Vehicle Registration

Want to know what it will cost to register your vehicle? Estimate your fees online. Enter the original sticker price (MSRP) — this is usually different from what you paid. We cannot give fee estimates by phone or email.

Appointments for vehicle registration are available at three offices – Boulder, Lafayette, or Longmont – from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Temporary permits are good for 60 days from the date of purchase. This allows time for title paperwork to be completed and for the vehicle to have an emissions test, if required.

When you buy a vehicle from a dealership, they will issue a temporary permit. If you buy from a private party, you may visit one of our offices to request a temporary permit.

If a Colorado vehicle registration is lost or destroyed, you can replace it for a $4 fee. You can apply online, in person, or by mail.

To apply online or in person, you will need:

• A Secure and Verifiable ID (a valid photo ID that meets Colorado’s identification law)
• The $4 fee
• Your license plate number

To apply by mail, you will need:

• A completed Duplicate Registration Form
• A photocopy of your Secure and Verifiable ID
• The $4 fee, paid by check or cash

If you don’t know your license plate number, also include:

• Your vehicle’s model year
• Your vehicle’s make
• Your vehicle identification number (VIN)

You can request replacement tabs (stickers) for your vehicle online. You will need:

• Your license plate number
• Your vehicle identification number (VIN) or Verification Code (from registration card)
• A valid credit card or check to pay any fees

Learn more about how your vehicle registration fees and taxes are calculated on our Fees and Taxes page.

Vehicle identification number (VIN) inspections are required for the following:

• New residents
• Newly purchased vehicles with out-of-state titles
• Title corrections

Our offices offer VIN inspections for a $25 fee. Find other certified VIN inspectors, locations, and hours.

If you are registering a heavy vehicle, you may need a certified weight slip. This document shows your vehicle’s weight.

A weight slip is required if:

• Your vehicle has been modified by more than 300 pounds, and the new weight isn’t listed on the title
• You are registering a used bus in Colorado for the first time
• You are converting a vehicle into a motor home
• You want to update the current weight on an existing title
• A certified VIN inspector determines one is required

Contact our office if you have questions about your specific situation.

Many private companies can weigh your vehicle and provide a certified weight slip. For example, Pioneer Sand will do this and has locations in Boulder, Longmont, and Broomfield. If you are registering a motor home, bus, or trailer, you can also call our office first. Staff may be able to look up your vehicle’s weight for you.

Farm trucks require a special registration application. Farm trucks must:

• Be registered to land that is zoned as agricultural for property tax purposes
• Only be used for agricultural purposes

Farm trucks are exempt from emissions requirements.

Vehicles assembled from a kit have special titling and registration requirements. Please contact our office for instructions.