Motor Vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
New Colorado Resident
When must I register my vehicle?
If you have just moved to Colorado, you must register your vehicle with the State of Colorado immediately upon the establishment of residency.
Motor vehicle titling and registrations are handled in the county in which you reside. If you believe you are a resident of Denver County but would like to verify this fact, contact the Denver Election Commission at (720) 913-VOTE (8683). You may also look up your address online with the Denver Assessor's Real Property Records. Click on the flag below to be taken directly to their website.
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When am I legally considered a Colorado resident?
Colorado residency is established when one of the following criteria is met:
- When you own or operate a business in Colorado.
- When you reside in Colorado continuously for 90 days.
- When you obtain employment in Colorado.
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How do I register my vehicle in Colorado?
1. A Secure and Verifiable Identification is required. Anyone other than a named owner must have a DR2175, Non-secure power of attorney to obtain license plates on behalf of a named owner and present his/her secure and verifiable identification.
2. Title and current registration (Registration cannot be more than six (6) months expired.) If the registration is over 6 months old, you must provide the title or a copy of the title. If the vehicle is financed, you must provide a copy of the title from the lienholder with the lien information.
3. Verification of vehicle identification number, (VIN) form DR-2087, and a new Colorado emissions test is required at time of registration, both may be obtained from an official emissions test center. VIN verification is also required on all motor homes and trailers. Certified VIN verification is required on out-of-country titles, registrations, and out-of-country military registrations. VIN verifications can be done by licensed dealerships or law enforcement officers as it does under purchases from an individual. For more information call (720) 865-4600.
4. Proof of valid vehicle insurance coverage is required by state law. We will accept an insurance card, copy of insurance policy or letter from your insurance company on their letterhead. It must include a description of the vehicle including year, make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN), effective date and expiration date of the policy.
5. All trucks with an empty weight between 4,500 and 16,000 pounds require a weight slip from a certified public scale. All trailers and motor homes will also require weight slips.
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Do I have to register every vehicle I own?
Yes.
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