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Motor Vehicle

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1. Is a newly purchased vehicle subject to vehicle registration late fees?

A newly purchased vehicle is subject to vehicle registration late fees 61 days after the purchase date.

2. How much and when are vehicle registration late fees imposed?

Vehicle registration late fees are imposed when payment for renewing your vehicle is not received timely. With the exception of temporary permits, owners receive a one month grace period after their registration expires. Then, the $25-per-month late fee applies to any portion of the subsequent months for up to four months. The total amount assessed will not exceed the $100 late fee limit.
Effective July 1, 2010, the late fee will be $10 for vehicles without motive power that weigh 16,000 pounds or less, that are subject to taxation, and that are not registered when required by law. The weight of a trailer of any kind is the empty weight. C.R.S. 42-3-112(1.7)
Vehicles without motive power include trailers, camper trailers, trailer coaches, multipurpose trailers and special mobile machinery without motive power.
Late fees accrued prior to July 1, 2010 will be included in the late fee assessed on or after July 1, 2010, however the total amount assessed will not exceed the $100 late fee limit.
Example: Transaction date is July 15, 2010. Customer’s registration for a 14,000 pound trailer expired January 2010 with a one month grace of February 2010. The late fee due is $100. This includes $25 each month for the months of March, April, May and June and $10 for July, but the late fee is still limited to $100.
Example: Transaction date is July 15, 2010. Customer’s registration for a camper trailer expired February 2010 with a one month grace of March 2010. The late fee due is $85. This includes $25 each month for the months of April, May and June and $10 for July.

3. Are there exceptions to the vehicle registration late fees?

There are instances when the registration late fees may be waived.
If the owner of a vehicle who is active in the military serving outside Colorado when the registration grace period expires and the vehicle has not been operated on any public highway in Colorado between the time the registration period expired, including the grace period and the time the vehicle is registered.
If a vehicle is used to operate a commercial business as part of the normal operation of the business is exempt late fees if the vehicle has not been operated on any public highway in Colorado for one full registration period.
If a vehicle was reported as stolen and then recovered.
The $10 late fee is not eligible for the late fee waiver or reduction authorized pursuant to HB10-1212, except for commercial vehicle trailers and farm vehicle trailers. See commercial definitions example and C.R.S. 42-3-112(1,5)(b) for additional details. C.R.S. 42-1-102(17.5) “Commercial Vehicle” means a vehicle used to transport cargo or passengers for profit, hire, or otherwise to further the purposes of a business or commercial enterprise.
Example: Transaction date is July 20, 2010. Registration of a commercial trailer expired February 2010 with a one month grace of March 2010. The late fee due is $85. This includes $25 each month for the months of April, May and June and $10 for the month of July.
The $10 late fee may be reduced or waived on this commercial trailer independently if it has not been operated on the roads for one full registration period.

4. What are the fees to register and title my vehicles?

Fees to title and register vehicles in the State of Colorado are based on age of the vehicle, weight, taxable value, purchase date, and type of plate requested. Estimates for registration fees are not provided over the phone. Some counties provide information on their website. Once you have accessed the appropriate county, click on Motor Vehicle and then click on fees. Counties use this equation to estimate your registration fees. Otherwise, you will need to go to your local county motor vehicle office to obtain this information.

5. I have a Handicapped Disabled Veteran plate from another State. What do I need to get one in Colorado? Do I have to re-qualify?

Yes, you would need to re-qualify in Colorado. The requirements of this type of plate are different in each state. Colorado statutes require the applicant to provide verification from the Veteran's Administration that they meet one of the following requirements:
Permanent disability, service connected, rated at 50% or more,
Loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet,
Loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands,
Loss of sight in both eyes, and
physical impairment verified in writing by a physician licensed to practice medicine in Colorado.
AND,
form DR 2219,
A written verification of the applicant's mobility restrictions which must be confirmed by one of the following individuals:
Colorado physician (must be licensed to practice medicine in this state).
The Director of the Division of Rehabilitation.
Commissioned Medical Officers of the U. S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Public Health Service and/or the U.S. Veterans Administration.

6. What information do I need to submit for the no-fee Purple Heart license plate?

Please provide a copy of either your military discharge DD Form 214, copy of formal orders showing award of the Purple Heart medal, or a copy of the certificate for the award of the Purple Heart medal. Also a copy of either your Colorado title, Colorado registration, Colorado title complete notices, or Colorado title receipt. Proof of insurance on your vehicle. And if applicable, a copy of your current emissions report.

