Motor Vehicle Services

Online Vehicle Services – Skip the Trip! Vehicle Registration & License Plates

• Renew a vehicle registration
• Request a duplicate registration card
• Replace stickers
• Add/change a vehicle address

• Submit a first-time vehicle registration
• Request a personalized plate
• Estimate registration fees
• Cancel license plates

Vehicle Titles

• Request a duplicate title
• Check a title status

Disabled Parking Placards

• Apply for a first-time placard
• Manage my placards

Registration Renewals

Legislation requires motor vehicle owners to renew their vehicle registration by the end of the expiration month. However, there is a renewal grace period of one month. Registration renewal cards are mailed out from the Colorado Department of Revenue approximately two weeks before the expiration month. Please note that it is your responsibility to renew your vehicle registration in a timely manner, regardless of whether or not you receive your registration renewal card.

The new year sticker will be mailed to you within one week of receipt of payment. If you’ve moved to another county, mail your renewal to that county. View a list of other county clerks. You may renew your vehicle registration online at the link above.

There will be a late fee of $25.00 per month, up to a total of $100.00 per vehicle if your vehicle is renewed after the last business day of your grace month.

Additional ownership tax is also applicable.

What to do

• Mail your check or money order and registration renewal card to: Regina O’Brien, Eagle County Clerk & Recorder, PO Box 537, Eagle, Colorado 81631-0537.
• If your renewal card reads in red "PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE", please include in your envelope a photocopy of your current insurance card.
• Include your new physical and mailing addresses if they have changed.

Please note per Colorado legislation C.R.S. 42-3-105(l)(d), which came into effect on July 1, 2014, out-of-state insurance policies cannot be accepted.

Emissions testing is not required in Eagle County.

Colorado motorists are required by state law to carry Colorado automobile insurance and keep proof of Colorado insurance in the vehicle. The Eagle County Clerk & Recorder’s Office is required to verify proof of insurance prior to the issue of temporary registration permits or registering a motor vehicle.

Please note per Colorado legislation C.R.S. 42-3-105(l) (d), which came into effect on July 1, 2014, out-of-state insurance policies cannot be accepted.

Proof of Colorado insurance must include the following

• Effective dates of coverage, which must be current
• Vehicle description including the vehicle identification number
• Name of insured person (cannot be in the previous owner's name)
• The following are accepted forms of Colorado insurance:
• A Colorado insurance card
• A Colorado insurance binder or policy
• The declaration page from the Colorado insurance policy
• A letter from your insurance agent on company letterhead verifying Colorado insurance coverage 

Additional information

• Insurance companies are required to submit vehicle and driver information to the Colorado Motorist Insurance Identification Database which is updated nightly.
• If the database matches, the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder’s records will show if a vehicle has insurance. If the database does not match, evidence of insurance must be provided before the vehicle is registered and renewed.
• Failure to have valid insurance that puts a vehicle owner in a late fee situation is not an exemption of late fees.
• Proof of insurance is not acceptable if it is in the previous owner's name.

How to apply

The applicant and a licensed medical professional must submit a completed Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application ( DR2219) to an Eagle County Clerk and Recorder's Office motor vehicle service office. These forms can be downloaded online or provided by your medical professional's office.

Applicant, guardian, or entity representative must provide secure and verifiable identification and have it witnessed on the Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application.

Placards

Upon renewal applicants for both short term 90 day (red) and extended or temporary three year (blue) placards must submit a new Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application, completed by a licensed medical professional.

Permanent three year placard holders can self-certify on the third and sixth year of renewal. On the ninth year of renewal, the applicant will need to submit a new Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application completed by a licensed medical professional.

Placards will have a month and year punch-out to identify expiration dates and have a sticker applied to them, similar to license plates.

Plates

Persons with Disabilities license plates are renewed annually. When required, the plate holder must submit a completed Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application.

Plate holders can self-certify on the third and sixth year renewal. On the ninth year of renewal the applicant will need to submit a new Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application.

Disabled Veteran Plates

Eligible disabled veterans may receive one set of Disabled Veteran License Plates at no charge.

In addition, to the Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application persons seeking Disabled Veteran License Plates must also submit the following

• A letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran’s branch service that states that the qualifying person has a service connected permanent disability that is rated at 50 percent or more.

Please see instructions on Military License Plate Application (DR2002) for available plate types, requirements and fees.

Special Mobile Machinery (SMM) vehicles are of a design commonly used in the construction business. SMM vehicles, self-propelled or otherwise, are not designed to transport persons or cargo over public highways.

