Colorado License Plate Lookup Free: Check Vehicle Records Online

Quickly uncover a used car’s history with our free Colorado license plate lookup tool. Enter the license plate number to generate a comprehensive vehicle history report — including accident history, title brands, theft records, open recalls, market value, and more.

Why Run a Colorado License Plate Lookup?

Colorado — especially areas like Colorado Springs and Denver — ranks high in both car ownership and vehicle theft. Between January and July 2023, the state saw a significant surge in stolen vehicles.

Using our free lookup, you can:

• Spot hidden issues like salvage titles or accident history
• Avoid stolen or total-loss vehicles
• Check true market value and compare deals
• Make smarter, safer purchase decisions

What Can You Find with a Colorado License Plate Lookup?

VinCheck.info’s free Colorado plate lookup gives you a clear picture of any vehicle’s history:

• Vehicle Details: Uncover the make, model, year, engine type, and trim.
• Title Status: Spot red flags like salvage, rebuilt, flood, or junk titles.
• Accident History: View reported collisions, damage records, and airbag deployments.
• Mileage Verification: Catch odometer rollbacks or inconsistencies.
• Theft Check: Find out if the vehicle was ever reported stolen.
• Recall Alerts: See open recalls and manufacturer safety issues.
• Vehicle Value: Get an estimated market price based on mileage and condition.
• Sales History: Review past owners, time owned, and states of registration.
• Sales & Auction Data: Track pricing trends, sales listings, and auction records.

Colorado License Plates

If you’re a car owner or buyer in the Centennial State, understanding how Colorado license plates work is essential for staying compliant with state law. 

Colorado License Plate Format

Colorado standard passenger plates follow a format like ABC-D12 or 123-ABC, depending on the type and year of issue. Plates feature green mountains on a white background—a design that’s instantly recognizable. Specialty plates may have unique designs and formats, especially for colleges, military honors, or personalized plates.

How Many Plates Per Vehicle in Colorado?

Most vehicles in Colorado are issued two license plates—one for the front and one for the rear. However, certain vehicle types, such as motorcycles, trailers, and some commercial vehicles, only require a single rear plate.

Grace Period for Getting Plates in Colorado

After buying a vehicle—whether new or used—Colorado provides a 60-day grace period to register it and receive license plates. During this time, you must display a valid temporary permit issued by the dealer or county DMV. Failing to register within the grace period can result in penalties.

Types of Colorado License Plates

Colorado offers a wide variety of license plate types to suit personal, organizational, and professional needs. These include:

• Standard Plates – Green and white mountain design
• Specialty Plates – For colleges, organizations, and causes
• Military Plates – For veterans and active-duty service members
• Personalized Plates – Custom letter/number combinations
• Historic & Collector Plates – For classic and vintage cars
• Disabled Plates & Placards – For drivers with disabilities

Renewing Colorado License Plates

Colorado vehicle registration and plate renewals must be completed annually. You can renew:

• Online through the Colorado DMV Renewal Portal
• By mail using the renewal notice
• In person at your local county DMV office

You’ll need your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and possibly a recent emissions test (depending on your county and vehicle age).

Replacing Lost or Damaged License Plates in Colorado

If your license plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, you must request a replacement from your local county DMV. Here’s how:

1. Complete Form DR 2283 (Request for Plates and/or Tabs)
2. Provide vehicle registration information and valid ID
3. Pay the replacement fee (typically around $8–$10)
4. File a police report if your plates were stolen

You’ll receive replacement plates or temporary permits depending on processing time.

Colorado Vehicle Registration, Titling, and Renewal Guide

Whether you’re buying a car, moving to Colorado, or just need to renew your plates, understanding the vehicle registration and titling process is essential. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) manages all vehicle-related transactions, including registration, titling, and renewals.

How to Register a Vehicle in Colorado

To register your vehicle in Colorado, you must visit your local County Motor Vehicle Office. First-time registrations typically require:

• A valid Colorado driver’s license or ID
• Proof of Colorado auto insurance
• The vehicle’s title (signed over to you if used)
• A completed Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification form (especially for out-of-state vehicles)
• Emissions test certificate (if required in your county)
• Payment for registration fees and applicable taxes

Tip: If you just moved to Colorado, you have 90 days to register your vehicle after establishing residency.

How to Title a Vehicle in Colorado

Titling is required before you can register. When buying a vehicle (new or used), ensure the title is signed over properly. To complete a title transfer, submit the following to your local DMV:

• Signed vehicle title
• Bill of sale (especially for private party purchases)
• Odometer disclosure (for vehicles under 10 years old)
• Emissions test results (if applicable)
• VIN verification (for out-of-state titles)
• Title transfer fee

If you’re buying from a dealer, they’ll usually handle the title application for you.

How to Renew Colorado Vehicle Registration

Colorado vehicle registration must be renewed annually. The DMV mails a renewal notice before your registration expires. You can renew:

• Online: Through myDMV Colorado
• By mail: Using the renewal postcard
• In person: At your county DMV office
• At kiosks: Available in certain counties

You’ll need:

• Your license plate number or renewal postcard
• Proof of insurance
• Emissions test results (if required)
• Payment for renewal fees

Avoid penalties by renewing before the expiration date on your plate.

Colorado Title Transfer After a Sale

Selling or buying a vehicle in Colorado? A proper title transfer is critical:

• The seller must sign and date the title, include the odometer reading, and complete a bill of sale
• The buyer must apply for a new title within 60 days of purchase
• Late title transfer fees apply if the deadline is missed

If there’s a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder must release it before the new title can be issued.