Vehicle Taxes and Fees
Looking for license, ID, permit, REAL ID, CDLs, and more? Visit the State DMV page here.
Vehicle Title and Registration
Registration Fees
The annual total registration fee is a combination of different parts: Specific Ownership Tax (SOT), Registration Fees, and other surcharges.
- Vehicle Weight: Some registration fees are assessed based on the weight of your vehicle.
- County of Residence: Different counties may have additional local fees.
- License Plate Type: Requesting a certain license plate can add to the cost.
- Age of the Vehicle: SOT is based on the year of manufacture for the vehicle.
- Other Surcharges: Various surcharges, such as the Road Safety Surcharge, clerk hire fee, emissions, material fees, and Electric Vehicle fees may also be included.
To get an estimate of your specific vehicle's registration fees you can:
- Contact your local county motor vehicle office here: find your local county motor vehicle office.
- Go online here: estimate registration fees.
Keep Colorado Wild State Pass Choice at Registration
Colorado residents can opt in to a highly discounted $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass during their annual vehicle registration. Let your vehicle registration card become a state parks pass! No additional sticker needed.
- Save 60% on a traditional ($80) Annual State Parks Pass.
- The pass is valid for one year or until the current vehicle registration expires.
- Get car, bike, and foot entry at all Colorado state parks.
- Residents age 64 and older get a $3 per night discount on Primitive, Basic, Electric, and Full Hookup sites, Sunday through Thursday, excluding holidays.
- This pass does not grant access to National or local parks, state wildlife areas or state trust lands. Activities such as camping, fishing, or hunting still require the appropriate reservations or licenses.
- To learn more, visit our Keep Colorado Wild Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page here and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife page here.
- When you opt-in to a KCW pass, your vehicle registration will have a KCW logo as seen below.
- If you need proof of the KCW pass prior to receiving the registration, you can create a myDMV customer portal account here and request a transaction receipt from myDMV.
- If your registration is also kept in the myColorado app on your phone, it refreshes the day after a renewal transaction is completed and should then show the CPW logo on your registration in the myColorado app.
Title Fees
Personal vehicle title transactions will be completed at your county motor vehicle office.
- Duplicate title: $8.20
- Lien release and transfer of ownership title: $7.20
- For more information, please visit our Titling a Vehicle page here.
- Find the DR2539A Duplicate Title/Lien Request and Receipt form in our forms library here.
- Dealer title: $25
- Dealer titles can be completed by dealers at their county motor vehicle offices. Click here for county locations.
- Make an appointment at the state DMV Westgate location (3265 S. Wadsworth Blvd #3, Lakewood).
- Schedule an appointment here. Select the “3 dealer title” service (only one allowed per day).
- Via the drop off/pick up option.
Specific Ownership Tax
Think of the Specific Ownership Tax (SOT) as a property tax for your vehicle, which you pay annually when you register it.
The amount you pay is not based on the vehicle's current market value, but on its original taxable value and its age (year of service).
This original taxable value is a percentage of the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) when the vehicle was new and does not change over time, vehicles do not need to be operated in order to be assessed this tax.
Tax Class C - (Most Passenger Vehicles):
This is the most common class and includes standard cars, SUVs, and vans.
- Taxable Value: 85% of the original MSRP.
| Vehicle Model Year | Tax Assessment |
| First Year | 2.1% of Taxable Value |
| Second Year | 1.5% of Taxable Value |
| Third Year | 1.2% of Taxable Value |
| Fourth Year | .9% of Taxable Value |
Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Years | .45% of Taxable Value |
| Tenth Year | $3.00 |
Tax Class D (Recreational and Utility Vehicles)
This includes campers trailers, utility trailers, and trailer coaches.
- Taxable Value: 85% of the original MSRP.
| Vehicle Model Year | Tax Assessment |
| First Year | 2.1% of Taxable Value |
| Second Year | 1.5% of Taxable Value |
| Third Year | 1.2% of Taxable Value |
| Fourth Year | .9% of Taxable Value |
Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Years | .45% of Taxable Value |
| Tenth Year | .45% of Taxable Value or $3, whichever is greater |
Tax Class F (Special Mobile Machinery)
A niche category for equipment like certain farm tractors or specialized construction machinery that can be driven on roads.
