Where to update your Colorado car registration
You update your Colorado car registration through your county clerk and recorder's office, not through a state office. Each county handles its own vehicle records, so you'll contact the office in the county where your vehicle is registered. You can do this in person, by mail, or online through some counties' portals — the method available depends on which county you're in and what information you're changing.
The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles oversees the system statewide, but they don't process individual registration changes. They set the rules; your county clerk executes them. If you're unsure which county to contact, look at your current registration card — the county name appears on it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your county clerk and recorder's office, not the state, because Colorado handles registration by county.
- Common updates include address changes, vehicle ownership changes, and adding or removing a lienholder, each with different required documents.
- An address change can often be done by mail or online; ownership changes typically require in-person visits or notarized documents.
- Processing times vary by county but typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the type of change and how you submit it.
- You'll need your current registration card, proof of the change (like a deed or insurance document), and sometimes a notarized form.
What documents you need for different types of updates
The documents required depend on what you're changing. For an address change, bring your current registration card and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. You don't need to bring the vehicle itself.
For a change of ownership (adding or removing an owner's name), you'll need the current registration, a signed title showing the new ownership structure, and proof of identity for anyone being added. Some counties require this in person; others accept notarized documents by mail. If a lender is involved, you may also need a lienholder release or new lien paperwork.
If you're adding or removing a lienholder (a bank or finance company with a claim on the vehicle), bring the current registration, the lienholder's written consent or release, and your proof of identity. This is common when you pay off a loan or refinance.
For a name change (marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring your current registration, a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your proof of identity.
How to submit your update by mail or online
Many Colorado counties accept registration updates by mail. Prepare a cover letter stating what you're changing, include all required documents (originals or certified copies), and mail them to your county clerk's office. Include your phone number so they can contact you if something is missing. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks, though some counties are slower during peak renewal periods.
Some counties offer online updates through their websites, but this option is limited. Address changes are most commonly available online; ownership changes and lienholder updates usually require in-person submission or notarized documents mailed in. Check your county clerk's website to see what's available in your county — search "[your county name] Colorado clerk and recorder" to find the office's portal.
If you mail documents, keep copies for your records and consider sending them certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Some counties will email or call you when the update is complete; others will straightforward mail you an updated registration card.
In-person updates at your county clerk's office
Visiting in person is the fastest route for most changes and guarantees your documents are complete before you leave. Bring your current registration card, the required documents for your specific change, and a valid photo ID. Most county clerk offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours.
Wait times vary widely by county and time of year. Rural counties often have short waits; Denver and other urban counties can have lines, especially near renewal important date. Call ahead or check your county's website to see if they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some counties now use online scheduling systems to reduce wait times.
If you can't visit in person and your county doesn't offer online updates, ask whether they accept notarized documents by mail. A notary public can witness your signature on certain forms, which some counties accept as equivalent to an in-person visit. Notaries are available at banks, UPS stores, and some libraries for a small fee (typically $5 to $15).
Processing time and what happens after you submit
Processing times depend on the type of change and your county's workload. Address changes submitted online or in person typically process within three to five business days. Changes submitted by mail take longer — expect one to two weeks. Ownership changes and lienholder updates can take up to two weeks even in person if the county needs to verify information with a lender or title holder.
After your update is processed, you'll receive an updated registration card by mail at your new address (if you changed your address) or your current address. The card is valid when ready upon issuance, even if it hasn't arrived yet. If you need proof of the change before the card arrives, ask your county clerk for a letter confirming the update — some counties provide this when ready, others charge a small fee.
If you don't receive your updated card within the expected timeframe, contact your county clerk's office. Provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number so they can look up your account and resend the card if needed.
Special situations: out-of-state moves and vehicle transfers
If you're moving out of Colorado, you don't need to update your Colorado registration — you'll register the vehicle in your new state instead. However, if you're moving within Colorado to a different county, you do need to update your registration to reflect the new county. Contact your new county's clerk office and provide your current registration, proof of your new address, and your vehicle's title.
If you're buying or selling a vehicle to someone else, the new owner must register it in their name within 30 days of purchase. The seller provides the title; the new owner takes the title and proof of purchase to their county clerk's office. This is a new registration, not an update to an existing one, so the process is different from the changes described above.
Finding your county clerk's contact information
Search "[your county name] Colorado clerk and recorder" online to find your office's website, phone number, and hours. Most county websites list what documents are needed for each type of update, whether they accept online submissions, and whether appointments are required. You can also call the Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5600 if you need help locating your county office, though they won't process your update directly.
Keep your county clerk's phone number handy. If you're unsure whether you have all the required documents before you visit or mail your submission, a quick call can save you a trip or a delayed response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my registration online in Colorado?
Some counties offer online updates for address changes, but most registration changes require in-person visits or notarized documents mailed in. Check your county clerk's website to see what's available in your county. If online updates aren't available, mail or in-person submission are your options.
How much does it cost to update my registration?
Most routine updates (address changes, name changes, lienholder changes) have no fee. Some counties charge a small fee for expedited processing or for issuing a replacement card if yours is lost. Call your county clerk's office to confirm whether your specific update has a fee.
What if I move to a new address but don't update my registration right away?
Your registration remains valid at your old address until it expires. However, you should update it as soon as possible so you receive renewal notices and any official correspondence at your correct address. Driving with an outdated address on your registration won't result in a ticket, but it can cause problems if you're pulled over or involved in an accident.
Do I need to bring my vehicle to the county clerk's office?
No. For registration updates, you only need to bring documents and identification. You don't need the vehicle itself unless you're explore for a new title or dealing with a salvage or rebuilt title, which are different processes.
What if my county clerk's office lost my documents?
If you submitted documents by mail and they don't arrive at the office, contact them when ready with your tracking number (if you sent them certified mail). If documents were lost after arrival, ask the office to file a report and resubmit copies. Keep copies of everything you send for this reason.