Colorado registration fee calculator: Instantly estimate your vehicle registration costs in Colorado. Get an accurate breakdown of all fees and taxes today.
5-Year Cost Projection
| Year | Ownership Tax | License Fee | Total |
|---|
How Are Colorado Registration Fees Calculated?
Colorado registration fees are determined by several factors that make each vehicle’s cost unique. The total amount you pay includes the ownership tax, license fees based on weight, and various state and county charges.
The ownership tax forms the largest portion of your registration cost and decreases each year your vehicle ages. For passenger vehicles, the taxable value is 85% of the MSRP, while light trucks are assessed at 75% of the original sticker price. This depreciation schedule means newer vehicles cost significantly more to register than older ones.
How to Pay Colorado Vehicle Registration Fees
Colorado offers several convenient ways to pay your registration fees. Remember that in Colorado, you are essentially paying two things at once: a License Fee (for road use) and a Specific Ownership Tax (a personal property tax based on the car’s value).
1. Pay Online (Fastest Method)
You can renew your registration online through the official myDMV.Colorado.gov portal.
- What you need: Your license plate number and the last 8 characters of your VIN (or the Letter ID from your renewal postcard).
- Payment Methods: Credit/Debit card (additional service fee applies) or e-Check ($1.00 flat fee).
- Timing: Tabs usually arrive by mail within 10-14 days.
2. Colorado MV Express Kiosks
There are self-service kiosks located in King Soopers and other grocery stores across the state.
- How it works: Scan the barcode on your renewal card, pay with a card, and the kiosk prints your tabs instantly.
- Best for: Last-minute renewals to avoid driving with expired tags.
3. In-Person (County Clerk & Recorder)
Visit your local county motor vehicle office.
- Note: Some counties (like Denver, Arapahoe, El Paso) may require appointments.
- Best for: New car registrations, transferring titles, or dealing with complex insurance issues.
4. By Mail
Send the bottom portion of your renewal postcard along with a check or money order to the address listed on the form.
Colorado Registration Fee Full Breakdown (In-Depth Table)
Colorado uses a unique formula based on the Taxable Value of your vehicle (not what you paid for it) and its Age.
Part 1: Specific Ownership Tax (The Expensive Part)
This is the personal property tax portion of your registration. It is tax-deductible on your federal income tax return.
Step A: Determine Taxable Value
- Passenger Cars/SUVs: 85% of the original MSRP.
- Trucks: 75% of the original MSRP.
Step B: Apply the Tax Rate (Based on Vehicle Age)
This is the schedule used in the calculator above to project your 5-year costs.
| Vehicle Age | Tax Rate (Applied to Taxable Value) | Example Cost ($40k Car Taxable Value) |
| 1st Year (New) | 2.10% | $840.00 |
| 2nd Year | 1.50% | $600.00 |
| 3rd Year | 1.20% | $480.00 |
| 4th Year | 0.90% | $360.00 |
| 5th – 9th Year | 0.45% | $180.00 |
| 10+ Years | Flat Fee ($3.00) | $3.00 |
Part 2: License & Weight Fees (The Road Usage Part)
These fees go toward road maintenance and bridge safety. They are determined by the weight of your vehicle.
| Vehicle Weight (Lbs) | License Fee | Bridge Safety Surcharge | Road Safety Surcharge | Total License Fee |
| Up to 2,000 | $23.00 | $13.00 | $16.00 | ~$52.00 |
| 2,001 – 5,000 | $33.00 | $18.00 | $23.00 | ~$74.00 |
| 5,001 – 10,000 | $43.00 | $23.00 | $28.00 | ~$94.00 |
| 10,001 – 16,000 | $56.00 | $29.00 | $39.00 | ~$124.00 |
Note: The calculator combines these surcharges into the “Weight Class” inputs for simplicity.
Part 3: Additional Surcharges
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Fee: $53.00 (Increasing annually to offset gas tax).
- Clerk Hire Fee: $4.00 (Goes to the county clerk).
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS): $2.00.
- Insurance Database Fee: $0.50.
- Emissions Fee: Area-specific (approx $25 if required in counties like Boulder, Denver, Jefferson).