- Taxable Value: Dependent on acquired date and mounted equipment.
| Vehicle Model Year | Tax Assessment |
| First Year | 2.1% of Taxable Value |
| Second Year | 1.5% of Taxable Value |
| Third Year | 1.2% of Taxable Value |
| Fourth Year | .9% of Taxable Value |
Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Years | .45% of Taxable Value |
| Tenth Year | .5% of Taxable Value or $5, whichever is greater |
Registration Fees and Surcharges
These are statewide fees that help fund road and bridge repairs to keep Colorado's transportation system safe. The amount you owe depends on your vehicle's weight.
Road Safety Surcharge
| Vehicle | Until August 31, 2027 | Beginning September 1, 2027 |
| Motorcycle | $12.30 | $16.00 |
| Autocycle | $12.30 | $16.00 |
| Trailer Coach | $12.30 | $16.00 |
| 2,000 lbs or less | $12.30 | $16.00 |
| 2,001 - 5,000 lbs | $19.30 | $23.00 |
| 5,001 - 10,000 lbs | $24.30 | $28.00 |
Passenger Bus | ||
| 10,001 - 16,000 lbs | $33.30 | $37.00 |
| 16,001 or more | $35.30 | $39.00 |
| Farm Vehicle | Until August 31, 2027 | Beginning September 1, 2027 |
| 2,000 lbs or less | $4.30 | $8.00 |
| 2,001 - 5,000 lbs | $7.80 | $11.50 |
| 5,001 - 10,000 lbs | $10.30 | $14.00 |
Passenger Bus | ||
| 10,001 - 16,000 lbs | $14.80 | $18.50 |
| 16,001 lbs or more | $15.80 | $19.50 |
Bridge Safety Surcharge
| Vehicle | Fee |
| Motorcycle | $13.00 |
| Motor Scooter | $13.00 |
| Motor Bicycle | $13.00 |
| 2,000 lbs or less | $13.00 |
| 2,0001 - 5,000 lbs | $18.00 |
| 5,001 - 10,000 lbs | $23.00 |
Passenger Bus | |
| 10,001 - 16,000 lbs | $29.00 |
| 16,001 lbs and up | $32.00 |
| Farm Vehicle | Fee |
| 2,000 lbs or less | $6.50 |
| 2,001 - 5,000 lbs | $9.00 |
| 5,001 - 10,000 lbs | $11.50 |
Passenger Bus | |
| 10,001 - 16,000 lbs | $14.50 |
| 16,001 lbs or more | $16.00 |
Owners of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles pay an annual road usage fee to help fund road maintenance, since they do not pay gasoline taxes.
Type of Vehicle | Fee |
| Plug-In Electric Vehicle | $63.05 |
| Commercial Electric - 10,000 - 16,000 lbs | $60.78 |
| Commercial Electric - 16,001 - 26,000 lbs | $121.55 |
| Commercial Electric - 26,001 lbs or more | $182.33 |
Electric Motor Vehicle Road Usage fees are as follows. These rates are pre-determined by statute. Inflation will not begin until Fiscal Year (FY) 2032-33:
Year/Period | Battery Electric | Plug-in Hybrid |
| 7/1/26 to 6/30/27 | $26 | $13 |
| 7/1/27 to 6/30/28 | $36 | $16 |
| 7/1/28 to 6/30/29 | $51 | $19 |
| 7/1/29 to 6/30/30 | $66 | $21 |
| 7/1/30 to 6/30/31 | $81 | $24 |
| 7/1/31 to 6/30/32 | $96 | $27 |
This fee is part of your total registration cost. The amount you pay is tiered based on the age of your vehicle:
Age of Vehicle | Fee |
| Less than 7 years old | $12 |
| 7 to 9 years old | $10 |
| 10 years or older | $7 |
These fees are effective from July 1, 2026
Late Fees on Registration
Registration is required:
- For vehicles purchased by current CO residents: within 60 days of the sale/transfer date the vehicle (regardless if the vehicle was purchased from an out-of-state dealership).
- For new CO residents: within 90 days after becoming a CO resident (see DR2504 form for residency establishment).
- For currently registered vehicles: upon the expiration of their annual registration period and not later than the grace month which is the last day of the month following the expiration date of the registration.CRS 42-3-103, 42-3-112, 42-3-114.
To avoid late fees, registration must be completed by the following timeframes:
| Transaction | Timeframe |
| Purchase/Transfer of Ownership of a Vehicle | 60 Days from the Date of Sale/Transfer |
| Registration Renewals | No later than the last day of the grace month |
| Moved to Colorado | 90 days after becoming a CO resident |
Important: Inoperable and stored vehicles must also be registered and follow the same guidelines as above. Learn more here: Inoperable and Stored Vehicles.