Motor vehicles which have been redesigned or modified with the attachment of special equipment or machinery ( over 500 pounds), with this attachment becoming an essential part of the operation for which the vehicle was intended will be classified as Special Mobile Machinery.

The following is required to register SMM equipment

• A bill of sale or invoice (bill of sale requires a copy of the previous owner’s registration) showing the year, vehicle registration number, body style, or model
• A completed Special Mobile Machinery (SMM) vehicle information worksheet and application for registration (DR2689)
• Evidence that state taxes have been paid is required or Colorado state sales tax will be collected on the purchase price of the unit

Titling is mandatory for mobile machinery which is constructed on a truck or trailer chassis and is designed and intended to be used over the highway. Special Mobile Machinery will be issued an SMM plate.

Track-type equipment (which cannot be driven on open roads as opposed to that with rubber tires), is not issued a plate, but instead issued a SMM tab.

For further information please contact the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder's office.

The Title

In the seller’s section of the title, print and sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the title. For example, first, middle and last name. If the Colorado title is in more than one name, all sellers must sign the title. Other states have different rules for multiple owners. Please contact the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder's office for more information.

If the title has a space for a notary, then the sellers’ signatures must be notarized.

Odometer Disclosure

If the vehicle is less than ten years old, an odometer disclosure statement is required. Most titles have a section for odometer reading.

If the title is altered in any way the title will become null and void and a duplicate title must be reissued to the seller, and resigned.

Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

The Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale must show the following:

• buyer/s names and signature/s
• seller/s names and signature/s
• purchase price
• year
• make
• vehicle identification number

Plates

The seller/s must remove the license plates from the vehicle. Plates belong to the person and not the vehicle.

If there is more than one owner of the vehicle, all vehicle owners are required to declare their intent to have the Colorado Certificate of Title to be issued in Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship or Tenants in Common. All owners must be present (at an Eagle County Clerk & Recorder’s office) or complete the Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship form, which is the 2nd page within the Title and/or Registration Application form DR 2395 document.

Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship

Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship is a form of legal co-ownership of property (also known as survivorship). At the death of one co-owner, the surviving co-owner becomes sole owner of the property. Transfer of ownership requires a copy of the death certificate and signature of the survivor.

Tenancy in Common

Tenancy in Common is the equal or unequal holding of property by two or more persons. At the death of one co-owner, the deceased share of the property goes to his/her estate and is to be divided according to his/her will or the law in the absence of a will. Transfer of ownership requires documents that appoint a personal representative for the decedent.

Residence

Motor vehicle registration must be completed within 90 days after becoming a resident of Colorado. Residency is established when any one of the following criteria is met

• own or operate a business in Colorado
• reside in Colorado continuously for 90 days
• obtain employment in Colorado

Vehicle owner/s will be required to complete the Colorado Residency Establishment DR 2504 document.

Late fees

If registration is not completed within 90 days of becoming a resident, you will be charged a late fee of $25.00 per month, up to a total of $100.00.

Documentation

The following documents are required in order to register a vehicle in Colorado that is currently registered in another state

• title or current registration
• a completed Verification of Vehicle Identification Number DR 2698 form by a Colorado law enforcement officer or Colorado licensed dealer (fees apply)
• name and address of lessor, if vehicle is leased
• secure and verifiable identification
• certified weight slip if registering a truck, tractor, trailer, RV, motorhome, or van unless you have a copy of the original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO) that shows the empty weight.  A weight slip is also required for a truck, tractor, trailer, RV, motorhome, van that has been modified.   A light truck does not require a weight slip unless it has been modified.
• current proof of Colorado insurance (policy sighted on smartphone will be accepted)

Insurance

Proof of Colorado insurance must include the following

• effective dates of coverage, which must be current
• vehicle description, including vehicle identification number

The following are accepted forms of Colorado insurance

• a Colorado insurance card
• a Colorado insurance binder or policy
• the declaration page from the Colorado insurance policy
• a letter from your insurance agent on company letterhead verifying Colorado insurance coverage

Please note per Colorado legislation C.R.S 42-3-105(l) (d), which came into effect 1 July 2014, out-of-state insurance policies cannot be accepted.

If the lessee takes possession of the motor vehicle in the same city, county and special district in which they reside and will be registered, the dealer must collect the applicable sales tax for each of those jurisdictions.

