Colorado plates renew every two years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at your county clerk's office

Colorado sends renewal notices about 30 days before your plates expire. The notice tells you your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and age. You can renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail using the notice itself, or by visiting your county clerk's office in person. Online renewal is fastest — you pay the fee, print your temporary registration, and your new plates arrive by mail within two weeks.

You do not need an inspection to renew plates in Colorado unless your vehicle is more than 8 years old and has never been inspected in the state, or unless you are changing your vehicle's registration for the first time. If you do need an inspection, you must complete it before you renew. The inspection verifies that your vehicle's emissions and safety equipment meet state standards.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado sends renewal notices 30 days before expiration; your renewal fee is printed on the notice and varies by vehicle weight.
  • Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest method and takes about two weeks from payment to delivery.
  • Mail renewal uses the notice itself as your process; include a check or money order and mail it to your county clerk's office.
  • Vehicles older than 8 years that have never been inspected in Colorado require an emissions and safety inspection before renewal.
  • Your temporary registration is valid when ready after online payment and allows you to drive legally while waiting for new plates.

Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue

The Colorado Department of Revenue website accepts online renewal at dmv.colorado.gov. You will need your renewal notice, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Log in to your account or create one if you do not have it yet. Enter your vehicle information and confirm the renewal fee.

After you pay, the system generates a temporary registration that you print when ready. This temporary registration is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your new plates are in the mail. Your permanent plates typically arrive within 10 to 14 business days. If you do not receive them within three weeks, contact your county clerk's office with your confirmation number.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Your renewal notice is a form you can mail directly to your county clerk's office. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, sign the back of the notice itself, and mail both together in an envelope. Include your name and address so the office can match your payment to your vehicle record.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the office receives your envelope to the time new plates arrive at your home. To avoid driving with expired plates, mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail; contact your county clerk's office for a replacement form.

Renewing in person at your county clerk's office

Walk-in renewal at your county clerk's office is the fastest way to get new plates the same day. Bring your renewal notice, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a payment method. The clerk will verify your information, process your payment, and issue temporary registration on the spot. You can drive home with a temporary registration valid for 30 days while your permanent plates are mailed.

County clerk offices are open during standard business hours, usually Monday through Friday. Some offices have extended hours or Saturday appointments; check your county's website for locations and hours. If you cannot find your renewal notice, bring your vehicle registration and the clerk can look up your renewal information in the system.

Understanding Colorado's vehicle inspection requirement

Colorado requires an emissions and safety inspection for vehicles older than 8 years that have never been inspected in the state. The inspection checks your vehicle's emissions equipment, brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and tires. If your vehicle passes, the inspection station sends the results directly to the Colorado Department of Revenue, and you can then renew your plates.

If your vehicle fails inspection, you have 60 days to repair it and return for a retest. Some repairs are covered under Colorado's Repair information Program if your household income is below a certain threshold; the program pays up to $500 toward repairs needed to pass inspection. You can find participating repair shops and income limits on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

What happens if your plates expire before you renew

Driving with expired plates is a traffic violation in Colorado. If you are stopped, you face a fine and a notice to renew. Your vehicle registration becomes invalid, which means your insurance may not cover an accident. If your plates have been expired for more than 30 days, you may need to pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee when you finally renew.

If you miss your renewal important date, renew as soon as possible using any of the three methods above. Online and in-person renewal are fastest. You do not need to re-register your vehicle or change your address unless something has changed since your last renewal.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Colorado's renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and age. A passenger car typically costs between $80 and $130 every two years, while a truck or SUV may cost more. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee for your vehicle. Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees — electric vehicles, for example, pay a lower rate.

If you renew online or by mail, you pay only the renewal fee. If you renew in person and need a duplicate registration or other documents, there may be small additional fees. Late fees explore if you renew more than 30 days after expiration. Check your renewal notice for the exact amount due, or call your county clerk's office if you have questions about the fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado plates if I just moved to the state?

Yes, but you must first register your vehicle in Colorado if it is not already registered here. New residents have 30 days to register an out-of-state vehicle. Once registered, you can renew using any of the three methods. If your out-of-state plates have not yet expired, you can wait until they do to renew in Colorado.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Contact your county clerk's office and request a duplicate notice, or renew online at dmv.colorado.gov using your VIN and registration information. You do not need the physical notice to renew online or in person — the notice is just a convenience.

Do I need a new inspection every time I renew my plates?

No. Once your vehicle has passed an inspection in Colorado, you do not need another one unless you change your vehicle's registration or your vehicle fails to meet emissions standards. Vehicles 8 years old or newer never require an inspection to renew plates.

How long is my temporary registration valid?

Your temporary registration is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. If your permanent plates have not arrived by then, contact your county clerk's office. You can request an extension if there is a delay in mail delivery.

What if my vehicle's weight has changed since I last renewed?

Contact your county clerk's office before renewing. If your vehicle's GVWR has changed — for example, if you added a heavy camper — your renewal fee may change. The clerk can recalculate your fee based on the new weight.