7. My spouse who was a military veteran is recently deceased and had been given a no-fee Disabled Veteran license plate. Will I be allowed to keep those?

Unfortunately, no. The spouse of the veteran must obtain regular license plates and pay all appropriate fees at their county motor vehicle office.

8. I paid registration fees before I got my free veteran plates. Can I receive a refund of these fees?

Refunds are issued at the discretion of each county clerk and recorder. The Colorado Motor Vehicle Statutes and the State Division of Motor Vehicles DO NOT establish refund procedures.

9. How do I transfer Disabled Veteran (D/V) license plates to a newly purchased vehicle?

If the Disabled Veteran license plate was issued by your County Motor Vehicle office please visit that office with one of the following ownership documents:
The Certificate of Title for the new vehicle or
Title complete notice for the new vehicle.
If the Disabled Veteran license plate was issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles, Registration Section as an exempt license plate please submit the following ownership documents.

The Certificate of Title in the name of the disabled veteran for the new vehicle (if applying in person); or
A photocopy of the title for the new vehicle; or
Copy of the DR 2574, computer generated title application for the new vehicle; or
Copy of the registration/title receipt providing the title information has previously been submitted to the State Title Section.
A copy of the current registration for the vehicle for which the D/V plates are being transferred from.
Proof of insurance and Secure and Verifiable Identification Document (SVID) are required. Please do not fax or mail a copy of your SVID. Complete the DR 2842 Supplemental Secure and Verifiable Identification Information and Attestation Clause form.
Proof of emission may be required depending on the county of residence and the vehicles’ year of manufacture.
Documents may be submitted:

In person: By Mail:
Department of Revenue Vehicle Services Unit 1881 Pierce Street Lakewood, CO 80214 Title and Registration Section PO Box 17350 Denver, CO 80217-3350
By Fax (303)205-5978

10. How do I register my Low-Power Scooter?

The applicant must present to the Division of Motor Vehicles, Registration Section or an authorized Low-Power Scooter Dealer the following:

DR 2579 Application for Low-Power Scooter Registration.
Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), Bill of Sale, or an affidavit stating legal ownership and date of purchase signed under penalty of perjury or notarized.
Registration fee as listed on the DR 2579 Application for Low-Power Scooter Registration.
Applications not completed by an authorized Low-Power Scooter Dealer may either be mailed or presented in person at the addresses below.

In person: By Mail:
Department of Revenue Vehicle Services Unit 1881 Pierce Street Lakewood, CO 80214 Title and Registration Section PO Box 17350 Denver, CO 80217-3350

11. Do I need to have a driver's license to drive a Low-Power Scooter?

Yes, an operator of a Low-Power Scooter shall possess a valid driver's license or minor driver's license.

12. Am I required to have insurance for my Low-Power Scooter?

Effective July 1, 2010 all Low-Power Scooters shall have a complying motor vehicle insurance policy pursuant to part 6 of article 4 of title 10, C.R.S., or a certificate of self-insurance in full force and effect as required by section 10-4-619 and 10-4-624 C.R.S. Low-Power Scooters shall not be registered on or after July 1, 2010 without proof of complying motor vehicle insurance policy and payment of the Motorist Insurance Identification Fee. Non-compliance is a misdemeanor traffic offense with a minimum penalty for such offense is a $500.00 fine and that the maximum penalty for such offense is one year's imprisonment and a $1,000.00 fine.

13. I submitted my application for a personalized license plate. What is the process for this?

Your application will be submitted for approval, if approved you will receive a notification for payment. Upon receipt of payment your plate will be placed on order to be made. Generally it takes 6 to 8 weeks for plates to be sent to your county motor vehicle office. Your county office will in turn notify you by mail upon receipt of your plate. If your choice(s) are rejected you will receive a notice stating the reason(s) why.