Paperwork Due to State

All lessors are required to submit a DR 0440 (Permit to Collect Sales Tax on The Rental or Lease Basis) with the Colorado Department of Revenue. This requirement includes all out-of-state dealers/lessors. The DR 0440 form, if approved by the CO Department of Revenue, obligates the lessor to collect sales tax on all leases made by the lessor.

Paperwork Due to Counties

Lease paperwork to counties must include a completed DR 0026 (Statement of Sales Tax Paid on Motor Vehicle Leases). The DR 0026 must include the Colorado sales tax account number which is 12 digits in total (8 digits + 4 digits). If home rule town sales taxes are also due, the lessor must include the home rule self-collected tax account number, indicate that home rule was sent directly to the town or paid upfront in check included with the chattel.

Home Rule Towns

• Town of Avon – asks that Eagle County collects all sales taxes on behalf of the town and remits monthly
• Town of Gypsum - asks that Eagle County collects all sales taxes on behalf of the town and remits monthly
• Town of Vail (970-479-2136) - asks that sales taxes be sent directly to the Town, however, Eagle County may collect sales taxes on behalf of the town and remit monthly

Example 1 - Customer lives in the Town of Vail (home rule town, self-collected taxes)

Taxes collected in lease payments should include:

• State sales tax 2.90%
• Eagle County sales tax 1% and Eagle County Mass Transit sales tax .50% (total of 1.5%)

Taxes presented UPFRONT IN A CHECK directly to the Town of Vail (OR TO US):

• Town of Vail sales tax 4.5%
• This example would be the same for all three home rule towns.

Example 2 – Customer lives in the Town of Eagle (statutory town, state collected taxes)

Taxes collected in lease payments should include:

• State sales tax = 2.90%
• Eagle County sales tax = 1% and Eagle County Mass Transit sales tax = .50% (1.5% total)
• Eagle County RTA sales tax = .50%
• Town of Eagle sales tax = 4.5%

State-Collected Town Taxes

• Basalt = 3%
• Eagle = 4.5%
• Minturn = 4%
• Red Cliff = 3%

Home Rule Towns

• Avon = 4%
• Gypsum = 3%
• Vail = 4.5%
• Metro District Taxes
• Arrowhead = 5%
• Bachelor Gulch = 4%
• Eagle Vail = 1%
• Edwards = 1%
• Red Sky Ranch = 5.5%
• Two Rivers = 4%

RFTA Taxes

• Roaring Fork, Basalt = 0.8%
• Within Carbondale = 1%
• Unincorporated Carbondale = 0.6%
• Unincorporated El Jebel = 0.6%

For more information please contact our office or the state taxation division at DOR_motorvehicledistribution@state.co.us.

This page contains information about the following:

• Title and Registration
• Joint Tenancy and Tenancy in Common
• Purchases from Colorado Dealers
• Temporary Registration Permits
• Sales Tax Rates
• Colorado Insurance Requirements
• Bonding for Title
• Homemade Trailers
• Off-Highway Vehicles and Snowmobiles
• Out-of-State Students
• Out-of-State Military
• Required proof and documentation

Title and Register Vehicle

If there is more than one owner of a vehicle, all vehicle owners are required to declare their intent to have Colorado Certificate of Title issued in Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship or Tenancy in Common. All owners must be present (at an Eagle County Clerk & Recorder’s Office) or complete the Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship form, which is the 2nd page within the Title and/or Registration Application form DR 2395 document. If the DR 2395 is filled out by all owners (printed names and signatures), then only one owner must come in to apply for a title.

Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship

Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship is a form of legal co-ownership of property (also known as survivorship). At the death of one co-owner, the surviving co-owner becomes sole owner of the property. Transfer of ownership requires a copy of the death certificate and signature of the survivor.

Tenancy in Common

Tenancy in Common is the equal or unequal holding of property by two or more persons. At the death of one co-owner, the deceased share of the property goes to his/her estate and is to be divided according to his/her will or the law in the absence of a will. Transfer of ownership requires documents that appoint a personal representative for the decedent.

Transmittal of Documents

If there is a loan on a vehicle and the vehicle was purchased from a Colorado dealer, the dealer will forward the titling documents to our office for processing. We typically receive documents three to four weeks after the purchase. Once processed, a Title Complete Notice card will be mailed to you. Once received, please bring the Title Complete Notice card plus proof of current Colorado insurance to the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder’s Office so the vehicle can be registered.

If you paid cash for the vehicle, the dealer will likely send the paperwork directly to you, usually by certified mail. Bring these documents as well as current proof of Colorado Insurance to the Eagle County Clerk and Recorder's Office.

