What Colorado Offers for License Plates
Colorado offers several types of license plates beyond the standard passenger plate. You can order personalized plates with custom characters, specialty plates that support specific causes or organizations, and plates for different vehicle types like motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles. Each type has its own ordering process, fee structure, and design.
Most Colorado plates are ordered through the Colorado Department of Revenue's online system or at a local county clerk's office. Standard replacement plates cost less than specialty or personalized options. The state also allows you to keep the same plate number when you renew your registration, which means you do not have to order a new plate unless yours is damaged, lost, or you want a different design.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's online plate ordering system lets you design and order personalized or specialty plates without visiting a county office.
- Personalized plates cost more than standard plates and require approval before you can use them — vulgar or offensive combinations are rejected.
- Specialty plates support causes like wildlife conservation, veterans' organizations, and higher education, and a portion of the fee goes to the named organization.
- You can keep your current plate number during registration renewal unless the plate is damaged or you choose a different design.
- Replacement plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks of ordering; you can drive legally with your registration paperwork until the new plate arrives.
Standard Plates and When You Need a Replacement
A standard Colorado plate remains valid for the life of your vehicle unless it is damaged, lost, stolen, or illegible. You do not automatically receive a new plate when you renew your vehicle registration. If your plate is still in good condition, you keep it and straightforward renew your registration sticker or registration online.
You need to order a replacement plate if the plate is bent, faded, missing reflective coating, or has broken or missing characters. If your plate is stolen, you should report the theft to your local police department and then order a replacement through the county clerk or online. Colorado will issue you a new plate number if you cannot provide a police report, though you can request to keep your original number if you have documentation of ownership.
Standard replacement plates cost around $20 to $30, depending on your county. The fee covers the plate itself and processing. You can order a replacement online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at your county clerk's office.
Personalized Plates: Design, Approval, and Cost
Personalized plates let you choose up to seven characters — letters, numbers, or a combination — instead of using the random sequence Colorado assigns. The online ordering system shows you available combinations in real time. You can see whether your desired combination is taken before you pay.
Colorado rejects personalized plate requests that contain vulgar language, slurs, or combinations that could be offensive or obscene when read aloud or in sequence. The state also rejects plates that impersonate government agencies or emergency vehicles. If your first choice is rejected, the system suggests similar available options.
Personalized plates cost $50 to $75 for the initial order, plus your standard registration fee. Renewal plates cost less — typically $25 to $35 — because you are keeping the same design. You can order personalized plates online, and approval usually takes three to five business days. Once approved, the plate is manufactured and mailed to you within two to three weeks.
Specialty Plates That Support Organizations and Causes
Colorado offers over 30 specialty plate designs. These plates feature logos or designs related to wildlife, veterans' organizations, universities, professional sports teams, and causes like organ donation awareness. When you order a specialty plate, a portion of the fee — typically $15 to $25 per plate — goes to the organization or cause the plate represents.
Specialty plates cost $50 to $100 for the initial order, depending on the design and the organization. Renewal plates cost $25 to $50. You can view all available specialty plates and their designs on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. The site also shows you which organization receives funding from each plate type and how much money that plate design has raised.
You can order specialty plates online or at your county clerk's office. Once you order, the plate is manufactured and mailed within two to three weeks. You can combine a specialty plate design with a personalized character combination on some designs, though this increases the cost and approval time.
Motorcycle, Trailer, and Commercial Vehicle Plates
Colorado issues different plate formats for motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles. Motorcycle plates are smaller and shaped differently than passenger car plates. Trailer plates are issued for utility trailers, boat trailers, and horse trailers. Commercial plates are required for vehicles registered for business use.
Each plate type has its own fee structure and renewal cycle. Motorcycle plates cost around $20 to $30 for replacement. Trailer plates vary based on the trailer's weight and type. Commercial plates depend on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating and the type of business use.
You order these plates through the same online system or at your county clerk's office. When you register a motorcycle, trailer, or commercial vehicle, the county clerk will tell you which plate type applies and what the cost is. If you are unsure whether your vehicle needs a special plate type, contact your county clerk before ordering.
How to Order Plates Online or at Your County Clerk
The Colorado Department of Revenue website has an online plate ordering system. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, select your vehicle, and choose the plate type — standard, personalized, or specialty. For personalized plates, you enter your desired character combination and the system tells you when ready whether it is available. For specialty plates, you browse the available designs and select one.
After you select your plate, you review the fee, provide payment information, and submit your order. You receive a confirmation number by email. The plate is manufactured and mailed to your address within two to three weeks. You can drive legally with your current registration paperwork until the new plate arrives.
If you prefer to order in person, visit your county clerk's office with your vehicle registration and driver's license. The clerk can show you available personalized combinations and specialty designs on a computer. You pay the fee at the office, and the plate is ordered the same day. County offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours; some offer limited Saturday hours.
Plate Fees, Renewal Costs, and What Happens at Registration
Colorado plate fees are separate from your vehicle registration fee. When you renew your registration, you are not automatically charged for a new plate unless you request one or your current plate needs replacement. Your registration renewal notice will show whether a plate fee is included.
Standard replacement plates cost $20 to $30. Personalized plates cost $50 to $75 for the first order and $25 to $35 for renewal. Specialty plates cost $50 to $100 for the first order and $25 to $50 for renewal. Motorcycle, trailer, and commercial plates have their own fee schedules, which vary by vehicle type and weight.
When you renew your registration online or at the county clerk, you can choose to order a new plate at that time, even if your current plate is still valid. This is useful if you want to switch from a standard plate to a personalized or specialty design. The plate fee is added to your registration renewal cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my current plate number if I move to a different county?
Yes. Your plate number stays with you regardless of county. If you move within Colorado, you keep the same plate as long as it is still in good condition. You only need to update your address with the county clerk when you move.
What do I do if my personalized plate request is rejected?
The online system will tell you why your combination was rejected and suggest similar available options. You can try a different character combination when ready. If you disagree with the rejection, you can contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to request a review, though rejections for vulgar or offensive content are rarely overturned.
How long does it take to receive a new plate after I order it?
Standard replacement plates typically arrive within two to three weeks of ordering. Personalized plates take an additional three to five business days for approval before manufacturing begins, so plan for three to four weeks total. You can drive legally with your registration paperwork while you wait for the new plate to arrive.
Can I order a plate for a vehicle I do not own yet?
No. You must have a registered vehicle in Colorado to order a plate. Once you purchase a vehicle and register it with the county clerk, you can then order a personalized or specialty plate for that vehicle.
Do specialty plates cost more to renew than standard plates?
Yes. Specialty plate renewals cost $25 to $50, compared to standard plate renewals, which cost around $20 to $30. The additional cost supports the organization or cause associated with the plate design.