What Colorado License Plates Are Available

Colorado offers several plate designs beyond the standard blue-and-white plate. The most common options are the standard passenger plate, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) plate, and specialty plates that support specific causes or organizations. Each plate type has the same legal function — it registers your vehicle with the state — but the design differs, and some plates direct a portion of your fee to a particular program.

The standard plate is what most drivers receive when they register a vehicle. Specialty plates cost more than the standard plate, usually between $25 and $50 extra per year, depending on the plate type. That additional fee goes to the organization or program the plate supports, such as wildlife conservation, veterans' causes, or higher education institutions.

You do not have to choose a specialty plate. If you prefer the standard design or want to keep your registration cost as low as possible, the standard plate is always an option.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado's standard passenger plate is blue and white; specialty plates cost extra but support specific causes like parks, wildlife, or veterans' programs.
  • You order a new plate or change your plate type through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website, by mail, or in person at a local office.
  • Changing your plate design does not require a vehicle inspection or title change — only a registration update.
  • Personalized plates (vanity plates) are available on most plate types and require a separate request and additional fee.
  • If you keep the same plate number when you renew, you can often reuse the physical plate; if you change the design, you will receive a new plate in the mail.

Standard Passenger Plates vs. Specialty Plates

The standard Colorado passenger plate displays the state name, the Rocky Mountain image, and your registration number. It costs the base registration fee with no additional charge. This plate is legal for all passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles.

Specialty plates include designs that highlight Colorado Parks and Wildlife, support military veterans, promote higher education, or benefit other causes. The CPW plate is the most widely recognized specialty option and directs extra revenue to wildlife habitat and public lands. Other specialty plates support universities, the Colorado National Guard, and various charitable organizations.

Choosing a specialty plate is purely optional. Your vehicle functions identically with either a standard or specialty plate. The choice is about which cause or design you prefer to display on your vehicle.

How to Order or Change Your Plate Type

You can change your plate type or order a new plate through three methods: online at the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.

Online: Visit the Colorado DMV website and log into your account. You can view your current registration, select a new plate design, and pay the fee. The new plate will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration information.

By mail: Contact your local county clerk's office or the Colorado DMV to request a plate change form. Complete the form, include payment, and mail it to the address provided. Processing takes longer by mail — typically four to six weeks.

In person: Visit a DMV office or your county clerk's office with your vehicle registration and proof of residency. You can complete the request when ready and pay on the spot. You will receive your new plate by mail within two to three weeks.

Personalized (Vanity) Plates on Specialty Designs

You can request a personalized plate on most specialty designs, including the standard plate. A personalized plate lets you choose a custom combination of letters and numbers (within Colorado's rules) instead of receiving a random registration number.

Personalized plates cost extra — typically $50 to $100 more than the base plate type — and require a separate request. You submit your desired combination through the Colorado DMV website or in person. The DMV checks whether your requested combination is available and not offensive. If approved, you pay the fee and receive your personalized plate by mail.

Personalized plates take longer to arrive than standard plates, sometimes four to eight weeks, because each one is made individually. You cannot use a personalized plate until it arrives; you must continue using your old plate until the new one is delivered.

What Happens to Your Old Plate

If you change your plate design but keep the same registration number, you may be able to reuse your old plate if it is in good condition. The DMV will tell you whether your old plate can transfer to the new design.

If you change to a different plate design or your old plate is damaged or worn, the DMV will issue a new plate. You do not need to return your old plate in most cases — you can keep it as a souvenir or dispose of it. Some counties accept old plates for recycling; check with your local county clerk's office if you want to recycle rather than keep it.

When your new plate arrives, remove the old one and install the new one. You are not required to do anything with the old plate unless your county specifically requests it.

Plate Renewal and Expiration

Your license plate does not expire in the traditional sense, but your vehicle registration does. When you renew your registration each year, your plate remains valid as long as your registration is current. The registration sticker on your plate shows the expiration month and year.

If you want to change your plate design during a renewal year, you can do so at the same time you renew your registration. This does not cost extra — you straightforward select the new design when you renew. Your new plate will arrive with your renewal sticker.

If your plate becomes damaged, faded, or illegible before your registration expires, you can request a replacement plate at any time. Contact the Colorado DMV or your county clerk's office and explain the damage. Replacement plates are usually issued at no charge if the damage is not your fault.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my plate design without renewing my registration?

Yes. You can change your plate design at any time during your registration period. You will pay the difference between your current plate type and the new one. For example, if you switch from a standard plate to a specialty plate mid-year, you pay the specialty plate fee for the remaining months of your registration.

Do I need to update my insurance or title when I change my plate?

No. Your vehicle's title and insurance remain unchanged when you change your plate design. Your insurance company and the state title office track your vehicle by VIN, not by plate number. You do not need to notify them of a plate change.

What if my requested personalized plate combination is already taken?

The Colorado DMV will tell you during the request process if your combination is unavailable. You can then choose a different combination and resubmit. The DMV website shows you whether a combination is available before you pay, so you can check multiple options first.

How long does it take to receive a new plate after I order it?

Standard plates arrive within two to three weeks of your order. Personalized plates take four to eight weeks because each one is made individually. If you need a plate urgently, visit a DMV office in person to see if temporary plates or expedited options are available in your county.

Can I keep my old plate number if I change plate designs?

Your registration number stays with your vehicle registration, not with the physical plate. When you change designs, you receive a new physical plate with the same registration number printed on it. You keep the same number; only the plate design and color change.