Colorado registration renews every year or two, depending on your vehicle type
Colorado vehicle registration lasts either one or two years. Most passenger vehicles renew annually on your birthday month. Some vehicles — including electric vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers — may have different renewal cycles. The Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) mails a renewal notice 30 to 45 days before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive. If you know your registration expiration date, you can renew up to six months early. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — it straightforward extends from your current expiration, so you do not lose any time.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado registration renews on your birthday month for most vehicles, and the DMV mails a notice 30 to 45 days before expiration.
- Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest method and works if your vehicle has no safety or emissions issues flagged.
- You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method to renew.
- If your registration is already expired, you must renew before driving the vehicle legally, and late fees explore after 30 days past expiration.
- Mail and in-person renewal take longer than online but are necessary if your vehicle failed emissions, has a lien, or has other holds on the registration.
Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option and works for most vehicles. Visit dmv.colorado.gov and select the renewal option. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). The system will confirm your vehicle information and show the renewal fee.
Online renewal typically takes a few minutes, and you receive a temporary registration confirmation when ready. Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the temporary confirmation while you wait for the physical card.
Online renewal is not available if your vehicle has a safety or emissions hold, if there is a lien on the vehicle, or if your address or vehicle information has changed significantly. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can send it back with payment. Fill out the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your current registration card if the notice asks for it.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. To avoid delays, mail your renewal at least two weeks before your expiration date. Keep a copy of what you send and consider using certified mail if your registration is close to expiring.
If you did not receive a notice or lost it, you can request a renewal form from the DMV website or call 303-205-5600 to have one mailed to you. You can also read and print the renewal form directly from dmv.colorado.gov.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Visit any Colorado DMV office with your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid payment method. Bring your driver's license or ID as well. The DMV office will process your renewal on the spot, and you can drive home with a temporary registration confirmation.
In-person renewal is useful if you have questions about your registration, need to update your address or vehicle information, or if your vehicle has a hold that prevents online renewal. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DMV website for your nearest office and current wait times before you go.
Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, some DMV offices can issue a temporary registration card on the spot for an additional fee.
Registration fees and what affects the cost
Colorado registration fees vary based on vehicle type, weight, and age. A standard passenger vehicle typically costs between $130 and $180 per year, but the exact amount depends on your vehicle's specifications. The DMV website includes a fee calculator where you can enter your vehicle information to see the exact cost before you renew.
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids have reduced registration fees in Colorado. Motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles have different fee structures. If your vehicle is financed or leased, the lienholder's name appears on your registration, but you still pay the renewal fee.
Late fees explore if you renew more than 30 days after your expiration date. The late fee is typically $25 to $50 in addition to the standard renewal fee. Driving with an expired registration can result in a traffic citation and fine, so renew before your expiration date when possible.
What to do if your registration has already expired
If your registration expired, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the renewal is processed. If you are stopped by law enforcement with an expired registration, you can receive a citation and fine.
Renew as soon as possible. Online renewal is still the fastest option if your vehicle has no holds. If you are more than 30 days past expiration, expect to pay a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. Some DMV offices can process expired registrations on the same day if you visit in person, allowing you to drive home legally.
If your vehicle has been sitting unused and your registration expired months ago, contact the DMV before renewing to ask whether any additional steps are required. Some vehicles may need a safety inspection or emissions test before registration can be renewed.
Scam alert: Fake renewal notices and phishing emails
The Colorado DMV does not send renewal notices by email or text message. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the DMV asking you to click a link and renew your registration, it is a scam. Do not click the link or provide any personal information.
Scammers also send fake renewal notices by mail that look similar to the real DMV notice. The fake notice directs you to a website or phone number that is not the official DMV. Before you pay, verify that you are on dmv.colorado.gov (the official Colorado DMV website) or that you are mailing payment to the address printed on an official notice you received directly from the DMV.
If you are unsure whether a notice is real, call the DMV directly at 303-205-5600 or visit an official DMV office in person. Never pay a renewal fee to a third-party website or service that claims to renew your registration for you, even if they charge a small fee for convenience. The official DMV website and in-person offices do not charge extra for this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration before I receive the notice from the DMV?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date using any of the three methods. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — it extends from your current expiration date, so you do not lose any time. If you know your expiration date, you do not have to wait for the notice to arrive.
What happens if I renew online but my vehicle has an emissions hold?
The online system will reject your renewal and tell you that your vehicle has a hold. You must resolve the emissions issue before you can renew. Contact the testing facility or the DMV to find out what is required. Once the hold is cleared, you can renew online or by mail.
Do I need to pass an inspection or emissions test to renew my registration?
Most Colorado vehicles do not require an inspection to renew. However, vehicles in certain counties must pass an emissions test every two years. The DMV notice will tell you if your vehicle needs an emissions test. If it does, you must pass the test before you renew your registration.
How long does it take to receive my new registration card after I renew?
New registration cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online and in-person renewals. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You can drive legally on a temporary confirmation while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
What if my address has changed since my last registration?
You can update your address online during renewal if you are renewing online. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease). The DMV will update your address and issue a new registration card with the correct information.