Register your car in Colorado through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
To register a car in Colorado, you submit an process to your county clerk and recorder's office along with proof of ownership, proof of residency, and payment of registration fees. The process takes about two weeks by mail or same-day if you go in person. You'll receive your registration certificate and license plates (or a registration sticker if you're renewing) once the county processes your process.
Colorado does not have a separate DMV office where you register vehicles — the county clerk handles all registration. This means you work with whichever county you live in, not a state office. If you're registering a vehicle you just bought, you have 30 days from the purchase date to register it.
Key Takeaways
- You register through your county clerk and recorder's office, not a state DMV office, and you have 30 days from purchase to complete registration.
- You need the vehicle's title or a bill of sale, proof you live in Colorado, and a valid ID to register.
- Registration fees depend on the vehicle's age and weight, and Colorado charges an additional ownership tax based on the vehicle's value.
- You can register by mail, in person at the county clerk's office, or online through some counties' websites.
- If you buy a vehicle out of state, you must register it in Colorado within 30 days or face a late fee.
What documents you need to bring or submit
Start with the vehicle's title or, if you don't have it yet, a bill of sale from the seller. If the title is held by a lender (because you financed the vehicle), the lender will send it to the county clerk directly, and you'll need a letter from the lender authorizing you to register the vehicle. If you're buying from a private seller, get a signed bill of sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the date of sale.
You also need proof that you live in Colorado. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. Bring a valid ID — a Colorado driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you're registering someone else's vehicle (for example, a family member's), bring a power of attorney document signed by the owner.
For vehicles purchased out of state, bring the out-of-state title or registration. Colorado will issue you a new title once registration is complete.
Registration fees and the ownership tax
Colorado charges a base registration fee that depends on the vehicle's age and weight. A passenger car typically costs between $90 and $130 for the first registration, though the exact amount varies by county because some counties add a small local surcharge. Trucks and SUVs cost more because the fee is tied to the vehicle's dry weight (the weight without fuel or cargo).
On top of the registration fee, Colorado charges an ownership tax — a one-time tax on the vehicle's value when you first register it. The tax rate is 3.42 percent of the vehicle's actual cash value. If you buy a $20,000 car, you'll owe about $684 in ownership tax plus the base registration fee. This is separate from sales tax, which you pay to the seller at purchase.
If you're registering a vehicle you've owned for more than a year, or if you inherited it, you may be exempt from the ownership tax. Ask your county clerk whether an exemption applies to your situation.
How to register in person at the county clerk's office
Find your county clerk's office online — search "[your county] Colorado clerk and recorder." Bring all documents listed above, plus a check or card for the registration fee and ownership tax. Walk in during business hours (most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by county).
The clerk will inspect your documents, calculate the total fee, and process your registration on the spot. You'll receive a temporary registration permit to drive the vehicle while the county issues your permanent plates or registration sticker. Permanent plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you're renewing an existing registration, you'll get a new sticker the same day.
Going in person is fastest if you want to drive the vehicle when ready — the temporary permit is valid right away. If you can wait two to three weeks, registering by mail is simpler if you don't live near the county clerk's office.
How to register by mail
read the process form from your county clerk's website (search "[your county] Colorado vehicle registration form"). Fill it out completely, including the vehicle's VIN, your name, address, and the purchase price. Make a copy of your title or bill of sale, your proof of residency, and your ID. Do not send original documents — send copies only.
Write a check for the registration fee and ownership tax (call the county clerk if you're unsure of the exact amount). Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. The county will mail you a temporary registration permit and, once plates are ready, your permanent plates or registration sticker.
You can drive with the temporary permit while you wait for permanent plates. If you need to drive before the temporary permit arrives, register in person instead.
Online registration through some Colorado counties
A growing number of Colorado counties offer online registration through their websites. Search "[your county] Colorado online vehicle registration" to see if yours is available. Online registration works the same way as mail registration — you upload copies of your documents, pay the fee online, and receive a temporary permit by email within a few days.
Online registration is faster than mail (usually three to five business days) and you don't have to visit an office or wait for mail. However, not all counties offer it yet. If your county doesn't have online registration, use the mail or in-person method.
What to do if you're registering a vehicle you bought out of state
You have 30 days from the purchase date to register the vehicle in Colorado. Bring the out-of-state title or registration, your bill of sale, and proof of Colorado residency. The county clerk will issue a new Colorado title and registration.
If the vehicle is financed, the lender's name will appear on the out-of-state title. The lender does not need to sign off again — Colorado will transfer the lien to the new title automatically. If you buy a vehicle from another state and don't register it within 30 days, the county will charge a late fee (usually $25 to $50, depending on how late you are).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a car online in Colorado?
Some counties offer online registration through their websites, but not all. Search "[your county] Colorado online vehicle registration" to check. If your county doesn't offer it, you can register by mail or in person at the county clerk's office.
What if I don't have the vehicle's title yet?
If you just bought the car and the title is being mailed to you, use a bill of sale from the seller to register temporarily. Once the title arrives, take it to the county clerk to update your registration. If the vehicle is financed, the lender holds the title and will send it to the county clerk directly — you don't need to do anything except provide the lender's information on your registration form.
Do I have to register the car in the county where I live?
Yes. You register in the county where you have your primary residence. If you move to a different county in Colorado, you must re-register the vehicle in your new county within 30 days.
How much does the ownership tax cost?
The ownership tax is 3.42 percent of the vehicle's actual cash value. For a $20,000 vehicle, that's about $684. Some vehicles are exempt — ask your county clerk if your situation qualifies.
What if the vehicle's title has a lien on it?
If you financed the vehicle, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. You can still register the vehicle — the lien transfers to your Colorado title automatically. You don't need the lender's permission to register, only to sell or trade in the vehicle later.