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Vehicle Registration

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1. I just moved here from another state. What do I need to title and/or register a vehicle in Colorado? How do I become a resident?

There are three ways to establish residency. When you buy a home, start a job or change your Driver License. After becoming a Colorado resident, you have up to 90 days to register your vehicle before you start accruing late fees. 

To title and/or register a vehicle in Colorado, you need; either your title or current registration (cannot be expired more than 6 months), and a VIN verification completed by local law enforcement. If you live in Montrose County, please contact Montrose County Sheriff at 970-252-4023. They can schedule to come to you or you can go to their office at 1200 N Grand Ave. If you live in the City of Montrose, please contact Montrose PD at 970-252-5200. 

You will also need a valid US Government issued photo ID and current proof of insurance that meets Colorado standards. Depending on what state you are coming from you may need to show the declaration page from your insurance policy if you have not switched to Colorado insurance. Note: If you are trying to register a truck with an empty weight of 4500 pounds or more, you will need a certified weight slip. Please include the VIN number on the weight slip. In Montrose you can get certified weight slips at Recla Metal, 136 S Maple Ave or the Exxon Travel Center at 1440 N Townsend Ave. Note for all online transactions: Be sure to use the State of Colorado’s official websites of dmv.colorado.gov or mydmv.colorado.gov. Never use “.org” or “.com”

2. How do I change my address for my vehicle?

Online:  To change your address online, go to dmv.colorado.gov/vehicles

You will need your license plate number and VIN number or Verification code, which is found on the back of your registration card.

In Person:   Visit a Montrose County Clerk and Recorder Office located near you. Montrose is located at 320 South 1^st Street Room 104; Nucla is located at 300 Main Street.  Be sure to bring your US Government issued photo ID, and registration or plate number.

Note for all online transactions:  Be sure to use the State of Colorado’s official websites of dmv.colorado.gov or mydmv.colorado.gov.  Never use “.org” or “.com”

3. How do I request a duplicate title? I live in the State of Colorado, but in a different county; can I get a duplicate title in Montrose County?

Note: In order to request a duplicate title, you must be one of the owners on the face of the title.

Online: To request a duplicate title, go to dmv.colorado.gov/vehicles

You must have an active title with no liens (loans) against your title. You will need your license plate number, your VIN number or Verification code which is found on the back of your registration card, US Government issued ID, and a valid credit card or check.

Mail: Request a duplicate by mail with completed Department of Revenue Form DR2539A. You can find this DR2539A Form online at dmv.colorado.gov.

In Person: Visit any Colorado Vehicle Registration office to request a duplicate title. You will need a US Government issued photo I.D. along with $8.20.

Note for all online transactions:  Be sure to use the State of Colorado’s official websites of dmv.colorado.gov or mydmv.colorado.gov.  Never use “.org” or “.com”

4. How do I request a duplicate registration?

Online: To request a duplicate registration card, go to dmv.colorado.gov

You will need your license plate number and VIN number or Verification code which is found on the back of your registration card, US Government issued photo ID, and a valid credit card or check.

In Person: Visit any Colorado Vehicle Registration office for a duplicate registration and the cost is $4.00.

Note for all online transactions:  Be sure to use the State of Colorado’s official websites of dmv.colorado.gov or mydmv.colorado.gov.  Never use “.org” or “.com”

5. I lost my license plate, how do I replace it?

If your license plate is lost or stolen, you must report the license plate as lost/stolen with local Law Enforcement and get a case ID number.

Once you have reported it and have a case ID number, visit the Montrose County Clerk & Recorder Vehicle Registration office near you. Montrose is located at 320 South 1^st Street in Montrose, or Nucla is located at 300 Main Street, and we will replace your license plate. The cost is dependent on what type of vehicle and what type of license plate you request.

6. How do I replace a lost year tab?

Online: To replace a lost year tab go to dmv.colorado.gov/vehicles

You will need your plate number, VIN number or Verification code which is found on the back of the registration card, and a valid credit card or check.

In Person: Visit a Montrose County Clerk & Recorder Vehicle Registration office near you. Montrose is located at 320 South 1^st Street Room 104, or Nucla is located at 300 Main Street.

Be sure to bring your US Government issued photo ID, vehicle registration or plate number. The cost to replace your tab is approximately $4.22.

7. How do I replace a lost month tab?

In Person only: Visit a Montrose County Clerk & Recorder Vehicle Registration office near you. Montrose is located at 320 South 1^st Street Room 104, or Nucla is located at 300 Main Street.

Be sure to bring your US Government issued photo ID, vehicle registration or plate number. The cost to replace your tab is approximately $0.15.

8. How do I get Person with Disabilities Placards/License Plates? How many placards/license plates can I have? What is the cost of person with disabilities placards/license plates?

Online: To get a Person with Disabilities Placard, go to dmv.colorado.gov/vehicles

You will need a completed Persons with Disabilities Application (Department of Revenue Form DR2219), completed by you and your doctor. You may get the DR2219 Form from any Colorado Vehicle Registration office, your doctor’s office, or online at dmv.colorado.gov/vehicles under Forms. You will also need your US Government issued photo ID.