14. I have an antique vehicle and would like to use the original plates manufactured in that year. How do I apply?

An original plate shall meet the following criteria in order to qualify for use of the plate:

The plates were made at least thirty years prior to registration,
The plates are embossed with the year of original issue,
The plates are legible,
The plates were issued contemporaneously with the year of manufacture of the vehicle upon which they are displayed and,
The plates do not exceed seven characters.
Your vehicle must have been manufactured at least thirty years prior to registration. It will first be required to have a regular registration issued, such as a Horseless Carriage, Collector, or Street Rod series license plate. The vehicle must be insured. The applicant must sign and date the declaration statement in form DR 2818. Also, please submit a photocopy of the license plate when applying.

15. Which Title and Registration transactions require Secure and Verifiable ID?

New Titles
Duplicate Titles
New Registrations
New Temporary Registration Permits
New Placards

16. What are the requirements for becoming a resident of Colorado?

If you own or operate a business in Colorado or, are gainfully employed in Colorado, or reside in Colorado for 90 consecutive days you are a resident of Colorado. After becoming a resident of Colorado you must register your vehicle within 90 days or you will be imposed vehicle registration late fees.

17. How do I change my address on my vehicle registration?

You will need to go to the County Motor Vehicle Office in the county where the vehicle is to be registered to change the address on your vehicle record within 30 days of the new address becoming effective. Identification documents will be required.

18. Can my plates be transferred to my new vehicle?

Yes, the transfer of license plates from one vehicle to another meets the following criteria:
One owner must be consistent on both vehicle registrations.
Vehicle must be eligible for the plate configuration being transferred.

19. Does The State of Colorado title and register trailers?

The State of Colorado titles and registers ALL trailers. Title applications for trailers have the same requirements as applications for other vehicles. Trailer MSOs that are not on secure paper are not acceptable with the following two exceptions: 1. Trailer MSOs from any person who only manufactures trailers that weigh less than two thousand pounds and does not manufacture any other type of motor vehicle. and/or 2. Trailer MSOs from any person, other than a manufacturer operating a dealership (or as a dealer) pursuant to section 12-6-120.5 C.R.S. who is a licensed dealer selling motor vehicles that such person has manufactured.

20. Are sample Colorado license plates available to license plate collectors or for purchase?

No, Colorado law does not allow for the provision of sample plates for sale.

21. How do I register a vehicle from out of state?

Title or current out of state registration.
Vin Inspection - from Colorado Law enforcement (Sheriff or Police office) or a Licensed Colorado Automotive dealer.
Proof of Insurance.
Driver's License.

22. What do I need to Register my vehicle?

If the vehicle was titled in another state a VIN verification must be completed.
Title assigned in owner's name or current out of state registration.
Secure and Verifiable Identification Information
Proof of Colorado Vehicle Emissions (if applicable)
Gasoline
Diesel
Proof Of Insurance:
Registration of your vehicle(s) may be denied or delayed if the Colorado Motor Vehicle Registration file does not show insurance coverage for the vehicle(s). You must provide any of these forms of proof to your county motor vehicle office before you can register your vehicle(s). For more information, please view Rule 46. Application for Registration- Proof of Insurance.
Forms of Proof:
Insurance card
Copy of your insurance policy
A letter from your insurance company (on company letterhead)
Computer printout from insurer.
Facsimile of the proof of insurance.
Electronic proof of insurance that is not otherwise available to the department. This may be, but is not limited to, insurer provided electronic image/proof on applicant’s cellular phone, lap top, or other portable type of electronic device.
If web-based services are available, the department may use applicant’s insurer provided web-based services for proof of insurance.
Electronic mail sent from the applicant’s insurer.

23. How are registration fees calculated?

Fees are based on the empty weight and type of vehicle being registered.
Additional fees may be collected based on county of residence and license plate selected.

24. What are Ownership Taxes?

These taxes are based on the year of manufacture of the vehicle and the original taxable value which is determined when the vehicle is new and does not change throughout the life of the vehicle.
Ownership tax is in lieu of personal property tax. Vehicles do not need to be operated in order to be assessed this tax.
The ownership tax rate is assessed on the original taxable value and year of service
Original taxable value is 85% of manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).
The annual specific ownership tax is based on the year of service.

