How to register a car in Colorado

All vehicles must be registered with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you recently moved to Colorado and received a permanent residence permit, you have 90 days to register your vehicle. This must be done in person at the DMV office in the county where you live. Residence is defined as:

• Operating or owning a business in Colorado
• Live in Colorado for 90 days
• Jobs in Colorado

Registration of new residents

If you are a new resident and would like to register your vehicle, you will need to provide the following:

• check VIN code
• Current registration certificate or title
• Identity card, such as driver's license, passport, military ID
• Evidence of passing the emissions test, if applicable
• Proof of car insurance
• Registration fee

For Colorado residents, once a vehicle is purchased, it must be registered within 60 days. Depending on the age of your vehicle and the county you live in, you may need a smog check. If you buy a car from a dealer, the registration paperwork will in most cases be handled by the dealer. It is best to make sure of this when buying a car.

Registration of vehicles purchased from a private seller

If you have purchased a vehicle from a private individual and wish to register it, you will need to provide the following:

• check VIN code
• Current registration or title
• Identity card, such as driver's license, passport, military ID
• Evidence of passing the emissions test, if applicable
• Proof of auto insurance
• Registration fee

If you are a member of the military stationed in Colorado, you may choose to keep your vehicle registration in your home state or register your vehicle in Colorado. If you register your vehicle, you must comply with emission laws and regulations, but you do not need to pay special ownership tax. To meet the standards for this waiver, you must bring the following to the DMV:

• Copy of your orders
• Military ID
• Statement of current leave and income
• Affidavit of exemption from property tax for non-residents and military service

There are fees associated with registering a vehicle in Colorado. Sales and ownership taxes are also added. All fees vary by county. Three types of fees:

• property taxA: Personal property tax based on the value of your car when it was brand new.

• Sales taxA: based on the net purchase price of your vehicle.

• License fee: depending on the weight of your vehicle, date of purchase and taxable value.

Smog check and emissions tests

Some counties require smog checks and emissions tests. This must be done prior to vehicle registration.

The following counties require a smog check:

• Jefferson
• Douglas
• Denver
• broomfield
• Boulder

The following counties require emission tests:

• Boil it
• Larimer
• Step
• Arapahoe
• Adams

Be sure to check your local regulations when it comes to checking smog and emissions. In addition, you can check the exact registration fees with your local county's DMV. Visit the Colorado DMV website to learn more about what you can expect from this process.