New Resident Vehicle Registration

Information for New Residents

Welcome to Douglas County!

Douglas County Motor Vehicle offices can only title and register vehicles for Douglas County residents. If you do not live in Douglas County, please contact the Motor Vehicle office in the County where you live.

Please note that registration and renewal fees can differ by county and state. As a result, the cost of registering or renewing vehicles in Douglas County may be more or less than your previous county or state of residence.

New Resident / First Time Vehicle Registration Instructions

If you moved to Douglas County from OUT OF STATE and need to register your vehicle:

STEP ONE:

Click Here for New Colorado Resident Vehicle Registration Instructions/Forms
- Print and complete all required forms prior to service.

STEP TWO:

Prior to registering a vehicle in Colorado, a VIN (vehicle identification number) verification is required.
- VIN verification may be completed by a licensed Colorado motor vehicle dealer, Air Care Colorado, or Colorado law enforcement. Click here for VIN verifications available by appointment from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

STEP THREE:

Prior to registering a vehicle in Colorado, an emissions inspection may be required. Please click here for Emissions Requirements and Emissions Testing Locations. Motorcycles are exempt from emissions.

STEP FOUR:

Proof of current Colorado automobile insurance is required.
- Automobile liability insurance is generally defined as coverage for bodily injury you cause to another person or for property damage you cause to another person’s property through negligent use of your vehicle. The minimum amount of liability insurance required by Colorado law is as follows:$25,000 per person for bodily injury; $50,000 per accident for bodily injury; and $15,000 per accident for property damage. Additional coverage, such as medical payment coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, comprehensive and collision are available, but not required.

STEP FIVE:

You are now ready to register your vehicle:

Click here to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Walk-in service is available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, at our Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree office locations.

PLEASE NOTE:

Colorado State Law requires that motor vehicle registrations must be obtained within 90 days of residency, even if the plates from your previous state of residence are not expired.
“Resident” means any person who owns or operates a business in Colorado or any person who has resided in Colorado continuously for a period of 90 days, or has obtained gainful employment within Colorado, whichever shall occur first.
The title from your previous state of residence must be surrendered in order to issue a Colorado title for the vehicle. If the vehicle title is not available, a registration card not more than 6 months expired or a copy of the vehicle title may be accepted.
If the vehicle is leased, the registration from your previous state of residence must show lessor (owner) and lessee, or a lease agreement may be provided. Lessor’s name, address and lease date is required.
Certified Weight Slips are required for for the following vehicles: all trucks, cargo vans, and motor homes weighing between 4,501 lbs. to 10,000 lbs., and all trailers over 1,900 lbs. except trailer coaches measuring 26 ft. or longer not including the hitch.

If you moved to Douglas County from WITHIN COLORADO and need to register your vehicle/update your registration:

PLEASE NOTE:

Registration and renewal fees can differ from county to county. As a result, the cost of registering or renewing vehicles in Douglas County may be more or less than your previous county of residence.
Prior to registering a vehicle in Douglas County, an emissions inspection may be required. Please click here for Emissions Requirements and Emissions Testing Locations. Motorcycles are exempt from emissions.
Proof of current Colorado automobile insurance is required.
If your plates are up for renewal and you have received a renewal postcard from your previous county of residence, complete the “new address” section on the back of the card and mail the card and payment to the address below. If you do not have a renewal card, click here to print and complete a Vehicle Registration Change of Address form.

Mailing Address: Douglas County Motor Vehicle, 9350 Heritage Hills Cir Lone Tree, CO 80124

Vehicle Registrations for Non-Resident ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY Stationed in Colorado

Thank you for your service to our Country! Please contact our office for additional registration information, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, at 303-660-7440.

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