What you need to do to renew your Colorado registration
Colorado vehicle registration renews every year or every two years, depending on your vehicle type and when you last registered it. You can renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a county clerk's office. The state charges a base registration fee that varies by vehicle weight and type, plus any applicable local taxes or fees your county adds.
The renewal process itself is straightforward: the state mails you a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your registration expires, showing what you owe. You do not have to wait for that notice to renew — you can start the process anytime in the 60 days before expiration. If you renew online or by mail, you will receive your new registration documents by mail within one to two weeks of approval.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado sends renewal notices by mail 30 to 60 days before your registration expires, but you can renew online anytime before that date.
- Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest method and requires your current registration number and vehicle identification number.
- The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type, plus county-specific taxes and fees that vary by location.
- If you renew by mail or online, your new registration documents arrive within one to two weeks; in-person renewal at a county clerk's office is when ready.
- Renewing after your registration expires results in a late fee and may affect your ability to legally drive or park your vehicle.
Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue
The Colorado Department of Revenue operates the online renewal system at dmv.colorado.gov. You will need your current registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method — the state accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. The online system shows you the exact amount due before you pay, including all county fees and taxes.
After you submit payment online, the state processes your renewal within one to two business days. You will receive your new registration documents and license plate renewal sticker by mail. If your registration expires soon, renew at least two weeks before the expiration date to may support the documents arrive in time. The online system is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Renewing by mail or at a county clerk's office
When you receive your renewal notice in the mail, you can return it with payment to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the amount shown. Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks from the time the state receives your payment, so send it at least three weeks before your registration expires.
For when ready renewal, visit your county clerk's office in person. Bring your current registration, proof of vehicle insurance, and payment. County clerk offices are located in each county seat and some larger towns. Processing is when ready, and you will leave with your new registration documents. Hours and locations vary by county — search your county name plus "clerk's office" to find the nearest location and hours.
What the renewal fee covers and what affects the cost
Colorado's base registration fee is calculated by vehicle weight and type. A passenger car typically costs less than a truck or SUV of the same weight. The state publishes a fee schedule on the Department of Revenue website that shows the exact base fee for your vehicle class.
On top of the base fee, your county adds local taxes and fees that vary significantly. Some counties charge a county registration tax; others charge an emissions testing fee or a local transportation fee. The renewal notice you receive by mail shows the total amount due, including all county additions. If you renew online, the system displays the full amount before you pay. There is no way to know the exact total until you see the renewal notice or start the online renewal process.
Renewing a vehicle with an expired or suspended registration
If your registration has already expired, you can still renew it, but the state adds a late fee. The late fee amount depends on how long the registration has been expired — the longer it has been expired, the higher the fee. You cannot legally drive a vehicle with an expired registration in Colorado, and parking it on a public street may result in a citation.
If your registration was suspended (usually due to unpaid traffic fines, insurance lapses, or emissions test failures), you must resolve the underlying issue before you can renew. The renewal notice or the online system will tell you why the registration is suspended and what you need to do. Contact your county clerk's office or the Department of Revenue if you are unsure what caused the suspension.
Proof of insurance and emissions testing requirements
Colorado requires proof of active vehicle insurance to renew your registration. If you renew online, the state checks your insurance status electronically through the Insurance Information Exchange. If your insurance is current, the online system will proceed. If you renew by mail or in person, bring your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy is active.
Emissions testing is required in the Denver metro area (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, and Weld counties) and in the Pikes Peak region (El Paso and Teller counties). Your vehicle must pass an emissions test within the past 12 months before you can renew. If you live in an emissions-testing county and your vehicle has not been tested recently, you must schedule a test at an approved testing station before you renew. The state maintains a list of approved stations on the Department of Revenue website.
What happens if you miss the renewal important date
Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Colorado. Law enforcement can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. Your vehicle may also be towed if parked on a public street with an expired registration for an extended period.
If you realize your registration has expired, renew it as soon as possible. The late fee increases the longer the registration remains expired. Once you renew, the new registration is valid for the full renewal period (one or two years) from the date you renew, not from the date the old registration expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado registration before I receive the renewal notice?
Yes. You can renew online anytime in the 60 days before your registration expires, even if you have not received the renewal notice in the mail yet. You will need your current registration number and VIN. The online system at dmv.colorado.gov shows you the exact amount due.
What if I move to a different Colorado county after I renew?
You do not need to re-register your vehicle when you move within Colorado. Your registration remains valid until the expiration date. When you renew the next time, you can renew from your new county, and the new registration will reflect your updated address.
How long does it take to receive my new registration documents by mail?
After the state processes your renewal (which takes one to two business days), your new registration documents are mailed to you. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks depending on your location. Renew at least two to three weeks before your expiration date to may support the documents arrive in time.
Do I need to take an emissions test every year?
No. Emissions tests are valid for 12 months. If you renew your registration before your test expires, you do not need a new test. If your test expires before your registration renews, you must get a new test before you can renew your registration in an emissions-testing county.
What if my vehicle's registration was suspended for unpaid fines?
You must pay the outstanding fines before the suspension is lifted and you can renew. Contact your county clerk's office or the court that issued the fine to find out the exact amount owed and how to pay it. Once paid, the suspension is removed and you can renew your registration.