Vehicle Purchased from a Colorado Dealer

The following documents are required in order to register or title your car:

• title or certificate of origin, properly assigned
• standard sales tax receipt
• odometer disclosure statement if the vehicle is less than ten years old (most titles have a section on the title for odometer disclosure)
• a completed Application for Title and/or Registration Application (DR 2395)
• original or certified copy of security agreement, if financed
• secure and verifiable ID (DR 2841)
• other documents may be needed

Colorado Insurance Requirements

Proof of Colorado insurance must include the following: https://dmv.colorado.gov/sites/dmv/files/documents/DR%202395_e_wo.pdf

• effective dates of coverage, which must be current
• vehicle description, including vehicle identification number
• name of insured person(s)

The following are accepted forms of Colorado insurance:

• a Colorado insurance card
• a Colorado insurance binder or policy
• the declaration page from the Colorado insurance policy
• a letter from your insurance agent on company letterhead verifying Colorado insurance coverage

Please note per Colorado legislation C.R.S 42-3-105(l) (d), which came into effect July 1, 2014, out-of-state insurance policies cannot be accepted.

Power of Attorney

If you are not the owner of a vehicle, a Power of Attorney for Motor Vehicle Only (DR 2175) must be completed and signed by the owner/s.

Temporary Permits

Temporary permits may be issued on a vehicle purchase. Permits can only be issued for 60 days from the purchase date.

The following is required:

• previous owner's registration with a completed Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale or a properly assigned Colorado title (seller(s) and buyer(s) printed names, signatures, date of sale, purchase price, and odometer reading)
• payment of applicable sales tax
• proof of current Colorado insurance (electronic copies of an insurance card on a smartphone will be accepted)

Please see above for Colorado Insurance requirements .

Vehicles going out of Colorado will only be issued a traveling permit of three to five days and will require the following:

• title, properly assigned
• if necessary, a completed Verification of Vehicle Identification Number (DR 2698) form by a Colorado law enforcement officer or Colorado licensed dealer (fees apply)
• proof of insurance (electronic copies of an insurance card on a smartphone will be accepted)

Permit Extensions

There is no grace period on a temporary permit that exceeds 60 days from the date of purchase. All other permits will be issued at supervisor’s discretion, and permit fees will apply.

Sales Tax Rates
Purchase type - Sales tax type and rate

Purchased outside Eagle County - 2.9% Colorado sales tax

Purchased inside Eagle County but not inside a municipality* - 2.9% Colorado sales tax plus 1.5% Eagle County sales tax

If the vehicle is purchased inside Eagle County and inside a municipality*. This means the buyer and seller live in the same jurisdiction - 2.9% Colorado sales tax plus 1.5% Eagle County sales tax. For buyers and sellers living in same jurisdiction - Plus applicable city tax: Eagle 4.5%, Gypsum 3%, Avon 4% and Vail 4.5%

Leased vehicles - Please refer to the Leased Vehicles page

*A municipality indicates a town or special taxing district.

Residents of the Town of Basalt must pay 0.8% sales tax for the Regional Transportation Authority (RAFTA) regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.

Residents of Unincorporated Roaring Fork Valley (El Jebel and parts of Basalt and Carbondale) must pay 0.6% sales tax for the Regional Transportation Authority regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.

Please contact the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder's Office for more information about taxes and fees.

Recording of Liens

If a lien is to be recorded with the titling of a vehicle or refinancing, the following is required:

• title, properly assigned
• original, carbon copy or certified copy of the security agreement signed by all owners of the vehicle
• title fee of $7.20
• filing fee of $5.00 per page, per side for security agreements on paper size 8.5’’x 11’’ or a filing fee of $10.00 per page, per side for security agreements larger than 8.5’’ x 11’’
• proof of sales taxes paid
• secure and verifiable ID (DR 2841)

Payment Methods

The Clerk & Recorder’s Office accepts the following:

• cash
• check (made payable to Eagle County Clerk)
• debit card
• Master Card
• Visa
• Discover
• American Express

All card transactions totaling $10.01 or more will be charged a non-refundable portal administration fee of 2.7%.

Bonding for Title

A bonded title is a document that proves a person/s ownership or a motor vehicle. It can be used in place of a vehicle title in order to title and register a car.

