Boulder County government offices closed Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Special Mobile Machinery (SMM)

Appointments now required for in-person visits. Additionally, registration renewals need to be completed out of office. Options include online, by mail or drop box, or at a self-service kiosk. Read about these changes (including benefits, and FAQs). Información en español.

October Vehicle Registration Renewals Alert: If your vehicle registration is up for Oct renewal, the postcard will say proof of insurance required. For 99% of residents, it is not. We have it in our records. Try to renew online or other method first as you should be fine if nothing has changed with your car insurance. See the Colorado Dept of Motor Vehicle statement for more information.

Registration of Special Mobile Machinery

Definition of Special Mobile Machinery (SMM):

“Special mobile machinery” includes vehicles commonly used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of roadways, the drilling of wells, and the digging of ditches. “Special mobile machinery” means machinery that is pulled, hauled, or driven over a highway and is either:

  • A vehicle or equipment that is not designed primarily for the transportation of persons or cargo the public highways; or;
  • A motor vehicle that may have been originally designed for the transportation of persons or cargo over the public highways and has been redesigned or modified by the addition of mounted equipment or machinery and is only incidentally operated or moved over the public highways.

Registration and/or Title Requirements

SMM equipment must be registered as soon as it goes to work in a for-hire capacity in the State of Colorado. If the SMM will be in Boulder County longer than 11 months, you must register it at one of our three MV branch locations.

In order to register and/or title heavy equipment or Special Mobile Machinery (SMM) in Boulder County, the following documentation is required:

Out-of-state SMM equipment:

  • Most SMM equipment must be registered immediately upon entry to the State of Colorado.
  • Registration options for SMM equipment are available as SMM off-highway decals or on-highway plates.
  • If SMM is contacted at the Port of Entry and there is no proof of registration or taxation, it will be detained until proof is presented.
  • Please see the Colorado State Patrol website for more information on Port of Entry requirements.

Registration Exceptions

  • Specific Ownership Tax Permit (SOT)
    • A temporary permit that allows the SMM to work in Colorado for a minimum of 2 months but no longer than 11 months.
    • Can be obtained at any Port of Entry.
  • Ad Valorem Taxation (property tax exception)
    • For SMM operated solely on company property
    • Company may provide documentation that property taxes have been paid by presenting the Certificate of Ad Valorem Taxation

Contact Us

Motor Vehicle Division

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday-Thursday
Closed Fridays
Online Motor Vehicle Contact Us Form
Contáctenos - Formulario en línea

Phone: 303-413-7710
Fax: 303-413-7706

Location

Boulder: 1750 33rd St.
Map and Directions Boulder Location

Longmont: 529 Coffman St.
Map and Directions Longmont Location

Lafayette: 1755 S. Public Road
Map and Directions Lafayette Location

Mailing Address

1750 33rd St., Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80301

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