Auto Insurance Requirements

Vehicles must be covered by auto insurance before they can be registered in Colorado, even for temporary permits.

Vehicle Registration

• Insurance must be valid on the day you register. This means you can purchase insurance for a vehicle before it is even titled in your name.
• You may use out-of-state insurance to register a vehicle in Colorado, but it is recommended you obtain Colorado insurance before renewing your registration. Note that if you do not obtain Colorado insurance, you will not be able to access online services, register at an MV Express Kiosk, or register over the phone. If using out-of-state insurance, you must provide proof that it meets Colorado’s minimum standards:
  • $25,000 for bodily injury or death to any one person in an accident
  • $50,000 for bodily injury or death to all persons in any one accident
  • $15,000 for property damage in any one accident
  • This proof can be found on a declarations page provided by the insurance company
• If state records indicate a vehicle is not insured in Colorado, you must provide proof of insurance at the time of registration.

Registration Renewal

• You must provide proof of insurance if:
  • Indicated on your renewal postcard, or
  • You registered your vehicle using out-of-state insurance. To renew your registration you must provide proof of Colorado insurance.

Proof of Insurance

Boulder County Motor Vehicle must verify insurance with one of the following items to register a vehicle:

• Current insurance card for the vehicle
• Insurance policy, declaration or binder
• Letter from the insurance provider on company letterhead
• Proof of self-insurance for the vehicle or owner

Proof of insurance must include the following:

• Year
• Make
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Effective and expiration dates