Bonding for title is necessary if:

• the owner cannot furnish proper supporting documents to the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder to transfer ownership of a vehicle and have a new title issued
• there are errors or problems with the documents that cannot be corrected
• there is an error in the sequential number of the Vehicle Identification Number that cannot be substantiated as a clerical error from previous records

Requirements
The vehicle must be:

• physically located in the state of Colorado
• in the possession of the applicant for bond
• roadworthy

Bonding for title cannot be done for the following:

• to remove a name from a title
• when purchasing a vehicle from a Colorado dealer without proper documents. Colorado dealers are required to supply proper documents for titling

Please contact the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder’s Office for more information about Bonding for Title.

Homemade Trailers

A homemade trailer is defined as a trailer that is self-assembled and does not have a Vehicle Identification Number and weighs less than 2000 pounds.

The following documents are required for issuance of a Vehicle Identification Number:

• a completed Statement of Homemade Trailer and Assignment of Trailer Number (DR 2409)
• a bill of sale for the essential materials may be required, the receipts will be verified by the Eagle County Clerk and Recorder’s Office

Bonding is required for a trailer that weighs over 2000 pounds. Please see above Bonding for Title .

Please contact the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder's Office for more information about homemade trailers.

Titling of Off-Highway Vehicles - Snowmobiles and ATV's

The Eagle County Clerk & Recorder does title but does not register.

Per legislation*, the registration of an Off-Highway Vehicle is completed through Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Per legislation**, an Off-Highway Vehicle is defined as a self-propelled vehicle that is:

• designed to travel on wheels or tracks that are in contact with the ground
• designed for use off public highways and is mostly used to transport person/s for recreational purposes
• include vehicles commonly known as ‘all-terrain’ vehicles and snowmobiles

An Off-Highway Vehicle does not include the following:

• toy vehicles (any wheeled vehicle that is not designed for public roads or for off-road use)
• vehicles designed and used primarily for travel on, over or in the water
• military vehicles
• golf carts or golf cards
• vehicles designed and used to carry persons with disabilities
• vehicles designed and used specifically for agricultural, logging, or mining purposes
• motor vehicles

Per legislation***, a Snowmobile is defined as:

• a self-propelled vehicle primarily used or altered for travel on snow or ice and off of public holidays and supported by skis, belts, or cleats.

A Snowmobile does not include machinery used for the grooming of snowmobile trails or ski slopes.

*Colorado Senate Bill 13-280, which came into effect on July 1, 2014, creates the ability for Off-Highway and Snowmobiles to be titled.

** Colorado Revised Statute: C.R.S. 45-6-102 (11.5).

*** Colorado Revised Statute C.R.S. 452-6-102 (18.5).

Required Documents

The following document is required:

• Manufactured Certificate of Origin/Manufactured Statement of Origin, or
• Certificate of Title, or
• current Colorado Parks and Wildlife Off-Highway Vehicle registration

Other information

• All current titling laws, processes, and procedures apply.
• Owner/s address of residence will be used unless the Off-Highway Vehicle is permanently maintained at a different site.
• For businesses, the address to be used will be the where the vehicle is principally operated and maintained.
• Per Colorado Revised Statute C.R.S. 42-6-102-17 (a) (ii) Off-Highway Vehicles may not be issued for salvaged vehicles.
• Per Colorado Revised Statute C.R.S. 42-6-148, which came into effect on July 1, 2014, dealer purchases /trades from an individual require an individual to obtain title prior to selling an Off-Highway Vehicle to a dealer.
• Obtaining a title is optional for private-party to private-party sales

Out-of-State Students

If you are an out-of-state student attending school in Colorado, you have two options regarding title and registration of your vehicle:

• If you do not wish to change your residency status to Colorado, you may keep your out of-state license plates, registration and driver’s license. However, you will be required to comply with the state of Colorado emissions and insurance requirements.
• If you choose to change your residency status to claim Colorado as your home state, please refer to the Titling a Vehicle from Out-of-State page (above on this page).

Emissions testing is not required in Eagle County.

Out-of-State Military

If you are active duty military personnel and are temporarily living in the State of Colorado, you have two options regarding title and registration of your vehicle:

• If you are maintaining an out-of state driver license, you may also keep the out-of-state license plates on your vehicle. However, you will be required to comply with the State of Colorado emissions and insurance requirements.
• If you are going to be in the state of Colorado for an extended period of time and are planning on obtaining Colorado license plates and registration, please refer to the Titling a Vehicle from Out-of-State page (above on this page).

