Where to renew your Denver license plate

You can renew your Denver license plate at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, but the fastest option is usually the Denver metro area office located at 405 South Cherry Street, Denver, CO 80246. You can also renew by mail or online through the Colorado DMV website, which works if your vehicle passes inspection and you have no outstanding violations or fees.

Online renewal takes about five business days once you submit your information. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because the DMV has to process your documents, run a background check, and print your new plate. In-person renewal at a DMV office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.

If you renew online or by mail, your new plate will be mailed to the address on file. If you renew in person, you can drive away with your new plate the same day, which matters if your current plate is damaged or expired.

Key Takeaways

  • Denver residents can renew at the Cherry Street DMV office, by mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website, with online being fastest at five business days.
  • You will need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID; if your vehicle is financed, you may need a lien release letter.
  • Your vehicle must pass a safety and emissions inspection within the last 12 months before the DMV will process your renewal.
  • Renewal costs vary based on your vehicle type and weight, but you can find the exact fee on the Colorado DMV website before you submit payment.
  • If your plate is damaged or you want a personalized plate, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Documents you need to bring or submit

For any renewal method, you will need your current vehicle registration card, proof of current auto insurance, and a valid government-issued ID. The Colorado DMV requires proof of insurance because the state mandates that all registered vehicles carry liability coverage. Your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy number and coverage dates both work.

If your vehicle has a lien — meaning a bank or finance company holds the title — you will need a lien release letter or a statement from the lienholder showing they consent to the renewal. If you are renewing by mail or online, you can upload these documents or mail them with your renewal form. If you are renewing in person, bring the originals.

For online renewal, you will also need your Colorado driver's license number and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration card and on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side.

Inspection requirements before you renew

Colorado requires all vehicles registered in Denver to pass a safety and emissions inspection within 12 months before renewal. This inspection checks that your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and emissions systems meet state standards. You cannot renew your plate without proof that your vehicle passed.

You can get your vehicle inspected at any Colorado-certified inspection station. Many auto repair shops, tire shops, and dedicated inspection centers in the Denver area offer this service. The inspection typically costs between $20 and $30 and takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once you pass, the inspection station will provide you with a certificate or sticker showing the inspection date and expiration date.

If you are renewing online or by mail, you will need to provide your inspection certificate number or upload a photo of the certificate. If you are renewing in person, bring the certificate with you. If your vehicle fails inspection, you will need to have the problem fixed and pass a re-inspection before the DMV will process your renewal.

Renewal fees and payment methods

License plate renewal fees in Colorado depend on your vehicle's type, weight, and whether you are renewing a standard plate or a specialty plate. Standard passenger vehicle renewal typically ranges from $100 to $150, but the exact amount varies. You can find your specific fee by entering your vehicle information on the Colorado DMV website before you commit to renewing.

The DMV accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or check, depending on which renewal method you choose. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. In-person renewal at a DMV office accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards.

If you are renewing a vehicle with a personalized or specialty plate — such as a disabled veteran plate or a conservation plate — the fee may be different. Check the Colorado DMV website or call the Denver DMV office at (720) 405-8600 to confirm the fee for your specific plate type before you renew.

Online renewal step by step

Go to the Colorado DMV website and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current registration and show you the renewal fee.

Review your vehicle information and address to make sure everything is correct. If your address has changed, update it before you proceed — your new plate will be mailed to the address on file. Upload a photo or PDF of your inspection certificate, proof of insurance, and any other required documents. Then enter your payment information and submit.

You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Your new plate will be mailed to you within five business days. You can continue to drive with your current plate until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your plate within two weeks, contact the Denver DMV office to check the status of your order.

Mail renewal step by step

read the vehicle registration renewal form from the Colorado DMV website or request one by calling (720) 405-8600. Fill out the form completely, including your vehicle information, current address, and the inspection certificate number. Attach copies of your inspection certificate, proof of insurance, and a copy of your current registration card.

Write a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the Denver DMV office at 405 South Cherry Street, Denver, CO 80246. Include a return envelope with your address if you want the DMV to send you a confirmation.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your documents. Your new plate will be mailed to the address on your registration. If you need your plate sooner, consider renewing in person or online instead.

In-person renewal at the Denver DMV office

The Denver DMV office at 405 South Cherry Street is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You do not need an appointment, but wait times can be long during peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. Arriving early in the morning or on Saturday usually means a shorter wait.

Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, valid ID, inspection certificate, and payment method. The DMV staff will verify your documents, confirm your inspection, and process your renewal. If everything is in order, you will receive your new plate before you leave. If your address or vehicle information has changed, tell the staff member — they can update it while you wait.

If you want a personalized plate, damaged plate replacement, or a specialty plate, you must renew in person. The staff can help you design a personalized plate on the spot and print it while you wait, though this may add 15 to 30 minutes to your visit.

What to do if your renewal is delayed or denied

If your renewal is delayed, the most common reason is that your inspection certificate did not arrive at the DMV or the certificate number you provided does not match the DMV records. Contact the inspection station where you had your vehicle inspected and ask them to confirm that they submitted your inspection to the state. Then call the Denver DMV at (720) 405-8600 and provide your inspection certificate number so they can look it up manually.

If your renewal is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include an outstanding parking ticket or traffic violation, a lien on the vehicle that was not released, or a vehicle that failed to pass inspection. Once you resolve the issue — pay the ticket, get the lien release, or pass a re-inspection — you can resubmit your renewal.

If you have an outstanding balance with the state, such as unpaid traffic fines or child support, the DMV may hold your renewal until the balance is paid. Contact the agency that issued the hold to find out how to resolve it, then contact the DMV to restart your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license plate if it is expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired plate, but you should not drive with an expired plate. If you are pulled over, you may receive a citation. Renew as soon as possible — online renewal takes five business days, so submit your process before your plate expires if you can.

What happens if I do not renew my license plate on time?

Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation in Colorado. You may be cited and fined. Additionally, your vehicle registration is no longer valid, which means your insurance may not cover you in an accident. Renew your plate when ready if it has expired.

Can I transfer my personalized plate to a new vehicle?

Yes, you can transfer a personalized plate to a different vehicle, but you must do this in person at a DMV office. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance for the new vehicle, and your ID. The DMV will update your registration and issue a new plate for the new vehicle while keeping your personalized number.

What if my vehicle fails the emissions inspection?

If your vehicle fails emissions, you will need to have the problem diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic. Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, a clogged catalytic converter, or an engine problem. Once the repair is complete, you can take your vehicle back to the inspection station for a re-inspection. Re-inspections usually cost less than the initial inspection.

Do I need to renew my plate every year?

Yes, Colorado requires annual license plate renewal. Your registration card will show your renewal date. You can renew up to 60 days before your plate expires, so plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired plate.