Where to go for license plates in Weld County

The Weld County Motor Vehicle office handles license plates, vehicle registration, and related documents. The main office is located in Greeley at 1400 N. 17th Avenue. This is where most people go to renew registration, get new plates, transfer ownership, or handle title work.

Weld County also has a satellite office in Loveland at 200 W. 29th Street, Suite 100. Both locations handle the same services, so you can visit whichever is more convenient. Hours vary slightly between locations, so check the county website or call ahead before making the trip.

You can also handle some transactions by mail or online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, though in-person visits are sometimes necessary for title transfers, duplicate registrations, or when documents need to be verified on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Weld County Motor Vehicle office in Greeley and the Loveland satellite both issue plates and handle registration, so you can visit either location.
  • You will need your current registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to renew plates or register a vehicle.
  • Some transactions like title transfers require an in-person visit, while renewals can often be completed by mail or online.
  • Processing times vary depending on the transaction type, so ask the staff what to expect when you arrive or call ahead.

What documents you need to bring

For a registration renewal, bring your current registration card, proof of current auto insurance, and a valid photo ID. If your registration has expired, you may also need to pass an emissions test depending on your vehicle's age and type — Colorado requires this for most vehicles in Weld County.

For a new vehicle registration, you will need the title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your ID. If you are financing the vehicle, bring the lien holder information as well. For a title transfer when buying a used vehicle, bring the signed title from the seller, your ID, proof of insurance, and the bill of sale.

If you are getting duplicate plates because yours were lost or damaged, bring your current registration and ID. Replacement plates cost a fee that varies depending on the plate type.

Registration renewal by mail or online

Colorado allows many registration renewals to happen without visiting an office in person. You can renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if your vehicle passed emissions (if required) and you have not had any changes to ownership or address.

To renew by mail, send your current registration card, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a note with your current contact information to the Weld County Motor Vehicle office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your new registration mailed back to you. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.

Online renewal is faster — you can complete it in minutes and print a temporary registration when ready. Your new plates or registration card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need plates sooner, an in-person visit is your only option.

Title transfers and ownership changes

A title transfer requires an in-person visit to the Weld County Motor Vehicle office. Both the seller and buyer must sign the title in front of a staff member, or the seller can sign it beforehand and the buyer can complete the transfer alone — check current rules when you call, as this varies.

Bring the signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance under the new owner's name, and both parties' IDs. If the vehicle has a lien, bring documentation from the lien holder authorizing the transfer. The office will issue a new registration in the new owner's name and provide new plates if needed.

Title transfers are processed the same day you visit, though the new registration card may arrive by mail a few days later. If you are buying a vehicle from a private seller, ask them to sign the title before you arrive so the process moves faster.

Fees and payment methods

Registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's age, weight, and type. A typical passenger car renewal costs between $100 and $150, though this varies. New vehicle registration fees are higher and based on the vehicle's value. Duplicate plates cost around $20 to $30.

The Weld County Motor Vehicle office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are mailing in a renewal, send a check or money order. Online renewals require a credit or debit card. Ask about the exact fee for your specific transaction when you call or visit, since fees change and depend on your vehicle details.

Contact information and hours

Greeley office: 1400 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631. Phone: (970) 304-6400. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may be reduced on certain days.

Loveland office: 200 W. 29th Street, Suite 100, Loveland, CO 80538. Phone: (970) 962-2371. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., though this may vary seasonally.

Call ahead before visiting to confirm current hours, especially during holidays or if you are making a long trip. You can also check the Weld County website for updates on wait times and any temporary closures.

What to expect when you arrive

Both offices use a ticket system. When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance and wait for your number to be called. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week — early mornings and mid-week visits are typically shorter.

Have all your documents organized and ready before you reach the window. The staff member will review your paperwork, collect fees, and process your transaction. Most straightforward renewals take 10 to 15 minutes at the window, though title transfers or complex situations may take longer.

If documents are missing or incomplete, staff will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot complete the transaction without everything, so it is worth calling ahead if you are unsure whether you have what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you will owe late fees in addition to the renewal fee. You may also need to pass an emissions test and provide proof of insurance. Visit the Greeley or Loveland office to handle this in person, as mail renewals may not process for significantly overdue registrations.

What if I lost my title and need to register my vehicle?

You can request a duplicate title from the Weld County Motor Vehicle office. Bring your ID, current registration, and proof of ownership (like a bill of sale or insurance card). A duplicate title costs a small fee and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, though you can get a temporary registration when ready.

Do I need an emissions test before I renew my registration?

Most vehicles in Weld County require an emissions test every two years. Your registration notice will tell you if one is required. You must pass the test before renewing, and you can get it done at any approved emissions testing facility in the county — the Motor Vehicle office can provide a list.

How long does a title transfer take?

The transfer itself is completed the same day you visit the office. Your new registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can drive the vehicle when ready after the transfer with a temporary registration, though you should not delay getting your new plates.

Can I transfer my old license plate to a new vehicle?

Colorado allows personalized plates to transfer to a new vehicle, but standard plates are typically replaced when you register a new vehicle. Bring your old registration and the new vehicle's title to the Motor Vehicle office to discuss your options — staff can tell you whether your specific plate can transfer.