Change your address with the Colorado DMV by mail, online, or in person
You can update your address on your Colorado vehicle registration without renewing your registration early. The Colorado Department of Revenue accepts address changes through three routes: the online system (fastest), mail with a form, or an in-person visit to a DMV office. You do not need to bring your vehicle or take a test. The process takes a few minutes online or about two weeks by mail, depending on which method you choose.
Your registration remains valid after you change your address — the new address straightforward appears on your next renewal notice and on any documents the DMV mails to you. If you move and do not update your address, renewal notices and registration documents will go to your old address, which can cause you to miss important date or lose important paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- The Colorado DMV online system at dmv.colorado.gov lets you change your address in minutes if you have your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
- If you cannot use the online system, mail Form DR 2261 (Address Change) to the DMV with your current registration card and a copy of your ID showing your new address.
- In-person address changes at any Colorado DMV office take about 15 minutes and require your registration card and a document proving your new address.
- Address changes do not affect your registration expiration date — your registration stays valid until the renewal date printed on your card.
- Update your address before you move or within 30 days of moving to avoid missing renewal notices and registration documents.
Change your address online through the DMV website
The fastest route is the Colorado DMV's online system. Go to dmv.colorado.gov, select "Address Change" under the registration section, and enter your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and new address. The system processes the change when ready and sends a confirmation to your email. You will see your updated address on your next renewal notice or on any future documents the DMV mails.
You need your driver's license number and VIN to use the online system. Your VIN appears on your registration card, vehicle title, or the dashboard of your vehicle (visible through the windshield on the driver's side). If you do not have access to either number, use the mail or in-person method instead.
The online system works for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and most commercial vehicles registered in Colorado. If you own multiple vehicles, you must change the address for each one separately.
Mail a form to the DMV if you cannot use the online system
If you do not have internet access or prefer to mail your request, read Form DR 2261 (Address Change) from the Colorado DMV website or request it by phone at 303-205-5600. Fill in your current address, new address, vehicle information, and sign the form. Attach a copy of your current registration card and a copy of an ID or utility bill showing your new address.
Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your mail. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail — your address will be updated in the system, and you will see the change on your next renewal notice or registration document.
Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you want to confirm the DMV received your form, call 303-205-5600 after two weeks and provide your vehicle information.
Update your address in person at a DMV office
Visit any Colorado DMV office with your current registration card and a document showing your new address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, government-issued ID, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office staff will process your change on the spot, and you will leave with confirmation.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Smaller offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than Denver-area offices. You can check current wait times on the DMV website before you go. Bring your registration card and address document — you do not need to bring your vehicle or any other paperwork.
If you have a commercial vehicle or a vehicle registered under a business name, you may need additional documents. Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 before you visit to confirm what you need to bring.
What happens to your registration after you change your address
Your registration expiration date does not change when you update your address. If your registration expires in March 2025, it still expires in March 2025 after you change your address. The address change is separate from renewal — it only updates where the DMV sends mail and what address appears on your registration documents.
The new address will appear on your next renewal notice, which the DMV will mail to your updated address. If you change your address and then move again before your renewal notice arrives, you risk missing the notice. Update your address again as soon as you move a second time.
Update your address if you move out of state
If you move to another state, you do not need to update your Colorado address with the DMV. Instead, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state within a set timeframe (usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the state). Your new state's DMV will issue you a new registration and title.
Contact your new state's DMV to learn the registration transfer process and what documents you need. You will typically need your Colorado title, proof of insurance in your new state, and proof of residency. Keep your Colorado registration until your new state issues your registration — do not cancel it early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address before I move, or can I do it after?
You can change your address before or after you move. Colorado law requires you to notify the DMV within 30 days of moving, but the online system and mail form work either way. Changing your address before you move ensures the DMV has your correct address on file from day one at your new location.
What if my registration card is lost or damaged?
You can still change your address online if you have your driver's license number and VIN. If you use the mail or in-person method, you can describe your registration card instead of attaching it — the DMV can look up your registration in the system using your vehicle information. A damaged card is acceptable to bring in person.
Will changing my address affect my insurance?
No. Your vehicle insurance and DMV registration are separate. Notify your insurance company of your address change directly — do not rely on the DMV to tell them. Your insurance company may adjust your rate based on your new location, but that is a separate process from updating your registration.
Can I change the address for a vehicle I am financing or leasing?
Yes. The address on your registration is your address, not the lender's or lessor's. You can change it the same way you would for any vehicle you own. The lender or lessor will have their own address on file with their company, and you do not need to coordinate with them to update your registration address.
What if I change my address online but do not receive a confirmation email?
Check your spam folder first. If you still do not see a confirmation, the online system may not have processed your request. Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 with your vehicle information, and they can confirm whether your address was updated. You can also mail Form DR 2261 as a backup if you are unsure.