Colorado vehicle registration fees are processed at county motor vehicle offices. Fees are based on vehicle age (Specific Ownership Tax, or SOT) and include various state and county surcharges. Colorado is a two-plate state. Residents may also opt into the $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass for discounted state park access.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Vehicle in Colorado?
Colorado registration fees include a Specific Ownership Tax (SOT) based on the vehicle’s age, plus a registration fee, Road Safety Surcharge, emissions surcharge (where applicable), and county fees.
| Fee / Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard registration fee (passenger vehicle) | Varies by county — typically $26 to $50 |
| Specific Ownership Tax (SOT) — 1st year | 2.1% of MSRP |
| SOT — 2nd year | 1.5% of MSRP |
| SOT — 3rd and 4th year | 1.2% of MSRP |
| SOT — 5th and 6th year | 0.9% of MSRP |
| SOT — 7th through 9th year | 0.45% of MSRP |
| SOT — 10th year and beyond | Minimum $3.00 |
| Keep Colorado Wild Pass (optional opt-in) | $29.00 |
| Electric vehicle fee | Additional surcharge — contact your county for current amount |
Use Colorado’s online fee estimator at dmv.colorado.gov to calculate the exact cost for your vehicle. The SOT is the dominant variable for newer vehicles and decreases significantly with age.
What Is the Plate Replacement Fee in Colorado?
Replacing a Colorado license plate costs $10.46 for a standard passenger vehicle set (two plates). Individual component fees apply.
| Fee / Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard passenger plate replacement (2 plates) | $10.46 total |
| Two embossed license plates | $5.83 |
| Year tab | $0.33 |
| Month tab | $0.30 |
| Clerk hire fee | $4.00 |
| Year tab replacement only | $4.33 |
| Single motorcycle plate replacement | $9.33 total |
What Vehicle Taxes Apply in Colorado?
Colorado charges a 2.9% state sales tax on vehicle purchases, with local taxes adding up to 8.9% in some jurisdictions. The Specific Ownership Tax (SOT) is an annual tax based on the vehicle’s MSRP and age.
| Fee / Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| State sales tax on vehicle purchase | 2.9% |
| Combined rate with local taxes (typical) | 2.9% to 11.2% depending on city/county |
| Specific Ownership Tax (SOT) | Annual tax — 2.1% of MSRP in first year, decreasing each year |
Colorado’s combined sales tax rate varies widely by location. Denver, for example, has a significantly higher combined rate than rural counties. The SOT makes Colorado one of the more expensive states for annual registration on newer, high-value vehicles.
Does Colorado Require an Emissions Test Fee?
Colorado requires emissions testing in the Denver metro area and some mountain communities for eligible vehicles. If your vehicle and county require an emissions test, it must be completed before registration renewal. Check your renewal notice or Colorado’s emissions program at dphe.state.co.us for current requirements.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for Registration in Colorado?
Colorado requires all registered vehicles to carry minimum liability insurance.
| Fee / Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury — per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury — per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage — per accident | $15,000 |
Are There Any Registration Penalties or Late Fees in Colorado?
Colorado charges $25 per month in late fees, up to a maximum of $100 per vehicle, for registrations not renewed within the one-month grace period after expiration.
| Fee / Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Late fee (per month after grace period) | $25.00 |
| Maximum late fee per vehicle | $100.00 |
| New resident — if not registered within 90 days | Late fees begin on day 91 |
Is There a Registration Grace Period in Colorado?
Colorado provides a one-month grace period after registration expiration. For example, if your registration expires December 31, January is the grace month and late fees begin February 1 if you have not yet renewed.
Can I Get a Registration Fee Refund in Colorado?
Colorado allows refunds of the SOT and registration fees when a vehicle is sold, totaled, or otherwise permanently removed from Colorado registration. A prorated refund is calculated based on remaining full months of registration. Contact your county motor vehicle office to initiate a refund request.