Renewing plates through MyDMV Colorado is faster than visiting an office in person, but only if your vehicle meets certain conditions

Colorado's MyDMV system lets you renew your registration and plates online without going to a DMV office. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have your current registration document and a valid payment method. You'll receive your new plates by mail within two to three weeks.

Not every vehicle can renew online. If your registration has lapsed more than 60 days, if you owe taxes or have a lien on the vehicle, or if your vehicle failed emissions testing, you'll need to visit a DMV office or mail in your renewal instead. The system will tell you when ready whether your vehicle is may be able to access when you start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • MyDMV renewal works only if your registration is current or lapsed fewer than 60 days, your vehicle passed emissions (if required), and you have no tax or lien issues.
  • You need your current registration document, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a credit or debit card to complete the renewal online.
  • New plates arrive by mail in two to three weeks; you can drive legally on your old plates until the new ones arrive.
  • If the system says you cannot renew online, you can mail your renewal documents to the DMV or visit an office in person.

What you need before you start

Gather your current registration document (the paper card that came with your plates) and have your vehicle identification number (VIN) ready. You'll also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. Colorado charges a base registration fee that varies by vehicle type and weight; passenger cars typically cost between $100 and $150, but trailers, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles have different rates.

If your vehicle requires emissions testing, make sure it has passed before you attempt to renew online. You can check whether your vehicle is due for emissions through the MyDMV system itself, or contact your local emissions testing facility. Vehicles registered in certain counties (primarily the Denver metro area) must pass every two years; vehicles in other areas may not need testing at all.

Steps to renew on MyDMV

Go to dmv.colorado.gov and select "MyDMV" from the homepage. You'll be asked to create an account or log in if you already have one. Enter your email address and create a password, or use an existing account.

Once logged in, select "Renew Registration" and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current license plate number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee. At this point, the system will also tell you whether your vehicle is may be able to access to renew online. If it is not may be able to access, you'll see the reason — for example, "Registration lapsed more than 60 days" or "Vehicle failed emissions test."

If you are may be able to access, review the vehicle information and registration details on the screen. Confirm that the address on file is correct; if it has changed, update it before you pay. Then enter your credit or debit card information and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number by email when ready.

What happens after you submit

Your new plates will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current plates until the new ones arrive — there is no gap in your legal registration. If you need to know the status of your plates after you've renewed, you can log back into MyDMV and check your renewal history.

If you do not receive your plates within four weeks, contact the Colorado DMV directly at 303-205-5600 or through the MyDMV system's messaging feature. Have your confirmation number ready.

When you cannot renew online

If the MyDMV system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, you have two other options: mail your renewal or visit a DMV office in person. To renew by mail, print the renewal form from dmv.colorado.gov (form DR 2322), include your current registration document, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks.

To renew in person, find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website and bring your current registration document, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and a valid photo ID. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you can drive home with temporary plates while your permanent plates are mailed.

Emissions testing requirements

If your vehicle is registered in a county that requires emissions testing, you must pass before you can renew your registration online or by mail. Counties in the Denver metro area (Denver, Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and El Paso) require testing every two years. Some vehicles are exempt — electric vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles less than six model years old do not need to test.

You can find an approved emissions testing facility through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website. Testing costs between $20 and $30 and takes about 15 minutes. Once you pass, the test result is sent directly to the DMV, and you can proceed with your online renewal.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you cannot log into MyDMV, reset your password through the login page. If you've forgotten your email address or username, contact the DMV at 303-205-5600. If the system says your registration has lapsed more than 60 days, you cannot renew online; you'll need to visit an office or mail in your renewal, and you may owe a late fee.

If your vehicle failed emissions testing, you cannot renew until it passes. Schedule a retest at an approved facility and try again once you have a passing result. If the system says you have a lien or tax issue on the vehicle, contact the DMV directly to resolve it before attempting to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plates if my registration expired more than two months ago?

No, MyDMV only works if your registration lapsed 60 days or fewer. If it has been longer, you must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. You may also owe a late fee. Contact the DMV to find out the total amount due before you renew.

Do I need to take an emissions test every time I renew?

Only if your vehicle is registered in a county that requires testing and your vehicle is not exempt. Most counties in Colorado do not require emissions testing. If you are unsure, check the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website or ask at your local testing facility.

What if I move to a different address before my new plates arrive?

Contact the Colorado DMV as soon as possible with your new address. You can update your address through MyDMV or by calling 303-205-5600. The DMV can redirect your plates to your new address if you contact them before the plates ship.

Can I renew my plates if I have a lien on my vehicle?

Not through MyDMV. You'll need to visit a DMV office in person or renew by mail. Bring proof that the lien has been satisfied (a letter from the lender) or contact the DMV to resolve the lien issue before you renew.

How long can I drive on my old plates after I renew online?

You can drive legally on your old plates until your new plates arrive, which is usually two to three weeks. There is no gap in your registration once you've completed the online renewal, even if your new plates have not arrived yet.