Colorado Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Colorado?

A temporary registration permit in Colorado is a short-term permit that allows a vehicle to be driven on public roads until permanent license plates are obtained. The Department of Revenue administers the program under C.R.S. 42-3-203, but most personal transactions are handled by county clerk and recorder offices.

Licensed dealers issue the permit at the point of sale through the state’s DRIVES electronic system. County offices issue permits for private party purchases. Each permit is a paper tag affixed to the rear of the vehicle as per C.R.S. 42-3-203(3)(d).

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Colorado?

Dealers may issue a second temporary registration permit under C.R.S. 42-3-203(3)(e) if the title was not delivered within the validity of the first permit. County offices may issue additional permits beyond two per year if title or lien delays justify it.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Colorado?

• A buyer purchasing from a licensed Colorado dealer receives a temporary registration permit at the point of sale before leaving the lot.
• A buyer from a private party must obtain an individual temporary registration permit from the county clerk and recorder before operating the vehicle unless the 36-hour exemption applies under C.R.S. 42-3-115(2)(b)(III).
• A new Colorado resident must register and title within 90 days of establishing residency; a temporary registration permit covers the vehicle until permanent plates are obtained.
• Licensed transporters moving vehicles use a transporter license plate obtained through application DR 2222 from DMV Vehicle Services.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Colorado?

1. Gather a properly assigned title or MCO, bill of sale, proof of Colorado liability insurance, and secure and verifiable identification (form DR 2841).
2. Choose your path: dealership for dealer purchase or your county motor vehicle clerk and recorder office for private party purchase.
3. Submit documentation at the counter or through the dealer’s DRIVES portal at the point of sale.
4. Pay the fee described in the next section; county offices also collect applicable sales tax.
5. Receive the paper temporary registration permit and affix it to the rear of the vehicle before driving.

The application for title and registration is form DR 2395.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Colorado?

Permits issued by the dealer have no separate fee for the buyer at issuance; the county lane charges the full permit fee of $7.66 as currently published on the DMV taxes and fees page.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Colorado?

No, Colorado does not offer temporary registration permits to consumers through an online self-service portal.

Dealers issue permits electronically through the DRIVES system at the point of sale. Consumers purchasing privately visit the county motor vehicle clerk and recorder office in person. Colorado has 64 counties, each with its own office with varying hours and appointment policies.

The myDMV portal handles permanent registration for the first time after receiving title completion notice, but the temporary permit itself must be obtained from a dealer or county counter.

For a standard purchase, the primary path is the dealer lane at a Colorado dealership; private party buyers must visit the county office.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Colorado?

Using an expired temporary registration permit is a class B infraction under C.R.S. 42-3-203(3)(a)(III). Late registration penalties of $25 per month (up to $100) begin the day after expiration, with no grace period for temporary tags.