To be eligible to complete the Nonresident and Military Service from Specific Ownership Tax Affidavit (DR 2667) the following is required:

• the individual on the title must be assigned to the State of Colorado as active duty military
• the vehicle must be physically located in the State of Colorado New Link
• out-of-state residency must be claimed
• Nonresident and Military Service from Specific Ownership Tax Affidavit (DR 2667) must be submitted each year with renewal or registration of a vehicle
• the individual who is on active duty must show as the owner or co-owner of the vehicle

Emissions testing is not required in Eagle County.

If the original title has been lost, destroyed, mutilated, or is no longer legible, you must apply for a duplicate title. Often a duplicate title can be issued at the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder’s office.

Apply in Person

Visit the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder’s office. Bring your identification as prescribed in the Secure and Verifiable ID DR 2841 document and if known, the vehicle registration and/or the vehicle identification number.

Only the owner or lienholder of the vehicle can apply for a duplicate title. If you are not the owner, a Power of Attorney for Motor Vehicle Only DR 2175 must be completed and signed by the owner/s.

If there are multiple owners on the title, one of the owners can obtain a duplicate title. If the County records indicate that there is a lien, the title will be mailed to the lienholder.

Cost for a duplicate title is $8.20. Please see the Overview (above on this page) for methods of payment.

Apply by Mail

Complete Duplicate Title Request and Receipt DR 2539A and follow the procedure for a duplicate Colorado title. Cost for a duplicate title is $8.20.

You may also mail the form to:

Eagle County Clerk & Recorder, Attn: Motor Vehicle Dept. P.O. Box 537, Eagle, Colorado 81631-0537.

Lost Registration

If you have lost, misplaced or destroyed your registration, you can obtain a duplicate from an Eagle County Clerk & Recorder’s office. Plate number and vehicle information must be provided.

The cost for a duplicate registration is $4.00.

If you have lost the registration tab and month of expiration sticker, they can be replaced and will cost $4.17. Please note that if the lost stickers are found after a replacement has been issued, the previous registration tab and month of expiration sticker have been voided and should be thrown away.

Please note that the registration tab and month of expiration sticker must be properly affixed to the number plate.

Application is made directly to the Colorado Department of Revenue through the MyDMV.Colorado.gov website. Go to:

• “Vehicle Services” tab
• Choose either “Submit a first-time vehicle registration” or “Replace license plates”
• The vehicle information, such as title number and letter ID, last 8 digits of the VIN and/or current license plate will be needed to start the license plate process.

Follow the prompts to submit an application for personalized plates

View the different personalized plates on the Colorado Department of Revenue License Plate website. Choose the plate type you are interested in personalizing and the drop down will show whether there is a personalized option for that particular plate.

Plate Type

• Regular plates are the standard plates commonly referred to as the ‘green and white’ plates.
• Designer plates are manufactured with the special background graphic with the graphic of scenic purple mountains.
• Group Special plates are issued to a group of people who have a common interest or affinity (for example, the Boy Scouts).
• Alumni plates are issued to an alumni associate for a private or public college or to a university located in Colorado. In addition to regular taxes and fees some Alumni plates require approval from the college or university prior to the plates being issued. The college or university may issue a certificate which must be included in the application or it will be rejected.

Approval must be granted from the sponsoring organization prior to the plate being issued. The sponsoring organization may issue a certificate which must be included in the application or it will be rejected.

Collector plates can only be issued to either:

• Vehicles with a model year of 1975 or older.
• Vehicles with a model year of 1976 or later that was registered within a five year collector series license plate prior to September 1, 2009* and is currently registered with the collector series plate.

*Per Colorado Revised Statute C.R.S. 45-12-101 (2).

• Street Rod plates can only be issued to vehicles manufactured in 1948 or prior, and with a body design that has been modified for safe road use. A photocopy of the registration or title must accompany the application.
• Call Letter plates are issued to vehicles where the owner is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to operate: an amateur radio, standard radio, frequency modulation radio, television or a modification license. A copy of the Federal Communications Commission license must accompany the application.

Taxes and Fees

In addition to the taxes and fees assessed by the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder’s office, the Colorado Department of Review will also collect fees upon approval of the personalized license plate. The fees are listed on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

Please note: The Colorado Department of Revenue will not honor a change of choice or spacing, or a request for refund after payment has been made.

Replacements

A Personalized Plate Replacement is made directly to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Go to:

• “Vehicle Services” tab
• Choose “Replace license plates”

Please note that the Colorado Department of Revenue may refuse to issue any combination of letters or numbers that carry connotations offensive to good taste and decency, are misleading, or duplicate any other license plate.

