license plate for a car that has never been plated in the state before by applying in person at the DMV. New car owners have 60 days to register and plate their vehicles, while new residents have 90 days.
In Colorado, almost all vehicles need front and back license plates—the only exceptions are motorcycles, trailers, semi-trailers, and semi-tractors.
You have a vast array of specialized Colorado license plate designs to choose from.
If your car has never received Colorado plates, you must apply in person for new ones at the DMV.
New car owners have up to 60 days to register and plate their vehicles, and new Colorado residents have up to 90 days.
In Colorado, you need a front and back license plate
Residents of the Centennial State love their brightly colored custom license plates—so it’s no wonder that
for most cars on the road. This makes it easier for law enforcement to identify your car in case of an infraction or emergency.
Failure to have front and back plates on your vehicle will net you a Class A traffic infraction and a $100 fine. Only motorcycles, trailers, semi-trailers, and semi-tractors are exempt from having front and back license plates.
Plates are issued by the Colorado DMV, and so are renewal date tags—the light green stickers on the bottom right corner of the plate. When you renew your registration, you’ll be given a new sticker that you’ll place over the old one to indicate the plate is up to date.
How to get new Colorado license plates
To get a Colorado license plate for a car that has never been plated in the state before, you must applyin person at the DMV. New vehicle owners have 60 days to register and plate their vehicles, while new residents have 90 days. Head to a
Phone: Call 311 with your registration information and payment info in hand.
Mail: Check your renewal notice for emissions or insurance requirements and how to complete them. You can then address a check(not cash) to the Denver Manager of Finance and mail it to Denver Motor Vehicle, 2855 Tremont Place, Denver, CO 80205.
As of January 1st, 2022, all license plate issue and renewal fees have changed—regular designs start at just$4.73 withzero fees to renew.
To renew your license plate, you must provide proof that your vehicle is covered by a Colorado auto insurance company. You can use a Colorado
For a private sale, you’ll have to go to your county DMV for your temporary permit. You’ll need to show them:
Proof of identity
The signed vehicle’s bill of sale and title to prove your ownership
Proof of insurance
A temporary license plate is valid for 60 days.
When you buy a new car, Colorado’s road rules stipulate a grace period of 36 hours before you’re required to have license plates. However, you must carry your bill of sale and endorsed title with you at all times in the vehicle.
Types of Colorado license plates
If you love picking out personalized plates that reflect your personality and favorite causes, you’re going to love driving in Colorado. The state’s massive license plate selection is divided into five categories:
Regular license plates are the no-frills standard for most vehicles on the road, including passenger cars, light trucks, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, trailers, and more.
Group special license plates bear special designs related to the driver’s charity, organization, cause, sports team, or institution of choice.
Alumni license plates showcase your school spirit for one of Colorado’s educational institutions.
Military license plates identify the driver as a member (or former member) of a military group or division.
Other license plates identify commercial manufacturers, dealers, tractors, and other special vehicles—but there are also a few fun picks for collectors, vintage cars, and state representatives!
Eligibility
Design
Customizable?
Extra fees
Passenger cars, motorcycles, and light trucks
Regular: dark green lettering on a white mountain range against a dark green sky
Yes
No
Recreational trucks and trailers
Same as regular, but with vertical letters RTK or TRL on the left side
Yes
No
Persons with disabilities
Same as regular, wheelchair symbol in the center of plates
Yes
No
Any passenger car or truck under 16,000 lbs.
Designer: green field on white mountain range against a blue sky and state logo on right side
Yes
$50 for new plates, $25 for renewal
N/A
Embossed or digital
N/A
Embossed: $1.89 for single, $3.78 for set; Digital: $2.82 for single, $5.64 for set
Group special license plates
Group special plates share the same white mountain range as regular plates, but that’s about it. Depending on your choice of cause or nonprofit, thecolor of the sky will change as well as the emblem in the middle.
Show your support for everything from Adopt a Shelter Pet (with a yellow sky and cute paw print) to Wildlife Sporting (with an amber sunset and leaping trout). The slogan or group name will also be printed on the bottom. Aside from the Columbine, Firefighter,Greyhound Lovers, Pioneer, Raptor, and Support the 10th Mountain Division plates, every group special plate can be customized.
Alumni license plates
Showcase your school spirit and let your college colors fly behind the iconic white mountain range! You can customize the digits on every design—just steer clear of any profanity. From the deep blue of the U.S. Air Force Academy to the maroon of Colorado Mesa, enjoy showing off your alma mater’s badge and name on the bottom of the plate.
Military license plates
Below a colored sky, white mountain range, and special emblem, the name of your military group will be displayed with pride. Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for a wheelchair symbol in place of a military logo. Every plate can be personalized, except for those of disabled veterans or National Guard members. The Woman Veteran plates are particularly stylish, with a flag flying behind the Rockies and green trees added to the foothills.
Other specialty plates
If you’re still not sick of the white mountain graphic, check out this miscellaneous collection. Most are for commercial purposes and are identical to regular plates except for the three vertical letters on their left-hand side. But there are also colors and logos for various special interests—why not personalize a plate for an Amateur Call Letter, Commercial Call Letter, or Street Rod?
It’s worth taking a glance at this category to see the super-rare Colorado State Senator and Colorado State Representative plates. Featuring an image of the Colorado State Capitol in the background and the state flag on the right, these plates are instantly recognizable.
FAQs
How long will it take for your license plates to arrive?
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According to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles, it can take between two and six weeks for your license plates to arrive in the mail. If your temporary tag expires before you receive your new plates, you can apply for a secondary temporary permit from your dealership or the county motor vehicle office.
Why can’t you keep reusing your old license plates in Colorado?
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As of January 2022, the state of Colorado outlawed the use of old license plates on new vehicles, mandating that plates will expire at the same time as the owner’s title or interest in the vehicle is transferred. Law-makers stated that old plates are difficult for law enforcement to read—new license plates are brighter and more reflective in low light conditions.
How many license plates does Colorado have?
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Colorado reportedly has more than 200 specialty license plates.
Do I need a front license plate in Colorado?
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Unless you’re driving a motorcycle or trailer, Colorado law requires you to have a
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