25. Special Mobile Machinery Definitions

“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 over 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. Special mobile machinery includes vehicles commonly used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of roadways, the drilling of wells, and the digging of ditches. C.R.S. 42-1-102(93.5)
“Mounted Equipment” means any item weighing more than five hundred pounds that is permanently mounted on a vehicle, including mounting by means such as welding or bolting the equipment to a vehicle. C.R.S. 42-1-102(60)
“Power Takeoff Equipment (PTO)” means equipment that is attached to a motor vehicle and is powered by the motor that powers the locomotion of the motor vehicle. C.R.S. 42-1-102(72.2)

26. Items Required to Register SMM

Complete a SMM Vehicle Information Worksheet. This form will aid the County Clerk in determining how the SMM will be registered. (Please note that Sales Tax will be collected prior to completing the SMM registration if it has not been previously collected.) For SMM required to be titled and registered the following documents will be required Title, MSO, Bill of Sale, Invoice or Statement of Fact, and; VIN Verification, and; Secure and Verifiable Identification SMM required to be registered): Bill of Sale, Invoice or Statement of Fact, and; Secure and Verifiable Identification SMM Title and Registration Tool

27. Tax Classes Defined

Class A includes motor vehicles and trailers used in interstate commercial business to carry people or property
Class B includes motor vehicles and trailers used in intrastate business to carry people or property, light trucks and recreational trucks for personal use that are not included in Class A
Class C includes motor vehicles not included in Classes A and B (largely passenger vehicles)
Class D includes utility, camper trailers, trailer-coaches and multi-purpose trailers Class F includes every item of special mobile machinery, except power takeoff equipment. If a farm tractor meets the definition of special mobile machinery,

28. Special Mobile Machinery (SMM) 2% Rental Program

The Special Mobile Machinery (SMM) 2% Rental Program is an alternative payment program allowing Colorado SMM companies who rent or lease SMM, for at least 30 days in a calendar year, to pay the Ownership Tax on 2% of the rental or lease amount rather than paying the Ownership Tax for a full year. Application must be made at the county in which the SMM is located to participate in this program.
SMM that is enrolled in the 2% Rental Program is required to be registered with the SMM registration and the SMM rental decal expiring concurrently. Evidence of the SMM registration will be with the SMM license plate or the SMM ownership decal. The SMM rental decal shall not evidence SMM registration. SMM participating in the 2% Rental Program is required to display the SMM license plate or SMM ownership decal and the SMM rental decal.

29. Additional Information for Special Mobile Machinery (SMM)

Late Fees and Penalties - Failure to register SMM may result in:

The assessment of a late fee
The assessment of an administrative penalty
Detained or impounding of SMM with the Colorado Port of Entry
SMM equipment is eligible for Temporary Registration Permits.

Newly established businesses that own SMM should contact the Secretary of State for business requirements. The Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicle or County Clerks cannot provide information or assistance on this topic.

30. How do I apply for a duplicate title?

Apply for a duplicate title when your original motor vehicle certificate of title is:
Illegible
Lost
Stolen
Mutilated
Altered
Residents Must Provide:
Duplicate Title Request and Receipt
Secure and Verifiable Identification for vehicles purchased on or after 7/1/2006
The vehicle identification number (VIN) and/or Colorado title number
$8.20 for a duplicate title fee
A power of attorney when applying on behalf of the owner of record
A lien release is required for all active liens. The lien release must be on the lienholder's letterhead (letterhead is not required if lienholder is an individual). Photo and fax copies are accepted and must include vehicle year, make, VIN, titled owner's name(s), agent's signature, date of lien release and must be signed under penalty of perjury in the second degree as defined in C.R.S. 18-8-503. The duplicate title will be issued omitting all reference to the lien pursuant to C.R.S. 42-6-126.

Apply for a duplicate title at your county motor vehicle office.

31. What is ELT?

The Electronic Lien and Title Program is a method by which the State of Colorado, Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles and lending institutions (lienholders) can exchange vehicle and title information electronically. Pleae click here for a guide to the Colorado ELT program

32. How does ELT work?

The State transmits essential identifying information electronically to an approved Service Provider who communicates with the lienholder thus eliminating the need to print and mail paper titles. Once the lien has been satisfied, the lienholder notifies the Service Provider who sends an electronic message releasing the title at which point the State prints and mails a paper title to the vehicle owner, or a third party designated by the lienholder.

33. Lien Filing

Lien filing is handled at the county motor vehicle office in the county where the vehicle is located. Lien extensions are processed at the local county clerk's office. Lien filing is for ten years except for multipurpose trailers, trailer coaches, truck tractors, manufactured homes and motor homes that are subject to maturity dates designated by the lienholder.