VIN verification is required when you move from another state to Colorado and you want to register your vehicle here. A VIN Inspection is a physical inspection of the vehicle's unique identification number for title and registration purposes. Below is a list of locations that perform VIN Inspections in Eagle County. Please be sure to call and confirm hours of operation and prices before you visit a location.

Eagle County Sheriff’s Office
All Eagle County residents
Dispatch phone: 970-479-2201
885 Chambers Ave., Eagle, CO
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Charge: $10.00 at Eagle County Sheriff's Office or $20.00 dispatch

Eagle County Motor Vehicle Office - Avon Office Only
All Eagle County residents
Phone: 970-328-9670
100 W. Beaver Creek Blvd, Suite 101
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Charge: $10.00

Town of Vail Police Department
All Eagle County residents
Phone: 970-479-2200
75 S. Frontage Rd. W., Vail, CO
Charge: $5.00 for Town of Vail residents
Charge: $10.00 for non-residents

Town of Avon Police Department
Town of Avon residents & business owners only
Phone: 970-748-4040
60 Buck Creek Rd, Avon, CO
Tuesdays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. & Thursdays: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Charge: $10.00

Town of Basalt Police Department
All Eagle County residents
Phone: 970-927-4316
100 Elk Run Dr., Ste. 115, Basalt, CO
Charge: $20.00

Town of Eagle Police Department
Town of Eagle residents only - by appointment only
Phone: 970-328-9630
200 Broadway, Eagle, CO
Charge: $15.00 at office only

Colorado State Patrol – Certified VINs Only
All Eagle County residents, by appointment only
Phone: 970-945-6198
Charge: $50.00

Vail Auto (Dealer) - Andrei
All Eagle County residents
Phone: 970-376-3322
Charge: Must call for quote and appointment

What methods of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, Master Card, Visa, American Express, Discover. All credit card transactions totaling $10.01 or more will be charged a non-refundable portal administration fee of 2.7%.

Can I get credit from the vehicle I sold when I register my new vehicle?

Yes, bring in your registration and plates from the vehicle you sold or traded in.

Can I get a temporary permit instead of renewing a registration on a vehicle that I intend to sell?

No, once a vehicle is registered under your name, a temporary permit cannot be issued.

What do I do if a vehicle has been abandoned on my property?

Call a tow company to proceed with Private Tow (Abandoned Vehicle) process.

What do I do if a vehicle has been abandoned on public property?

Call a tow company to proceed with Public Tow (Abandoned Vehicle) process.

How do I get title to a vehicle I have purchased if there is not a title in existence?

You must follow the Bond for Title process. Contact this office for details.

How much did I pay in ownership tax?

Your registration shows the amount you paid in Ownership Tax and Prior Ownership Tax. Make sure you keep a copy for your income tax return.

When should I register my vehicle?

If you have lived in Eagle County for 90 days, you must register your vehicle at one of the Clerk and Recorder's offices.

On Jan. 1, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will implement the License Plate Expiration on Change of Ownership Act , which establishes the Centennial State’s first license plate replacement program in over 20 years.

Under the new program, license plates for Class C motor vehicles will expire upon transfer of the owner’s title or interest in the vehicle . However, the owner will retain the priority right to use the same combination of letters or numbers from the expired plates when registering a new vehicle. To do so, the owner must apply for personalized plates. License plates will then be printed and mailed to the vehicle owner like newly issued license plates. Class C motor vehicles include passenger vehicles, motorhomes and motorcycles.

The license plate reissue program will enhance public safety by ensuring registered vehicles in Colorado have serviceable license plates that are reflective and visible in low-light environments , which will allow first responders to more easily identify license plates. Additionally, all motorists will benefit from the program since license plates are often the only highly reflective element on vehicles, which is critically important for motorists to see a stalled vehicle on the roadside during low-light periods 

While the new program will make driving in Colorado safer, it will also raise registration costs. For most Coloradans, the additional replacement expense will be $4.73. However, Coloradans who would like to keep the configuration on their current license plate will need to pay a one-time replacement fee ranging between $68.06 and $118.06, depending on the license plate. This is in addition to the normally collected registration fees.

Overview

With the implementation of SB21-069 License Plate Expiration on Change of Ownership, the

following changes will take effect:

License plate reissuance . The law specifies that license plates for Tax Class C motor

vehicles will expire upon transfer of the owner’s title or interest in the vehicle.

