Temporary Tags & Plates

The Denver County Motor Vehicle Department will issue temporary permits / plates to Denver residents only. If you are not a Denver County resident, please visit the State of Colorado DMV to locate your branch office.

How to Obtain Temporary Tags & Plates

 

Temporary Tags for Private Party Purchases

Temporary tags expire at midnight on the date shown on the temporary tag. There is no grace or extension period offered for temporary tags.

The Denver DMV will issue temporary tags to Denver Residents only. You may obtain a temporary tag from one of our DMV branch offices within 90 days of the purchase of a vehicle. The County collects applicable fees and taxes when a permit is issued.

Please be prepared to bring the following documents to one of our Denver DMV branch offices (Denver residents only):

  • Owner identification (secure and verifiable) or designated power of attorney. Anyone other than a named owner must present a completed and notarized Form DR2175 Power of Attorney.
  • Vehicle title must be properly assigned.
  • Copy of the title to prove ownership with a bill of sale
  • Valid proof of insurance for vehicle being issued temporary permit

Note: Temporary tags expire at midnight on the date shown on the temporary tag. There is no grace or extension period offered for temporary tags.

 

Temporary Tags for Dealership Purchases

Temporary permits issued by dealers are one-time permits.  In the event of a problem with the title, lien, or other paperwork, a 30-day extension may be issued at one of Denver's DMV branch offices.

Extensions on dealer issued temporary tags

If you need an extension on a temporary tag issued by a dealer while waiting for a Title Complete Notice to be processed, please be prepared to bring the documents below to one of our Denver DMV branch offices (Denver residents only). Temporary tags expire at midnight on the date shown on the temporary tag. There is no grace period offered for temporary tags. To get an extension on a dealer-issued temporary tag, please bring:

  • Owner identification (secure and verifiable) or designated power of attorney. Anyone other than a named owner must present a completed and notarized Form DR2175 Power of Attorney.
  • A letter from the bank or dealer indicating a problem with the lien or paperwork
  • A temporary slip issued by the dealer or your copy of the dealer paperwork

Note: If you do not receive a Title Complete Notice or Title Receipt within 7-10 days prior to the expiration of your temporary tags, please call or visit any of our branch offices to check the status of your title paperwork 

Fees For Temporary Permits/Plates

The fee for a temporary permit includes sales tax and late fees (if applicable), plus $7.08 for the temporary permit.

Additional Information

  • Permits for reasons other than noted above must be discussed with DMV staff directly.
  • You do need to place the temporary plate in the rear license plate spot.
  • Please do not use a license plate frame with the new temporary permit as vehicle information may not be accessible.

 

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