Colorado drivers can choose from a wide variety of license plates based on their vehicle type, interests, or military service. Explore options, view costs, and learn how to manage your plates below.
General Information
- Passenger Vehicles: For cars, SUVs, hearses, motor homes, buses, and passenger vans.
- Light Trucks: For trucks up to 16,000 lbs (empty weight), cargo vans, and SUVs with a truck bed.
- Motorcycles/autocycles: For 2- or 3-wheeled vehicles with directly connected steering.
- Trailers: For utility trailers, trailer coaches, and multi-purpose trailers.
- Recreational Trucks: For trucks used exclusively for pleasure or recreation. (Note: Cannot be used to transport cargo or passengers for profit
- Low Speed Electric Vehicles (LSEV): LSEVs are eligible for on-road use, golf carts are not. See the Specialized, Unconventional, and Other Vehicles page for more information.
- Standard Plates: Choose classic green and white plates, historical backgrounds, or the 150th Anniversary design. Electric vehicle (EV) plates are also available here.
- Specialty Plates: Support local charities, Colorado colleges, sports teams, or wildlife conservation.
- Collector & Special Use: Designed for vintage cars (30+ years old), commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty farm equipment.
- Military & Veterans: Honor current service members, veterans, and military families. Most plates require proof of service.
- Disability Plates & Placards: Available for qualified individuals with mobility limitations certified by a doctor.
In addition to standard registration fees and taxes (and in some cases annual or one-time fees to support causes), you pay a small fee for materials and manufacturing of the plate by Colorado Correctional Industries.
Cost of License Plates manufactured by Colorado Correctional Industries
| Embossed Plates | Print-on-Demand Plates |
|---|---|
| Single: $3.69 | Single: $7.40 |
| Set: $7.38 | Set: $14.80 |
| Month Tabs: $0.55 | Month Tabs: $0.55 |
| Year Tabs: $0.59 | Year Tabs: $0.59 |
Embossed Plates: Raised lettering pressed into the material. The standard green and white plates are embossed.
Print-on-Demand Plates: Flat laser-etched image on the metal. Personalized plates and other special plate designs (e.g. military, personalized, group plates).
Click here to learn more about vehicle title and registration fees.
Standard license plates expire when a vehicle changes ownership, so you cannot move your old plates to a new car unless you have specialty or personalized plates.
If you want to keep your specific plate number, you must apply for it as a "Personalized Plate" and pay the associated personalization fees. This can only be done in a county office.
Note: If you have any remaining registration credits from a previous vehicle, you can only transfer the credit at your county office.
Find Your License Plate
These are the standard green and white issue plates, or, if you want something a little different, Colorado offers a few unique background options for standard vehicles (cars, motorcycles/autocycles, low-speed electric vehicles, and light trucks):
- Green and White: Regular State of Colorado plates
- 150th Anniversary Plates: Commemorates Colorado's 150th anniversary - only available until July 31, 2027. Standard taxes and fees apply
- Historical & Retired Plates: Vintage background styles including Black, Blue, Red and the green w/white mountains background. Requires an additional $25 fee when issued/replaced, plus an annual $25 fee, which goes to the Colorado Disability Support Fund).
- Designer Plates: Special designs. Requires a one-time $50 fee.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Plates: Eligible for owners of Plug-In Electric or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles. EV owners must either display this specific license plate or use an EV decal on a different plate style. EV sticker fees apply. There are no additional license plate fees beyond standard taxes and fees.
These plates allow you to support a specific cause, organization, or interest. This group includes plates for sports teams, conservation efforts, Colorado colleges (Alumni), and charities.
Some organizations will provide a PIN for online orders through myDMV, while others will provide a certificate, which requires placing the plate order directly with your county motor vehicle office. It is at the organization’s discretion which one they choose to use.
Learn about personalizing your plate here.
These plates are required for or exclusive to vehicles with special uses or characteristics.
- For Antique & Collector Vehicles:
- 5 Year Collector: For vehicles 1975 or earlier, or those over 32 years old.
- Horseless Carriage: For vehicles 50 years or older.
