your requested combination online or on the process form, and the DMV tells you within a few days whether it is approved. If your first choice is taken, you can request alternatives.

Once approved, personalized plates take the same two to four weeks to arrive as standard plates.

How to order plates online, by mail, or in person

The fastest method is usually online at dmv.colorado.gov. You log in with your Colorado driver's license number and date of birth, select your plate type, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number and can track your order. Plates arrive in two to four weeks.

To order by mail, read Form MVPL-1 from the DMV website, fill it out completely, include a check or money order for the correct amount, and mail it to the address on the form. Include a copy of your vehicle registration and any required supporting documents (such as a DD Form 214 for veteran plates). Processing takes three to four weeks from receipt.

In-person orders at a local DMV office are processed when ready in many cases, though some offices may need a few days. Bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required supporting documents. You pay by cash, check, or card depending on the office.

Replacement plates and duplicate plates

If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can order a replacement. A replacement plate costs less than a new registration plate—typically $10 to $15—because you are not renewing your registration, just replacing the physical plate.

Report a stolen plate to local police and get a case number; include that number when you order the replacement. You can order replacements online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as new plates.

A duplicate plate is a second plate for the same vehicle (useful if you own a trailer or want a backup). Duplicates cost the same as replacements and are ordered the same way.

Plate renewal and expiration

Colorado plates expire every two years on your registration renewal date. You renew your registration—and your plates, if needed—through the DMV at the same time. If your plate is still in good condition, you can keep it and just renew the registration. If you want a new plate design or a different type (such as switching from standard to specialty), you order new plates when you renew.

The DMV sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If you order new plates during renewal, they arrive before your current registration expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Colorado license plates cost?

Standard plates are included in your registration fee, which is typically $27 to $35 for two years depending on your vehicle and county. Specialty plates add $25 to $100 or more. Personalized plates add $50 to $75. Replacement plates cost $10 to $15.

Can I keep my old plate number when I renew?

Yes. If your plate is still readable and in good condition, you can renew your registration without ordering new plates. The same number stays with your vehicle. You only need a new plate if the current one is damaged, lost, stolen, or if you want to change to a specialty or personalized plate.

What documents do I need to order a veteran plate?

You need a copy of your DD Form 214 (discharge papers) or a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs confirming your service. Submit these with your plate order online, by mail, or in person at the DMV.

How long does it take to receive plates after I order them?

Online and mail orders typically take two to four weeks. In-person orders at a DMV office may be ready the same day or within a few days, depending on the office and whether you are ordering a standard or specialty plate.

Can I order plates if my vehicle registration is expired?

No. Your registration must be current to order new plates. If your registration has expired, renew it first through the DMV, then order new plates if needed.