Late fees are assessed when a vehicle is required to be registered but is not.
Owners who bought through a CO dealer can check to see if their title work is completed:
- Online here: Check a Title Status.
- Local County Motor Vehicle Office where they reside.
When the title complete notice is received, they can submit a first-time registration.
Examples include but are not limited to:
- Vehicle purchase/acquisition:
- A customer purchases a vehicle and their original temp tag expires January 13, 2024 (60 days from date of sale/transfer); if they do not register their vehicle, or get another temp tag, on or before January 13, 2024, they will be assessed late fees beginning January 14, 2024.
- New CO Residents:
- A customer moves to CO and establishes CO residency on April 1, 2025; if the vehicle is not registered by June 30, 2025 (90 days later), then it will be assessed late fees beginning July 1, 2025.
- Renewals:
- A customer’s annual registration period expires December 31, 2023; January 2024 is the grace month. Late fees will begin to be assessed February 1, 2024 if the vehicle is not registered.
- Register your vehicle: if you have received the title complete notice prior to the temporary tag’s expiration date, you should register your vehicle prior to the expiration date. This can be done on myDMV at First Time Registration here (you will need to create a customer account) or through your county motor vehicle office.
- If you want to receive credit for a previous plate that is not expired, you must visit your local county motor vehicle office; this CANNOT be done online.
- If you have not received your title complete notice, you can contact your dealership or county motor vehicle office to get a second temporary tag prior to the expiration of your current one.
- You can also check Title Status online here or at any kiosk location (if your county participates in the kiosk program) to see if your title has been processed by your county. You would need the vehicle’s VIN and date of sale. If it has been processed, you can register your vehicle now. If it has not been processed yet, you can get another temporary tag.
Please note that some counties may not be open on Fridays or may be appointment-only; check your county’s website for more information.
Late fees for unregistered vehicles are $25 per month, up to $100. Trailers incur a $10 late fee. Due to vehicle and county variations, residents must contact their county motor vehicle office for specific delinquent registration costs. Find your County Motor Vehicle Office here.
There are statutorily allowable exemptions to late fees, which include:
- Acts of God: means an unforeseen and uncontrollable natural event that is outside of human control, including but not limited to hurricane, lightning, fire, flood, tornado, and earthquake, that prevents the owner of a vehicle from obtaining a title, registration, temporary registration permit, or renewing the registration of the vehicle.
- Weather-related delays: means weather or weather-related circumstances that prevent a Motor Vehicle Office from completing vehicle titling, registration, Temporary Registration Permit issuance, or registration renewal transactions, as determined by the Executive Director of the Department or a county commissioner.
- Office Closures: means a closure of a Motor Vehicle Office for any reason during normal posted business hours.
- Furloughs: means a government-mandated closure of a Motor Vehicle Office.
- Medical Hardships: means medical care, treatment, and/or physical or mental incapacity that prevents a vehicle owner from titling, registration, obtaining a Temporary Registration Permit issuance, or renewing the vehicle’s registration within statutory time requirements. Use the DR 2538 as listed below.
- Information Technology Failures: means any computer system or related software or hardware malfunction that prevents the successful completion of a vehicle title, registration, Temporary Registration Permit issuance, or renewal transaction.
- Active Duty Military: active military service of the United States, where the owner has military orders or other proof that they were serving outside the state at the time the vehicle was required to be registered; an affidavit stating that the vehicle was not operated on any public highway in CO during the registration and grace period ended, and the vehicle is re-registered is also required.
Important: There is no grace period on temporary tags; that is strictly annual registration renewals. Having expired temporary tags on your vehicle will result in the late fee assessment. Learn more about expiring temporary tags and how to avoid paying late fees here: Expiring Temporary Tags.
If you believe you should not have been assessed a late fee due to one of the above statutorily allowable exemptions, please complete and submit:
- DR 2468 Late Fee Review and Refund Request form; or
- DR 2538 Medical Hardship Late Fee Exemption Affidavit
- MUST be completed/signed by medical professional
Please be aware that USPS delay, or non-receipt of a renewal card is not a statutorily allowable reason to waive/refund a late fee. It is up to the vehicle owner to understand when their registration expires.
For more information, please see CRS 42-3-112, 42-3-112, 42-3-114 and CCR 204-10 Rule 44.
