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

Your Colorado license plates expire on the last day of the month shown on your registration card — usually two years from when you first registered or last renewed. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before that date. You can renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail using the renewal notice, or by visiting your county clerk's office in person. The online method is fastest and requires your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's age and weight. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $97 and $130 for the two-year period, though trucks and specialty vehicles may differ. If you're renewing late — after your plates have already expired — you'll owe a late fee on top of the standard renewal cost. Colorado does not allow you to renew before your current registration expires, so you cannot get ahead of the cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado license plates expire every two years on the last day of the month shown on your registration card.
  • You can renew online at the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at your county clerk's office.
  • The renewal fee for a passenger vehicle is typically between $97 and $130 for two years, depending on vehicle weight.
  • You will receive a renewal notice about 30 days before your plates expire, and renewing after expiration triggers a late fee.
  • Online renewal requires your VIN, license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue

The Colorado Department of Revenue website allows you to renew your plates without leaving home. Go to the DMV section of the Colorado Department of Revenue website, select "Renew Registration," and enter your vehicle information. You'll need your current license plate number, VIN, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee.

Payment is made by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you complete the transaction, you'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new registration card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive new physical plates unless you request them — your existing plates remain valid as long as your registration is current. If your plates are damaged, lost, or you want a new design, you can request replacement plates during the renewal process for an additional fee.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The renewal notice mailed to you about 30 days before expiration includes a payment envelope and instructions. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back in the provided envelope. Do not send cash through the mail. The address for mailing is printed on the notice itself.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — allow 2 to 3 weeks for your payment to be processed and your new registration card to arrive. If you're close to your expiration date, mail renewal may not be fast enough. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your plates expire to avoid late fees. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by contacting your county clerk's office to request a duplicate.

Renewing in person at your county clerk's office

Every Colorado county has a clerk's office that handles vehicle registration. You can walk in during business hours with your current registration card and payment to renew on the spot. Bring a valid ID and your vehicle's VIN if you don't have your registration card with you. The clerk will process your renewal when ready and issue you a new registration card before you leave.

In-person renewal is useful if you're renewing late and need to avoid a late fee, or if you need replacement plates the same day. County clerk offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some larger offices may have extended hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day — calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip during a busy period.

What happens if you renew late

If your registration expires and you continue to drive, you are operating an unregistered vehicle, which is a traffic violation in Colorado. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine for driving with expired registration is separate from the cost of renewing your plates.

When you do renew after expiration, you'll owe the standard renewal fee plus a late fee. The late fee amount depends on how long your registration has been expired — the longer you wait, the higher the penalty. You can renew late through any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person), and the process is the same, except you'll see the additional late fee added to your total cost. If you've been pulled over for expired registration, bring proof of your renewal confirmation when you renew to show the officer if you're stopped again before your new card arrives.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan

If you still owe money on your vehicle through a bank, credit union, or financing company, the lender's name appears on your registration card. You can still renew your plates — the lien does not prevent renewal. Renew through any of the three methods as normal, and your registration card will continue to show the lender's name until the loan is paid off.

Some lenders require you to notify them before renewing, though most do not. Check your loan documents or contact your lender if you're unsure. Once you pay off the loan, you can request a new registration card without the lien holder's name by visiting your county clerk's office or contacting the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Renewing a vehicle with an out-of-state title

If you recently moved to Colorado and your vehicle still has a title from another state, you cannot renew your Colorado registration until you transfer the title to Colorado. Contact your county clerk's office to begin the title transfer process — you'll need your out-of-state title, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of insurance. Once the title transfer is complete, you can renew your registration normally.

Title transfers typically take 1 to 2 weeks. If your Colorado registration has already expired while you're waiting for the title transfer, you can renew once the transfer is finished, and you'll owe the late fee if the registration was expired during the transfer process. Some county clerks allow you to renew your registration on the same day as the title transfer if you complete both in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado plates before they expire?

No. Colorado does not allow early renewal. You can renew starting on the date your current registration expires, but not before. If you attempt to renew early online, the system will reject your request. You can renew on or after your expiration date through any method.

What if I move to a different county in Colorado?

You do not need to re-register your vehicle or transfer your plates to a new county. Your registration remains valid regardless of which county you live in. When you renew, you can do so through any county clerk's office or online — your county of residence does not matter for renewal.

Do I get new physical plates when I renew?

No. Your existing plates stay on your vehicle as long as your registration is current. New plates are only issued if you request them during renewal (for a fee), if your plates are damaged or lost, or if you change your plate design. Standard renewal does not include new plates.

How long does it take to receive my new registration card after renewing online?

The new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can drive legally with your confirmation number and old registration card until the new one arrives. Keep your confirmation number in your vehicle in case you're stopped by police.

What if my renewal notice never arrived?

Contact your county clerk's office or the Colorado Department of Revenue to request a duplicate renewal notice. You can also renew without the notice by going online or visiting your county clerk in person — you just need your vehicle information and payment. If your address on file is incorrect, update it before renewing to may support future notices reach you.