- Year of Manufacture: To use original plates from the year your vehicle was manufactured, the vehicle must be at least 30 years old and first registered as a Collector, Horseless Carriage, or Street Rod. The original plates must be legible, not exceed seven characters, and have the original year of issue embossed on them. You will need to submit form DR 2818 and a photocopy of the plate. These plates DO NOT replace your registration and are only allowed for car shows and parades, not daily use.
- For Commercial & Business Operations:
- Includes Dealer, Manufacturer, Transporter, and Fleet plates.
- For Heavy & Special-Use Vehicles:
- GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Truck: For trucks 16,001 lbs. or more.
- SMM (Special Mobile Machinery): For equipment like cranes or street sweepers.
- Other Vehicle Types:
- Includes Farm Truck, Farm Tractor, Taxicab, Livery plates, Amateur and Commercial Call Letter plates (for radio operators, active licenses required), and plates for Trailer & Camper vehicles.
This category is for current service members and veterans. Some military plates require physical documentation, necessitating an in-person visit. The individual requirements are listed on the page for each plate.
Disabled Veteran (DV) Plates: Disabled Veterans and Disabled Women Veterans.
- If you are an eligible disabled veteran and select the designated Colorado DV plate, state registration taxes and fees are waived for your first set of DV plates. These plates have different eligibility requirements and are listed on the page for each plate. Note: The DV license plate must be obtained to be eligible for the exemption from paying registration fees and taxes; it is not available with any other plate.
- Selection of this plate does not permit you to park in designated disability parking. You must also be eligible for and apply for a placard (see below) or the Persons with Disability (PWD) version of the DV plate.
- If you are a disabled veteran from another state, you must re-qualify under Colorado's rules, requiring verification from the VA and your DD214.
- DV plates are not transferable to a surviving spouse.
- Relevant Forms
These identifying plates permit qualified applicants to park their vehicle or motorcycle or a vehicle in which they are a passenger in, in designated disability parking spaces. A disability identifier may be added to many license plates.
Qualified individuals can be issued two plates, two placards, or one of each in addition to two Remuneration placards.
Click here to see Persons with Disabilities license plates
Eligibility:
To be eligible, an applicant must have a physical impairment verified in writing by a Medical Professional* that meets one of the following standards:
- Mobility: Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Assisted Mobility: Cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or assistance from another person.
- Respiratory: Restricted by lung disease (e.g., forced expiratory volume less than one liter or arterial oxygen tension less than 60 mm/hg).
- Oxygen: Uses portable oxygen.
- Cardiac: Functional limitations classified as Class III or IV by American Heart Association standards.
- Other: Severely limited walking ability due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions.
License Plates:
- Requirements
- Form DR 2219: Complete and sign the Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application.
- Medical Certification: Have a licensed medical professional (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or podiatrist) fill out and sign the medical portion certifying your qualifying mobility, cardiac, or respiratory impairment.
- Vehicle Ownership: The vehicle registration or title must be in the name of the person with the disability.
- Identification: Provide secure and verifiable identification (such as a Colorado driver's license or ID).
- Application Steps
- Fill out the paperwork: Download and print Form DR 2219, then have your doctor complete the certification section.
- Prepare documents: Make a copy of your vehicle's current registration or title along with your secure and verifiable ID.
- Submit Online at myDMV: Go to the Colorado myDMV online portal, find the "Vehicle Services" tab, and choose the option to submit your application. You will upload a scan or clear photo of your signed Form DR 2219, your ID, and your vehicle registration.
- Submit to your county: Take or mail your documents to your local County Motor Vehicle Office.
- Pay fees: Standard vehicle registration and license plate fees apply when getting disability plates.
Placards:
- How to Apply for a Placard
- Submit the following to your County Motor Vehicle office:
- Completed DR 2219 Application (Organizations transporting persons with disabilities must use form DR 2218.)
- Secure and Verifiable ID (refer to DR 2841 for a list of acceptable documents).
- Submit the following to your County Motor Vehicle office:
- Rules and Restrictions
- Placards and plates are only for use by the person to whom they are issued.
- A qualified person may receive either: One set of plates and one placard, OR two sets of plates, OR two placards in addition to two remuneration placards.
- Placards must hang from the rearview mirror while parked and be removed before driving. You must carry the registration receipt when using a placard.