If you have not registered your vehicle before the tag's expiration date, you will have to pay late fees.
Colorado law (C.R.S 42-3-103) requires vehicle owners to register vehicles within 60 days after purchase. If the vehicle owner fails to do so, the owner will have to pay a late fee. The late fee is $25 per month, or part of a month, for each month the vehicle is not registered (CRS 42-3-112).
House Bill 22-1254 removed the late fee exemption on expired temporary tags on Jan. 1, 2023. If your temporary tag has expired and you have not registered your vehicle or have a new temporary tag, you will collect late fees.
Vehicle owners with expired temporary tags also risk tickets or fines from Law Enforcement.
Even if there is a delay in sending the documentation or processing the documentation, you would still be assessed late fees if your vehicle is not registered within 60 days and your initial temporary tag has expired. If your temp tag is going to expire, you should get a second temporary tag from your dealership or county motor vehicle office before the expiration of your current temporary tag.
- You can contact the state call center at 303-205-5608 or email us at dor_trcustomerservice@state.co.us.
- You can also contact your county motor vehicle office.
Payment and Registration Fees
You can typically pay with cash, check, or credit card at your local county office, though a processing fee for credit cards may apply. Most counties accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Weld and Yuma counties also accept American Express. Please confirm payment options with your specific county office before you go.
This list provides background on common fees that vehicle owners see on their registration cards.
- Specific Ownership Taxes (SOT) - See above
- Age of Vehicle - See above
- Clerk Hire Fee - $4 on all registration transactions, pursuant to C.R.S. 42-1-210. This fee is distributed to the County Clerk and Recorder.
- County Road and Bridge - See above
- Electric Vehicle Fees - Plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles will have additional fees as seen above, or visit the Electric Vehicles page here.
- Emissions-Area Air Account - This $1.50 fee is assessed to every item of Class A, B and C personal property required to be registered in the emissions program area, pursuant to C.R.S. 42-3-304(18)(b). This fee is distributed to the AIR Account and used for emissions program enforcement efforts and administration of the program by the Department of Public Health and Environment and the Department of Revenue.
- Emissions Program County Area - This $0.70 fee is assessed to every item of Class A, B and C personal property required to be registered, regardless of whether it is subject to emissions, pursuant to C.R.S. 42-3-304(18)(a). This fee is distributed to the County Clerk and Recorder.
- Emissions - Statewide Air Account - This $0.50 fee is assessed on every item of Class A, B and C personal property required to be registered, regardless of whether it is subject to emissions, pursuant to C.R.S. 42-3-304(18)(a). This fee is distributed to the AIR Account.
- Emergency Medical Services - $2 to all vehicles, except trailers and Low- Power Scooters, pursuant to C.R.S. 42-3-304(21). This fee is distributed to the Emergency Medical Services Account, pursuant to C.R.S. 42-3-304(21).
- Insurance Fee - This $0.50 fee is charged to vehicles that are not exempt from the Motorist Insurance Identification Database fee (vehicles that have qualified as self-insured), C.R.S. 42-3-304(1)(b). This fee is retained in the DRIVES Account.
- Peace Officer Standardized Training (POST) Fee - $1 for all Tax Class A, B and C vehicles, pursuant to C.R.S. 42-3-304(24). $0.95 of this fee is distributed to the POST Board and $0.05 is retained by the County Clerk and Recorder, pursuant to 42-3-304(24).
- Material Fees - Year tab ($0.48), month tab ($0.45) and license plates (on issuance- embossed set $7.38, digital set $11.27), pursuant to C.R.S. 42-3-301. This fee is retained in the License Plate Cash Fund and covers the cost of manufacturing and distributing these materials.
- Motorist Insurance Information Database (MIIDB) - $0.10 on Class A, B, and C vehicles and low power scooters, pursuant to C.R.S. 42-3-304(1) and 42-3-304(18)(d)(I). This fee is distributed to the DRIVES Vehicle Services Account.
- Registration Base Fee - Is based on the weight of a vehicle. Fees for passenger vehicles are pursuant to C.R.S. 42-3-306(2)(b)(I). This fee is distributed to HUTF.
- Funding Advancement for Surface Transportation Economic Recovery (FASTER) fees (Listed as Road Safety and Bridge Safety) - were created with Senate Bill 09-108. For more information regarding FASTER fees please visit above. These fees are distributed to the Bridge Special Fund and the HUTF.
Additional fees may be assessed based on vehicle type, license plate type selected, and fuel type.