Colorado Car Registration Renewal Cost
Renewing a typical car's registration in Colorado costs about $302.20 per year in state fees (a 3-year-old gas car). Use the calculator for your own car; every fee comes from Colorado's official schedule (last reviewed October 7, 2026).
| Clerk hire fee | $4 |
|---|---|
| Age fee | $12 |
| Statutory fees | $4.10 |
| FASTER road + bridge2,001–5,000 lb | $37.30 |
| Specific ownership tax0.9% of 85% of MSRP | $244.80 |
| Renewal total | $302.20 |
Estimate of state renewal fees only. Your renewal notice shows the exact amount, including local fees.
What you pay when you renew in Colorado
A renewal repeats only the yearly registration charges. The title fee, any transfer fee, new plates and the sales tax are paid once, when you buy or first register the car.
| Clerk hire fee | $4 |
|---|---|
| Age fee | $12 |
| Statutory fees | $4.10 |
| FASTER road + bridge2,001–5,000 lb | $37.30 |
| Specific ownership tax0.9% of 85% of MSRP | $244.80 |
| Renewal total | $302.20 |
- Base registration fee varies by weight and county.
Colorado renewal cost by car age
Part of the Colorado fee depends on the car's age or value, so the renewal changes over time (same car, $32,000 MSRP):
| New (1st year) | $628.60 |
|---|---|
| 3 years old | $383.80 |
| 5 years old | $179.80 |
| 8 years old | $177.80 |
| 12 years old | $55.40 |
How Colorado sets the registration fee
- Registration = clerk hire + age fee + statutory fees + FASTER road + FASTER bridge + base registration + emissions + EV fees
- Specific ownership tax = 85% of MSRP x year rate (flat $3 from year 10)
- Total = tax + title + registration + specific ownership tax
How to renew in Colorado
Renew online, by mail or in person with the Colorado motor vehicle agency. The renewal notice shows the exact amount, including any county or city fees, and what you need (usually proof of insurance and, where required, a current inspection). Official source: dmv.colorado.gov.
Buying a car in Colorado instead?
The first registration also includes the title and sales tax: see the Colorado car sales tax calculator and the Colorado title transfer cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renew a car registration in Colorado?
About $302.20 per year in state fees for a typical 3-year-old gas car (Clerk hire fee $4, Age fee $12, Statutory fees $4.10, FASTER road + bridge $37.30, Specific ownership tax $244.80). Base registration fee varies by weight and county.
How often do you renew your registration in Colorado?
Every year for a standard passenger car.
Does the renewal cost go down as the car gets older in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado ties part of the fee to the car's age or value: about $628.60 in the first year versus $55.40 for a 12-year-old car.
Do electric cars pay more to renew in Colorado?
Yes, about $89.05 more at each renewal, a fee that replaces the gas tax EV owners don't pay.