Colorado license plates come in standard and specialty types, each with different costs and renewal rules
Colorado issues several types of license plates, and the one you get depends on your vehicle type, whether you want a specialty design, and whether you may have access to for certain programs. The standard plate is the blue-and-white design you see most often on Colorado roads. Beyond that, the state offers specialty plates—from environmental themes to military service to college affiliations—each with its own fee structure and renewal process. Understanding which plate type you have matters because renewal costs, replacement procedures, and transfer rules differ between them.
Your plate type is tied to your vehicle registration, so when you renew your registration with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you'll confirm or change your plate type at the same time. If you're moving to Colorado or replacing a damaged plate, you'll need to know what options exist and what each one costs.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's standard blue-and-white plate costs less than specialty plates, which carry an additional fee that goes to the organization or cause the plate supports.
- Specialty plates include environmental, military, college, and organizational designs, each with different annual surcharges ranging from a few dollars to over $20.
- You can switch between standard and specialty plates during registration renewal or by visiting a DMV office, though some specialty plates have waiting lists.
- Personalized (vanity) plates are available on both standard and specialty designs and require a separate request and fee through the DMV.
- Replacement plates cost money if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged, and the cost depends on whether you're replacing a standard or specialty plate.
Standard Colorado plates and what they cost
The standard Colorado plate features the state name in blue at the top, a white background, and blue lettering. This is the default plate issued when you register a vehicle in Colorado. The cost of a standard plate is included in your vehicle registration fee, which varies based on vehicle age, type, and county. You don't pay extra for the standard design itself.
When you renew your registration annually, you keep the same plate number unless it's damaged or you request a replacement. Standard plates are valid for the life of your vehicle unless they become unreadable or are lost. If you want to switch to a specialty plate later, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting a DMV office and paying the specialty plate surcharge.
Specialty plates and their surcharges
Colorado offers over 100 specialty plate designs. Common categories include environmental plates (like the "Protect Colorado" design), military service plates (for veterans and active duty), college and university plates, and organizational plates supporting causes like wildlife conservation or breast cancer awareness. Each specialty plate carries an annual surcharge on top of your standard registration fee. These surcharges typically range from $10 to $25 per year, though some plates cost more.
The surcharge money goes to the organization or program the plate supports—for example, a wildlife conservation plate's surcharge funds state wildlife programs. When you renew your registration, you'll see the surcharge listed separately from your base registration fee. Some specialty plates have waiting lists if demand is high, so you may not receive your chosen plate when ready after requesting it.
To get a specialty plate, you request it during vehicle registration renewal through the Colorado DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You can also switch from a standard plate to a specialty plate at any time by visiting a DMV office and paying the surcharge, though you'll need to return your old plate.
Personalized (vanity) plates in Colorado
Personalized plates let you choose your own character combination instead of using the random number and letter sequence assigned by the state. You can get a personalized plate on either a standard or specialty design. The personalized plate request costs an additional fee beyond your registration or specialty plate surcharge—this fee is separate and non-refundable.
You request a personalized plate through the Colorado DMV website, where you can check availability before submitting your request. The state rejects combinations that are offensive, already in use, or too similar to existing plates. Processing takes several weeks, and you'll receive your new plate by mail. If your personalized plate request is denied, the fee is not returned, but you can request a different combination.
Replacing a damaged, lost, or stolen Colorado plate
If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, you need to replace it. For a lost or stolen plate, you should report it to local law enforcement and get a report number, though this is not always required by the DMV. You can then request a replacement plate through the Colorado DMV by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office.
Replacement plates cost money—the amount depends on whether you're replacing a standard or specialty plate. A standard plate replacement typically costs less than a specialty plate replacement. You'll receive your new plate by mail within a few weeks. If your plate was stolen, keep the police report in case the plate is later used on another vehicle.
If you want a different plate number when replacing a damaged or lost plate, you can request a personalized plate instead, though you'll pay the personalized plate fee in addition to the replacement fee.
How to transfer or keep your plate when selling or buying a vehicle
Colorado allows you to transfer your current plate to a new vehicle you purchase, or to keep your plate and not use it for a period of time. This is useful if you have a personalized plate or specialty plate you want to keep. To transfer a plate to a new vehicle, you'll need to register the new vehicle and request the transfer during that process.
If you're selling your vehicle and want to keep your plate without using it, you can request a "plate hold" through the DMV. This preserves your plate number for a set period so you can use it on a future vehicle. The hold period and any associated fees vary, so check with the Colorado DMV for current rules.
When you sell a vehicle, the plate remains your property—the buyer does not automatically get it. You should remove the plate before handing over the vehicle, or notify the DMV that the vehicle is being sold so the plate can be reassigned or held.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my current plate if I move to a different Colorado county?
Yes. Your plate is tied to your vehicle registration, not your county. When you update your address with the Colorado DMV during registration renewal, you keep the same plate. You do not need to get a new plate when moving within Colorado.
What happens if my specialty plate's organization stops operating?
If the organization supporting a specialty plate ceases operations, the Colorado DMV typically allows existing plate holders to keep their plates through the current registration period. At renewal, you'll need to choose a different plate type. The DMV will notify you if this occurs.
Do I have to pay the specialty plate surcharge every year?
Yes. The specialty plate surcharge is charged annually as part of your vehicle registration renewal. If you want to stop paying the surcharge, you can switch to a standard plate at your next renewal or by visiting a DMV office.
How long does it take to receive a new personalized plate?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks after your request is approved. You'll receive the plate by mail. During this time, you can continue driving with your old plate or a temporary registration document if needed.
Can I use a Colorado plate on a vehicle registered in another state?
No. Your vehicle must be registered in Colorado to display a Colorado plate. If you move out of state, you'll need to register your vehicle in your new state and get that state's plate. You should remove your Colorado plate before leaving.