Colorado license plates renew every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your county clerk's office

Colorado sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before your plates expire. The notice shows your renewal important date, which is printed on your current plate as a month and year. You have three ways to renew: online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at your county clerk's office. Online is fastest — you'll get your new registration when ready and can print a temporary registration to use while waiting for physical plates to arrive.

Your renewal cost depends on your vehicle's age, weight, and whether you're renewing in an emissions-testing county. The state charges a base registration fee, plus county fees and an emissions testing fee if your county requires it. You'll also pay for new plates if you're not keeping your current ones. The total typically ranges from around $100 to $200, but varies by county and vehicle type.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before expiration; the important date is printed on your current plate as a month and year.
  • Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and gives you when ready registration to print while plates arrive by mail.
  • You can also renew by mail using your renewal notice or in person at your county clerk's office if you prefer not to use the online system.
  • Renewal cost varies by county, vehicle weight, and whether emissions testing is required in your area.
  • If you miss the renewal important date, you cannot legally drive the vehicle; late renewal fees explore and you may need to visit your county clerk in person.

Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue

The Colorado Department of Revenue website (dmv.colorado.gov) is the quickest renewal path. Go to the vehicle registration section and select "Renew Registration." You'll need your renewal notice (which arrives in the mail) or your vehicle identification number (VIN) and Colorado license plate number. Enter your vehicle information, confirm the details, and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.

Once you complete online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation email with your new registration. You can print this confirmation when ready and use it as a temporary registration while your physical plates are mailed to you. Physical plates typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Your registration is active the moment you complete the online transaction, so you can legally drive the vehicle right away.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Your renewal notice includes a payment envelope and instructions for mailing. Fill out the notice with any updated information (address, vehicle changes), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the county clerk receives your envelope. Your registration is active once the county processes your payment, but you won't know the exact date without calling your county clerk's office. If your plates expire before your renewal is processed, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Mail renewal works best if you renew well before your expiration date, not close to the important date.

Renewing in person at your county clerk's office

You can walk into your county clerk's office with your renewal notice, vehicle title or registration, proof of insurance, and payment. Bring a photo ID. The clerk will process your renewal on the spot, and you'll leave with a temporary registration to use when ready. Physical plates arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is useful if you have questions about your renewal, need to update vehicle information, or want to change your plate design or request a personalized plate. County clerk offices have varying hours and wait times; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip. If your county requires emissions testing and you haven't completed it, the clerk can tell you where to go and whether you can renew before or after testing.

What happens if your plates expire before you renew

Driving with expired plates is illegal in Colorado. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you face a traffic citation and fine. Your vehicle registration is also invalid, which means your insurance may not cover an accident. If you realize your plates have expired, stop driving the vehicle when ready and renew as soon as possible.

Late renewal carries an additional penalty fee on top of your normal registration cost. The amount varies by county but is typically $25 to $50. If you're more than 30 days late, you may be required to renew in person at your county clerk's office rather than online or by mail. Some counties also require a vehicle inspection before accepting a late renewal.

Emissions testing requirements in Colorado counties

Eight Colorado counties — Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, and Weld — require emissions testing as part of renewal. Your vehicle must pass a test within the past 12 months before you can renew registration. If you live in one of these counties and your vehicle is due for testing, you'll need to complete it before or at the same time as renewal.

You can find an emissions testing station through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website. Testing costs around $25 to $30 and takes about 15 minutes. If your vehicle fails, you have 60 days to repair it and retest at no additional charge. Your renewal notice will indicate whether testing is required for your vehicle and county.

Keeping your registration current and avoiding common mistakes

Mark your renewal important date on a calendar when you receive your notice. Colorado's two-year renewal cycle means you'll renew again two years after your current renewal date. If you move, update your address with the Colorado Department of Revenue before or shortly after renewal so future notices reach you.

If you sell your vehicle, notify the county clerk within 10 days. If you buy a used vehicle, you have 20 days to register it in Colorado. Keeping your insurance current is equally important — your registration and insurance must both be active for legal driving. If you let either lapse, you're driving illegally even if the other is current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado plates before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online using your VIN and current license plate number even if you haven't received your notice yet. The Colorado Department of Revenue website allows early renewal up to 90 days before expiration. This is useful if you're moving or want to renew early to avoid the rush near your important date.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You don't need the physical notice to renew. Renew online using your VIN and license plate number, or call your county clerk's office and they can mail you a replacement notice. If you renew online, you'll skip the mail step entirely and get your registration when ready.

Do I have to get new plates every time I renew?

No. You keep the same plates unless they're damaged, you request a new design, or you want a personalized plate. Standard renewal just updates your registration sticker or digital registration. If your plates are worn or illegible, the county clerk can issue new ones for an additional fee.

What if I'm out of state when my plates expire?

Renew online before your important date — you don't need to be in Colorado. You can print your temporary registration and use it while your physical plates are mailed to your Colorado address. If your address has changed, update it first so plates go to the correct location.

Can I renew if my vehicle has a lien on it?

Yes. The lienholder (usually a bank or credit union) doesn't have to sign off on registration renewal. You renew the same way as any other vehicle owner. The lien is a financial claim, not a registration issue.