In Person: Visit a Montrose County Clerk & Recorder Vehicle Registration office near you. Montrose is located at 320 South 1^st Street Room 104, or Nucla is located at 300 Main Street.

Be sure to bring your completed Persons with Disabilities Application (Department of Revenue Form DR2219), completed by you and your doctor and a US Government issued photo ID.

Each applicant can have up to two placards, two sets of license plates or one placard and one set of license plates. There is no fee for the placards, however there is a material cost for the Persons with Disabilities license plates. If you want license plates, you must be listed as an owner on the vehicle title and you will need to bring your current registration and proof of insurance.

Note for all online transactions:  Be sure to use the State of Colorado’s official websites of dmv.colorado.gov or mydmv.colorado.gov.  Never use “.org” or “.com”

9. How can I renew my vehicle registration?

Online: To renew your vehicle registration, go to dmv.colorado.gov/vehicles

You will need your license plate number, VIN Number or Verification Code which is found on the back of your registration card, current proof of insurance and a valid credit card or check.  

Mail: You can mail in your renewal with a check to Montrose County Clerk and Recorder to 320 S 1^st Street, Room 103, Montrose, CO 81401. Be sure to include the renewal card, proof of insurance and a phone number on your check.

In Person: Visit a Montrose County Vehicle Registration office near you. Montrose is located at 320 S 1^st St, Room 103 or 104, or Nucla is located at 300 Main St.  Be sure to bring the renewal card, proof of insurance and your US Government issued photo ID.

Note for all online transactions:  Be sure to use the State of Colorado’s official websites of dmv.colorado.gov or mydmv.colorado.gov.  Never use “.org” or “.com”

10. I sold my car, how do I release liability on it?

Online:  To release the liability on your vehicle regardless of when the vehicle was sold, go to dmv.colorado.gov/vehicles

You will need the license plate number and either the VIN number or the Verification Code which is found on the back of the registration card.

In Person: This can only be done within 5 days of the sale of your vehicle, otherwise you must release the liability online. Visit a Montrose County Vehicle Registration office near you. Montrose is located at 320 S 1^st St Room 104 or Nucla is located at 300 Main St.

Note for all online transactions:  Be sure to use the State of Colorado’s official websites of dmv.colorado.gov or mydmv.colorado.gov.  Never use “.org” or “.com”

11. How much will the registration be for my new car?

Online: For a general estimate of the cost of your registration, go to mydmv.colorado.gov   

Keep in mind this is only registration fees, you may still be responsible for sales/use taxes and any specialty plate fees.  

In Person: Visit a Montrose County Vehicle Registration office near you. Montrose is located at 320 S 1^st St Room 104 or Nucla is located at 300 Main St. Registration is based on several variables.  Please bring all of your paperwork so that we have all the information in order to get you a more accurate estimate. This needs to be done by the person or persons that are on the title. If you have someone transact on your behalf, they will need a notarized power of attorney along with the paperwork. Examples of what you will need include but are not limited to: title or MSO, invoice or bill of sale, joint tenancy form, vin inspection, proof of insurance and US Government issued ID.

We are not able to give estimates over the phone.

12. Do you take payments over the phone?

No, unfortunately we do not accept payments over the phone as we are not able to verify who you are. Payments need to be made in-person or online. Please note: credit card payments also include a processing fee both online and in-person. There is a $1.00 transaction fee if you use an electronic check.

13. What do you accept for payments?

We accept cash, money orders, checks, cashier’s checks, electronic checks and credit/debit cards. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Using a credit/debit card will include a processing fee. This fee is charged both in the office and online. If you use an electronic check online, the service fee is $1.00.

14. What is the correct way to sign the back of a Colorado title when you sell the vehicle?

The correct way to sign off a title is to print your name exactly as it appears on the front of the title in the sellers section of the back of the title. Then sign under your printed name.

On Colorado titles, all persons listed on the front of the title must sign or release interest on the back of the title.

NOTE: Some out-of-state titles only require one signature if the front of the title shows “or”.

The odometer, date of sale and purchase price should also be filled in at the time of sale. (Please reference FAQ question “I just moved here from out of state” for out of state vehicles)

15. How do you add someone to a Colorado title?

You must have an active title with no liens (loans) against your title.  To add someone to your vehicle title, this is done by all parties signing off as sellers as they appear on the front of the title and all parties signing on as buyer, including the new person.

If you want the title in Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship, you will need a completed Department of Revenue form DR 2395 Joint Tenancy Form signed by all parties. You can find this DR2395 Form online at dmv.colorado.gov, or we can provide that Form to you.

Visit a Montrose County Vehicle Registration office near you. Montrose is located at 320 S 1^st St Room 104 or Nucla is located at 300 Main St.

Be sure to bring the title, proof of insurance and your Government issued photo ID, along with the title update fee of $7.20. If you have a new lien (loan), please bring the new security agreement with you.