However, the owner will retain the priority right to use the same combination of

letters or numbers from the expired plates when registering a new vehicle. To do so,

the owner must apply for personalized plates. This requirement does not apply to

owners who currently have personalized plates, have a valuable registration that has

been reserved for use under the “Laura Hershey Disability Act,” or is a horseless

carriage plate. Tax Class C motor vehicles include passenger vehicles, motorhomes

and motorcycles.

Previously retired style . The law also authorizes DOR to issue license plates for

passenger cars and trucks in a previously retired style (white alpha-numerals on a

background of green mountains and white sky) for an additional fee. The plate is Print

on Demand (POD) so the customer pays the production cost with the purchase of the

plate. Applicants for license plates in the previously retired style must pay $118.06 for

initial issuance, of which $50 is credited to the disability support fund.

DMV Background

When Coloradans sell or otherwise dispose of their vehicle, they will not be able to transfer

the license plate from their old vehicle to their new vehicle in the same manner they have

previously. Previously, when selling your vehicle and purchasing a new vehicle, you could

transfer the license plate from your old vehicle to your new vehicle without paying new plate

fees (personalized plates required a $12 fee). (42-3-211(6)(c)). Beginning January 1, 2022,

SB21-069 goes into effect and Coloradans will not be able to keep their previous license plates

unless they are currently personalized or the vehicle is a horseless carriage.

Fees vary by plate type and configuration (e.g., sequence of letters and numbers on the

license plate). A regular green and white plate with a random configuration will cost a

customer $4.73 (cheapest option). Customers wishing to keep their configuration (e.g.,

ABC-123 or ABC-D12) can expect to pay $68.06. The most expensive option is to obtain the

historical license plate and keep their current configuration at $118.06. Keeping their current

configuration requires a personalized plate application which will transition their license

plate to what is considered a “vanity” plate. We anticipate this will cause some

dissatisfaction both with the plate holders and the county offices issuing the plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to transfer my current license plate to a vehicle I will buy soon. Can I do this?

Yes, you can keep your current plate configuration. You will need a personalized

plate application.

How much will it cost to keep my current license plate?

Fees will vary depending on what type of plate you have. Coloradans wishing to

keep their current license plate configuration will need to pay $68.06. The most

expensive fee is $118.06 and is for Coloradans wishing to obtain a historical plate

and its current configuration.

I don’t want to keep my current license plate configuration. How much will it cost
for a regular green and white plate with a random configuration?

That is the most inexpensive option and costs $4.73

Why the change?

It is due to the License Plate Expiration On Change Of Ownership Act of 2021,

which aims to make Colorado highways and byways safer for all motorists and

first responders.

How exactly will it help?

Colorado lawmakers took action to improve safety for first responders while also

creating a way to fight congestion. The new law establishes a license plate

reissue program that enhances public safety by registered vehicles in Colorado

having a serviceable license plate that is reflective and visible in low-light

environments.

On average, license plates lose 50% of their reflectivity within 5 to 10 years of

use and the average age of motor vehicles in Colorado is 6 years.

Will I lose any remaining credit for registration fees and taxes?

No, only the license plate is required to be replaced. Any credit of registration

fees and taxes can be transferred at the county motor vehicle office and used on

the new vehicle

I want to transfer my current plate from one of my vehicles to another vehicle I

own. Can I do that?

You can keep your current plate configuration if you applied for a personalized

plate for that vehicle. You can not just transfer it to the other vehicle.

I am conducting a private sale of my vehicle. Should I leave my current plates on

the car?

No, please take your plates off before the transaction is completed. You cannot

transfer your plates to the new owner. If you leave your plates on the vehicle, you

would be responsible for any fines/tolls accrued while the vehicle has your plates.

Can you transfer your existing vanity plate?

Yes, vanity plates are not required to be replaced with SB21-069.

Do I get a credit for the old plate toward the new plate if I sell my vehicle?

Yes, you will receive a credit for the time remaining on your previous plate. This

credit can be applied to any new plate that you are eligible for.

Is this just for the regular green and white plates or all plate types?

This is for all plate types.

Do you have to pay the fee again for the veteran plates?

No, if the plate being replaced is the same veteran plate (e.g., U.S. Army to U.S.

Army) if changing to a new veteran plate all fees apply (e.g., U.S. Army to

Honorably Discharged Veteran).

Who should I contact if I have questions about the new changes?

If you have questions about registering your vehicle, please contact us at

dor_trcustomerservice@state.co.us