What you need to do when you move in Colorado

When you move to a new address in Colorado, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days. The DMV uses your address on file to send registration renewals, violation notices, and other official documents—if they go to your old address, you may miss important date or not know about problems with your vehicle record.

You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. If you cannot use the online system, the mail route takes about two weeks, and in-person visits are processed the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado requires you to report a new address to the DMV within 30 days of moving, whether you own or lease your vehicle.
  • The fastest way to update is through the Colorado DMV website using your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • If you mail the change, send it to the address listed on the DMV form and allow two weeks for processing.
  • You can also walk into any DMV office with proof of your new address and have the change recorded when ready.
  • Failing to update your address can result in missing registration renewal notices and may lead to driving with an expired registration without knowing it.

Updating your address online through the Colorado DMV website

The Colorado DMV website has a dedicated form for address changes that you can complete from home. Go to the DMV's official website and look for the "Address Change" option under vehicle services. You will need your driver's license number, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and your new address.

The system will ask you to confirm your current information on file and then enter your new address. Once you submit the form, the change is usually recorded within one business day. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change made online. After the change is processed, you should receive a confirmation email or letter at your new address within a few days.

Mailing an address change form to the DMV

If you prefer to mail your address change, you can request the form from the DMV or read it from their website. The form is called the "process for Address Change" and requires your name, driver's license number, vehicle identification number, current address on file, and your new address.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself—this is typically the Denver DMV office or a regional processing center. Include a copy of a document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will process the change and send you a confirmation letter. This method usually takes two to three weeks.

Updating your address in person at a DMV office

You can visit any Colorado DMV office to update your address on the same day. Bring your driver's license, your vehicle registration card, and a document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new location.

Walk up to the counter, tell the staff member you need an address change, and hand over your documents. They will verify the information, update your record in the system, and give you a receipt. There is no fee for this service. The change takes effect when ready, though you may still receive mail at your old address if it was already in transit when you made the change.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts several types of documents to verify that you actually live at the address you are reporting. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common proof. A signed lease agreement or mortgage statement also works. Government mail—such as a tax document, voter registration card, or court notice—addressed to you at the new address is acceptable.

If you do not have any of these documents yet, some DMV offices will accept a notarized statement from a landlord or property manager confirming your residency. Call your local DMV office before you visit to ask what they will accept in your situation, since requirements can vary slightly between locations.

What happens if you do not update your address

If you move and do not tell the DMV, your registration renewal notice will go to your old address. You may not see it, miss the important date, and end up driving with an expired registration without realizing it. A police officer can pull you over for an expired registration, and you will face a fine even though the renewal was available—you just did not receive the notice.

Additionally, if the DMV needs to contact you about a violation, a problem with your vehicle record, or a recall, they will send the notice to your old address. This means you might not know about safety issues or legal matters affecting your vehicle. Updating your address within 30 days prevents these problems and keeps your record current.

Address changes for leased vehicles and commercial vehicles

If you lease your vehicle, you still need to update your address with the Colorado DMV. The leasing company owns the vehicle, but your driver's license and registration are tied to your address, and the DMV needs to know where to reach you. Follow the same process—online, by mail, or in person—as you would for a vehicle you own.

If you own a commercial vehicle or have a fleet, the address change process is the same for the vehicle registration itself. However, if your business address changed, you may also need to update your commercial driver's license (CDL) address separately, which requires a visit to a DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address if I only moved within the same county?

Yes. The DMV requires an address update whenever your residence changes, regardless of whether you stayed in the same county or moved across the state. The 30-day important date applies to all moves.

What if I moved out of state but still own a Colorado-registered vehicle?

If you moved permanently to another state, you should register your vehicle in that state instead of keeping a Colorado registration. However, if you are temporarily out of state or still own property in Colorado, contact the Colorado DMV to discuss your situation, as the rules depend on your residency status.

How long does it take to get a new registration card with my updated address?

If you update online or by mail, you do not automatically receive a new registration card. Your current card remains valid; the DMV straightforward updates the address in their system. When your registration renews, the renewal notice and new card will go to your updated address. If you need a replacement card sooner, you can request one at a DMV office for a small fee.

Can I update my address at the same time I renew my registration?

Yes. When you renew your registration online or by mail, the renewal form includes a section to confirm or change your address. You can handle both at once, and there is no additional fee for the address change.

What if I moved and did not realize I had to notify the DMV?

Contact the DMV as soon as you realize the oversight. Update your address right away using any of the three methods. If you have already received a violation notice or missed a renewal important date, address the address change first, then contact the DMV about the other issue to explain the situation.