Colorado ties renewal to your birthday month and charges a Specific Ownership Tax instead of property tax. Emissions testing is required in 10 Denver metro counties. Here is the right order of operations.
When Does My Colorado Registration Expire?
Colorado vehicle registrations expire on the last day of your birthday month each year. Renewals are handled by your county clerk and recorder’s motor vehicle office, not the DMV directly. The county mails renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration.
Colorado allows online renewal up to 90 days before your expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten your next cycle; your new expiration will still fall in your birthday month the following year.
| Birthday Month | Plate Expires | Late Fee Starts |
|---|---|---|
| January | January 31 | February 1 |
| April | April 30 | May 1 |
| August | August 31 | September 1 |
| December | December 31 | January 1 |
Emissions Testing: Required in 10 Counties
Emissions testing is required in 10 Denver metro area counties for qualifying vehicles: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld. The test is required every other year for vehicles model year 1982 and newer that are more than 7 years old.
Emissions results are submitted electronically by the testing station. You must pass before renewing online or by mail. If you fail, you cannot renew until the vehicle passes or you obtain a high-cost waiver.
| Exemption | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicles in non-emissions counties | No test required |
| New vehicles (7 years old or newer) | Exempt |
| Diesel vehicles | Exempt |
| Electric vehicles | Exempt |
| Vehicles model year 1981 and older | Exempt |
How to Renew
Online
Renew at mydmv.colorado.gov. Emissions must be cleared first if required. Sticker mailed in 7–10 business days.
By Mail
Return the renewal form to your county clerk’s office with a check or money order. Allow 3 weeks before your birthday month deadline.
In Person
Visit your county clerk and recorder’s motor vehicle office. Many counties offer drop-box or kiosk renewal options; check your county’s website for locations and hours.
Colorado Renewal Fees & the Specific Ownership Tax
Colorado charges a Specific Ownership Tax (SOT) in lieu of personal property tax on vehicles. The SOT is based on the vehicle’s original MSRP and decreases over the vehicle’s lifetime at a fixed annual rate. A new $40,000 vehicle will owe significantly more SOT than a 10-year-old vehicle of the same original price.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base registration fee (varies by vehicle type) | $26.80–$70.00+ |
| Specific Ownership Tax | Based on original MSRP × depreciation factor |
| Late fee | $25.00 |
| Emissions test (if required) | ~$25.00 at testing station |
What Can Block Your Colorado Renewal?
- Failed or pending emissions test, must pass before renewal in the 10 metro counties
- Outstanding parking or traffic fines, pay, and allow 2–3 days for holds to clear
- Lapsed liability insurance, Colorado tracks coverage electronically; reinstate before renewing
- Outstanding title or registration issues require in-person resolution at your county clerk’s motor vehicle office