 

16. How do you remove someone from a Colorado title?

Removing someone from a vehicle title is done by all parties signing off as sellers exactly as their name appears on the front of the title, in the sellers section on the back of the title. The person that is staying on the title will then print and sign back on as a buyer.  Visit a Montrose County Vehicle Registration office near you. Montrose is located at 320 S 1^st St Room 104 or Nucla is located 300 Main St.

The person(s) staying on the title will need to bring the title, proof of insurance and Government issued photo ID, along with the title update fee of $7.20.

17. When does my Specific Ownership Tax decrease?

The Specific Ownership Tax on your vehicle decreases by a percentage every year as your vehicle ages. Once the vehicle reaches 10 years of age, your Specific Ownership Tax will be $3.00. Go to dmv.colorado.gov for more information on Specific Ownership Tax.

Note for all online transactions:  Be sure to use the State of Colorado’s official websites of dmv.colorado.gov or mydmv.colorado.gov.  Never use “.org” or “.com”

18. I live in the State of Colorado, but in a different county; can I title and register my vehicle in Montrose County?

Unfortunately, no. You must title and register in the county where you reside.

19. Can I exempt the mileage on the vehicle I just purchased?

Exempting the mileage on the vehicle you purchased depends on the age of the vehicle. If the vehicle year of manufacture is 2010 or older, you may exempt the mileage using a Department of Revenue Form DR 2444 Statement of Fact.  You can find this DR2444 Form online at dmv.colorado.gov, or we can provide that Form to you.

Any vehicles that the year of manufacture is 2011 or newer must have an odometer disclosure, either on the title or on a secure form provided by auto dealers, until it reaches 20 years of age. Once the vehicle is 20 years of age or older it can then be exempted using the DR2444 Statement of Fact.

Note for all online transactions:  Be sure to use the State of Colorado’s official websites of dmv.colorado.gov or mydmv.colorado.gov.  Never use “.org” or “.com”

20. I am an honorably discharged veteran, what are the qualifications for the exempt military license plates?

Currently, in the State of Colorado, there are 10 exempt military plates to choose from and they are: Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Silver Star, Disabled Veteran, Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Distinguished Flying Cross, Medal of Honor and Purple Heart.

Go to dmv.colorado.gov to search and choose the license plates. You will need a completed Department of Revenue Form DR 2002 Military License Plate Application. The applicant must be able to provide a DD214, or other discharge documents demonstrating they meet the requirements for the plate requested. The Disabled Veteran plate also requires a letter from Veterans Affairs stating the applicant is more than 50% permanently, and service-connected disabled.

Note for all online transactions:  Be sure to use the State of Colorado’s official websites of dmv.colorado.gov or mydmv.colorado.gov.  Never use “.org” or “.com”

21. What is the difference between Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship and Tenancy in Common?

With tenants in common, each own a specific share of the property and pass it to their heirs.

 For tenants with rights of survivorship, the ownership interest passes to the remaining joint tenants.

If a title that shows JTRWOS or Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship and one person dies, a copy of the Death Certificate or Verification of Death is required to transfer ownership to the remaining tenant.

 If the title is in tenancy in common, personal representative (Letters of Testamentary) or successor documents (Small Estates Affidavit if the estate is less than $70,000) will be needed along with the copy of the Death Certificate or Verification of Death to transfer interest to the remaining tenant.

 

22. How old do you have to be to have a Colorado title in your name?

There is no age limit to be on a Colorado title. As long as you have a valid US Government issued photo ID and valid proof of insurance in your name, the title can be issued in your name, regardless of your age. However it is highly recommended that a parent or guardian be on the vehicle title also until you turn 18.

23. I got married/divorced and need to change my name on my title, how do I do that?

To change your name on your vehicle title, visit a Montrose County Vehicle Registration office near you. Montrose is located at 320 S 1^st St Room 104 or Nucla is located at 300 Main St.

Be sure to bring your vehicle title, a copy of the marriage certificate or the divorce decree documents showing the name change, your US Government Issued photo I.D., along with the title update fee of $7.20.

24. Can I transfer a title for someone else?

In order to do any title transaction for someone else you will need to provide a notarized Department of Revenue form DR 2175 Power of Attorney,  along with the title, proof of insurance and a US Government issued photo ID. You can find this form online at dmv.colorado.gov/forms or we can provide that form to you.

 

25. What are the business hours you are open to the public for registering and/or titling a vehicle?

The Montrose County Clerk & Recorder Vehicle Registration offices are open to the public Monday through Thursday, closed Fridays.

Mondays - 7:30am to 5:30pm, Tuesdays 7:00am to 5:30pm, Wednesdays 7:30am to 4:30pm and Thursdays 7:00am to 5:30pm.  Our office is CLOSED on Friday.

High risk appointments are available Monday and Wednesday mornings at 7:00am. Please call 970-249-3362 option 1 for an appointment.

Please note that we stop doing title work 30 minutes before we close.

26. How do I transfer ownership upon death?

There are many types of ownership situations and extenuating circumstances, so we ask you contact us to better advise you based on your situation.  

Please contact our office

970-249-3662
vr@montrosecounty.net
320 S 1^st Street, Room 104