- Plates must be renewed annually and clearly displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle (except motorcycles).
- Caretakers of Those with Disabilities
- Parents who have a disabled child (16 years and under) and facilities/business entities who transport the disabled are also eligible for disability plates and placards.
- One plate set or placard may be issued to each parent or guardian of a child with a disability who is under sixteen years of age, to be used only when transporting the child. Additional information/restrictions can be found on the DR 2219.
- Business entities must use the DR 2218; requirements are included on the form.
Lost or Stolen Items
If your placard or plate is lost or stolen, report it immediately to local law enforcement and your County Motor Vehicle office using form DR 2283. [Link to Lost/Stolen Plates]
Recertification
Applicants must re-certify their disability every three years. This can be done via form DR 2219 or online at myDMV.Colorado.gov.
Reciprocity
Colorado honors valid disability plates and placards from other states, and Colorado-issued plates/placards are generally honored nationwide.
Loss of Privileges
Privileges expire immediately if the owner moves out of state, is no longer disabled, or is deceased. County offices must be notified within 30 days of these changes.
Fines and Revocations
Law enforcement may check ID to ensure authorized use. Infractions can result in revocation, fines up to $5,000, and community service. For more info, call (303) 205-5607.
Relevant Forms in our Forms Library:
- DR 2219- Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application
- DR 2497- Persons With Disabilities Personalized License Plates Application
- DR 2816- Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Instructions
- DR 2218- Business Entity Disability Plates and Placard Application
Click here to find out more about disability plates, placards, and how to apply here.
*Medical Professional: Includes physicians, physician assistants, podiatrists, or advanced practice nurses (including those from bordering states). Chiropractors and physical therapists may verify for 90-day placards only.
You can personalize many (but not all) plate types.
- How to Apply: Apply during your first time registration or when you replace your current plates. You can use myDMV to apply online, or visit your county motor vehicle office. Some plates require an in-person application due to additional documentation.
- Form: You must complete the DR 2810 Personalized License Plate Application.
- Cost: There is a one-time $60 personalization fee upon initial registration, plus an additional $25 annual fee upon renewal.
- Personalization Rules:
- You can use up to 7 characters (6 for motorcycles); minimum of 2 characters required.
- Allowed characters include letters, numbers, spaces, dashes, and periods.
- Requested text is subject to approval; the state may refuse any combination that is perceived as offensive, misleading, or is a duplicate.
- Adding personalization to a specialty plate will remove the image from the middle of the plate.
- Processing Time: It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks for personalized plates to be manufactured and sent via USPS to your listed mailing address.
A nonprofit organization must initiate the process to create a specialty plate.
They must also provide:
- Petitions from 3,000 Colorado vehicle owners
- Proof of nonprofit status
- Design prepayment
Please contact the department at countyinventorysupport@state.co.us for a full list of requirements (including legislative) and an application. Your email should state your nonprofit name, the name of the plate you propose to create, and the nonprofit’s representative’s name and contact information that the Division will work with on the application process.
Manage Your Plates and Registration
This section is for customers who need to complete a task related to their existing plates or to order new plates.
- Front/Rear Plates: Both front and rear plates are required in Colorado, with the exception of motorcycles, autocycles, Street Rod, Horseless Carriage, trailers, and some SMM; they only require a rear plate.
- Tab Location: New year tabs go in the bottom right-hand corner of your license plate. Remove the previous years' tabs.
- Online Services: Services available online include first-time vehicle registration, title status check, replace tabs/stickers, replace EV decal, replace license plates (includes personalized request), and more. Some online services require a secure, personal account. Click here to visit myDMV.
- Kiosk Services: Services available at kiosks include vehicle registration renewal, duplicate registration and year tabs, title status check, and more. Find kiosk locations here.
- Return Old Plates: Return old license plates to your county motor vehicle office or a metal recycler.
- Check Title Status: Check the status of your title on myDMV.
- Costs: Costs vary based on where you reside, vehicle details (age, weight, taxable value), and your plate type (e.g., personalized plates have an additional annual fee). You can find more information about taxes and fees here.
- Registration: For first-time vehicle registration and registration renewal information, please visit our registration web page.
