Colorado requires you to renew your vehicle registration every year or every two years, depending on your vehicle type and when you last registered it

In Colorado, vehicle registration renewal happens through your county clerk and recorder's office, not through the state DMV. You can renew in person, by mail, or online through the Colorado Department of Revenue's website. The renewal notice arrives about 30 days before your registration expires, and your expiration date appears on your registration card and license plate sticker.

Most passenger vehicles renew annually, though some newer vehicles may have a two-year renewal cycle. Your specific renewal schedule depends on when you first registered the vehicle in Colorado and its vehicle class. Trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles may have different renewal periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado sends renewal notices about 30 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your county clerk's office.
  • You need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment for the renewal fee, which varies by vehicle weight and county.
  • Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if your information has not changed.
  • If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but driving with an expired registration is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.
  • Address changes, vehicle ownership transfers, and lien holder updates require in-person renewal or a separate form submitted to your county clerk.

Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue

The Colorado Department of Revenue website allows you to renew your registration online if your vehicle information and address have not changed. You will need your current registration card, the renewal notice (or your registration number), and a payment method. The online system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

Online renewal takes about five minutes and generates a temporary registration document you can print when ready. Your new registration card and license plate sticker arrive by mail within one to two weeks. This method works only if you are renewing under the same ownership and your address on file is current.

Renewing by mail or in person at your county clerk's office

You can mail your renewal payment and completed form to your county clerk and recorder's office, or visit in person. The renewal notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time your county receives it, so send it at least three weeks before your expiration date.

In-person renewal at your county clerk's office is the fastest option if you need to make changes to your registration. You must visit in person if you have a new address, added or removed a lien holder, changed ownership, or need to correct vehicle information. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Most county offices do not require an appointment, but hours vary by location.

What you need to renew: documents and fees

You will need your current registration card and proof of current auto insurance. Colorado requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance. Your proof of insurance can be a printed policy, a digital copy on your phone, or a card from your insurance company showing your policy number and coverage dates.

Renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and your county. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $100 and $200 per year, though this varies. Trucks and vehicles over a certain weight pay higher fees. Some counties charge additional local fees. You can contact your county clerk's office or check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to see the exact fee for your vehicle before you renew.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Colorado. A police officer can cite you for an expired registration, which carries a fine. The citation does not automatically suspend your license, but unpaid fines can lead to license suspension later. If you are pulled over, you must show proof of current registration.

You can renew your registration after it expires, and the renewal process is the same. However, you should renew as soon as possible to avoid the risk of a traffic stop. If your registration has been expired for more than 30 days, some county offices may require you to renew in person rather than by mail or online, so contact your county clerk to confirm.

Renewing when your address or vehicle information has changed

If you moved to a new address in Colorado, you must update your registration. You can do this during renewal by visiting your county clerk's office in person or by submitting a change-of-address form to your current county clerk before you renew. The Colorado Department of Revenue website has a form for address changes.

If you added a lien holder (such as a loan company) or removed one, changed the vehicle's title, or need to correct the vehicle's information on your registration, you must renew in person at your county clerk's office. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, your ID, and any documents related to the change (such as a loan agreement or title transfer). Your county clerk can guide you through what documents you need for your specific situation.

Renewing a vehicle registered in another state or country

If you recently moved to Colorado with a vehicle registered in another state, you must register it in Colorado within 30 days. This is a new registration, not a renewal, and requires a different process. You will need your out-of-state registration, proof of insurance, a valid ID, and proof of Colorado residency (such as a lease or utility bill). You must also pass a vehicle inspection at an authorized inspection station.

Contact your county clerk's office for the full list of documents needed and the inspection requirements for your vehicle type. The registration fee for a vehicle new to Colorado is based on its age and weight, and you will receive a new license plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado registration if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your vehicle is still registered to a Colorado address and your information has not changed. If you have moved out of state, you should contact your county clerk to update your address and determine whether you still need to maintain Colorado registration or should transfer to your new state.

What if I did not receive my renewal notice?

You can still renew without the notice. Contact your county clerk's office with your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number, and they can look up your registration and renewal fee. You can also renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if you have your registration card.

How long does it take to get my new registration card and sticker after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new registration card and license plate sticker arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you renew in person at your county clerk's office, you may receive your new sticker when ready, though this varies by county. Ask your county clerk when you renew.

Do I need to renew my license plate sticker every year?

Yes, your license plate sticker must be current and visible on your vehicle. When you renew your registration, you receive a new sticker. You must remove the old sticker and explore the new one to your license plate before your registration expires.

What if my vehicle is financed and I have a lien holder?

Your lien holder's information appears on your registration. When you renew, you can renew online or by mail as long as the lien holder information is still correct. If the lien has been paid off, you must visit your county clerk in person to remove the lien holder from your registration before or during renewal.