Colorado Vehicle Registration & DMV Fees (2026)
Everything you need to know about registering a vehicle in Colorado: fees, sales tax, emissions testing, and EV surcharges. Updated 2026-07.
Registration Fee
Ownership tax based on MSRP (2.1% year 1, declining) + $50-$500 base
Title Fee
$7.20 + $8.20 processing
Sales Tax on Vehicles
2.9% state + local (up to 11.2% in Denver metro)
EV Surcharge
$67 + $71.25 EV registration surcharge (2024)
Emissions Testing in Colorado
Required
Biennial emissions testing required in metro Denver (9 counties). Newer vehicles (<7 years) exempt.
Important Notes
'Specific Ownership Tax' — MSRP-based, declines as vehicle ages.
Authoritative source: Colorado DMV / Motor Vehicle Division . Fees change annually — always verify with the DMV before budgeting.