- Your month/year tabs (decals) must be placed on your rear license plate on the bottom left (month) and right (year) corners. Each year, you should remove the old year tab and place the new year tab in the right corner.
- Replace Tabs/Stickers: You can replace your tabs online with myDMV or at a kiosk.
- EV Decal Replacement: If you need a new EV decal, you can do so online with the replace an EV decal option or directly with your local county motor vehicle office.
- First-Time Registration: If you bought your car from a Colorado dealer and received a Title Complete notice, you can register and order plates online via myDMV. If you bought from a private seller, you must visit your county motor vehicle office.
- Replacing Plates: You can replace lost, stolen, or damaged plates online via myDMV. However, if you are replacing a specialty plate, you will need to contact the non-profit for a new certificate or pin.
- Lost or Stolen Plates: Download and complete DR 2283 Lost or Stolen License Plate and bring it to your county office. You need to file a police report if your plates were stolen, and you will need to get a new plate configuration because keeping the stolen configuration puts you at risk of being pulled over by law enforcement.
- NOTE: Only PERSONALIZED plates can be remanufactured, if BOTH front and back plates are recovered and turned in. Serialized plates will be replaced with a new configuration. You should immediately go online to myDMV and cease your lost/stolen plates. This draws a line in the sand about when your liability for them ends.
- Returning Old Plates: If you no longer need your plates, return them to your county motor vehicle office or take them to a metal recycling service
- Delivery Time: After you order and pay, it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for your plates to be delivered by the post office (USPS).
- Tracking: USPS does not provide tracking information for license plates.
- Temporary Tags: If your first temporary tag expires, you can get another permit from your dealership or county motor vehicle office. Any additional temporaries required after a second permit can only be acquired at your county motor vehicle office.
- Selling Your Car: Do not leave your plates on the car. You are not allowed to transfer your plates to the new owner, and leaving them on could make you responsible for any tolls or fines the new driver gets.
- Transferring to a New Vehicle: When you sell or transfer your vehicle, your old license plates expire (unless they are specialty or personalized plates). You cannot transfer the physical plate to your new car.
- Note: You will receive credit for any unused, prorated portion of your annual registration taxes and fees if you complete your transaction directly with your county; credits are not available online.
- Keeping Your Number: You can keep your license plate configuration by surrendering your old plates and then applying for a personalized plate with the same number combination, which includes extra fees.
- Note: Effective January 1, 2028, you will again be able to transfer all plates from one vehicle to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping and Logistics
Once you order your plates, they are sent via USPS and generally received within 2-3 weeks. If you cannot wait that long, you should visit your county motor vehicle office as they can issue a temporary tag.
No, unfortunately, the USPS does not provide tracking information for license plates.
If your temporary tag is about to expire, you can visit your county motor vehicle office to get standard green and white plates immediately. If you are waiting for a specialty plate, you can request an extension on your temporary permit from your county office or your dealership. Click here for more information on expiring temporary tags.
Rules and Policies
Some plates require physical proof of eligibility that a county clerk must review in person. For example, military plates require service documentation, and some specialty plates require you to hand in a physical certificate from the non-profit.
Currently, under Colorado law, standard license plates expire when a vehicle changes ownership, so you cannot physically move your old plates to a new car, unless they are specialty or personalized plates. If you want to keep your specific plate number, you must apply for it as a "Personalized Plate" and pay the associated personalization fees ($60 initially, $25 annually). Any remaining credit can be transferred to your new vehicle if you complete the transaction directly with your county motor vehicle office.
Military and Veteran Plates
No, these plates cannot be transferred to a surviving spouse. You will need to obtain standard license plates and pay the regular registration fees at your county office.
Refunds are not handled by the state DMV. Refunds are issued entirely at the discretion of your local county clerk and recorder. You will need to contact your county office directly to ask about their refund policies or file a claim with the State Tax Conferee.
Miscellaneous
Print-on-Demand is a system used for specialty, personalized and plates ordered online. Instead of county offices keeping a massive inventory of every single specialty plate, the plates are printed when you order them and mailed directly to your mailing address.
No, Colorado law does not permit the sale of sample license plates.