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New Mexicomoving toColorado
Emissions Test Only — smog check (often county-based)

Colorado

Days to Register
90 days
Registration Fee
$51-$76 based on weight + ownership tax
Title Transfer Fee
$7.20
Inspections Required
Emissions test only
Min. Liability Insurance (BI/BI/PD, thousands)
25/50/15
License Plates
Front + Rear required

Deadlines — Days to Register and Transfer License

When moving from New Mexico to Colorado, you must register your vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency. You must also transfer your driver's license within 30 days. Plan to visit the Colorado DMV promptly after your move.

What You'll Pay — Registration, Title, and Sales Tax

Registering your vehicle in Colorado costs $51-$76 based on weight + ownership tax. Title transfer fee is $7.20 (title transfer is required). Vehicle sales/use tax is 2.9% (plus local). Budget for these costs before your move.

Inspections — Safety, Emissions, or None

Colorado requires emissions testing: Denver metro area counties. No recurring safety inspection is required. Check if your specific county requires testing.

Insurance Minimums — Liability Coverage Required

Colorado requires minimum liability insurance of 25/50/15 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage, in thousands). Your current New Mexico minimums are 25/50/10. You must update your insurance to meet Colorado requirements before registering.

License Plates — Front, Rear, and Plate Transfer

Colorado requires both front and rear plates (New Mexico requires front and rear). Surrender out-of-state plates; new CO plates issued. You will need to surrender your New Mexico plates and obtain new Colorado plates.

Verify With the Official State DMV

For the most current requirements, fees, and forms, visit the official Colorado DMV at https://dmv.colorado.gov/. Requirements can change, so verify before your move.

Law last updated: 2025Row last reviewed: Apr 17, 2026

Registration fees, inspection requirements, and deadlines are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on the official state DMV website before your move. Data reflects 2025–2026 requirements where available.