Motor Vehicle
Did You Know?
Sold Your Vehicle? Remove Your Plates!
When you sell a vehicle, we strongly urge you to remove your plates at the time of the sale even if the vehicle is sold to a dealer. Why? For several reasons:
- You are responsible for the use of the license plates in your name.
- Plates are assigned to you as owner; not the vehicle.
- If a parking ticket is issued to the new owner of the vehicle, as owner of the license plates you left on the vehicle, you are responsible for those tickets.
- You are responsible for any misuse of the plates.
- There is no automatic cancellation or transfer of the plates.
- You may be eligible for a credit.
Renew Your Plates By Mail
We encourage you to renew your license plates by mail. Please make your check payable to "Manager of Revenue" and include any documents required as stated on the renewal card (i.e., insurance, emissions, etc.) The average processing time for license renewals by mail is 10 business days. If you are within your grace period, do not mail after the 15th. This allows enough time for processing. Mail renewals to Denver Motor Vehicle, 4685 Peoria St., #101, Denver, CO 80239.
Colorado Enhanced Emissions Testing Program
The following counties require proof of a valid enhanced emissions test prior to registration and/or renewal: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson (with the exception of the rural portions of Adams and Arapahoe counties east of Kiowa Creek).
Additionally, if you reside outside of the seven-county enhanced emissions area but commute into the area 90 days or more per year for employment or school, an emissions test in the enhanced area is required for your vehicle.
For additional information including locations and directions to testing stations, current wait times and other program information, visit Air Care Colorado at their website or call them on their hotline at 303-456-7090.
Insurance Is Mandatory In Colorado!
Before you register your vehicle in Denver County, you must provide proof of valid vehicle insurance coverage as it is required by state law.
Denver County will accept an insurance card, copy of insurance policy or letter from your insurance company on their letterhead as proof of valid insurance. It must include a description of the vehicle including year, make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN), effective date and expiration date of the policy.
Grace Period
Every vehicle registration under this article shall expire on the last day of the month at the end of each twelve-month registration period and shall be renewed, upon application by the owner, the payment of the fees required by law, and in accordance with Colorado Revised Statute 42-3-112 & 42-3-114, not later than the last day of the month following the date of expiration.
Best Times To Conduct Motor Vehicle Business
The best time to visit one of our offices is the middle of the month, and the middle of week. You will encounter the least amount of wait time if you visit us then!
Full Service At All Branches
In order to better serve our customers, all Denver Motor Vehicle Branch Offices offer full service and can handle all issues regarding titles and license plates.
Income Tax Deduction
If you file IRS Form 1040 and used Schedule A to itemize your deductions on your federal income taxes each year, you can claim the ownership taxes for the registration of your vehicle as an itemized deduction since it is a personal property tax. Check with your tax advisor for further details.
How Can We Help You?
After looking at our website, we would like to know if there is any information you were unable to locate. Please take a moment to e-mail your request for information. It will be researched and you will receive a response in a timely manner. Our email address is WebInquiriesDMV@ci.denver.co.us.
Page revised January 24, 2007