New Colorado law levies fees, back taxes for late vehicle registration - Coloradoan
Thomas Clayton
New Colorado law levies fees, back taxes for late vehicle registration
Miles BlumhardtThe free ride enjoyed by those who ignored — willfully or ignorantly — registering vehicles in Colorado is over. Drivers now face paying monthly fees and back taxes for overdue registration, in addition to fines, according to a law passed last year.
The Colorado legislature passed the Colorado Registration Fairness Act (HB22-1254), which went into effect Jan. 1.
Wasn't this always the case if you were late registering a vehicle when you moved Colorado or had an expired temporary tag?
No.
According to a 9News story in July 2021, a bill to require late fees and back taxes for drivers who register their vehicles beyond the deadline was vetoed by Gov. Jared Polis.
The main reason was it could bring in too much money for the state, impacting a refund triggered by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights limit.
The new law lowers some fees associated with registration to make the act revenue neutral.
Who does the new law apply to?
The late registration payment of back taxes and fees to their county of residence will apply to all Coloradans who register their vehicles after the temporary tag expiration date, usually 60 days, or the 90-day grace period for new residents.
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What is required to register my vehicle if I moved to Colorado?
Colorado law requires a person to register a vehicle within 90 days after moving to the state. This is generally done in the county of residence. Here's what you'll need to do to get your vehicle registered:
- Provide documentation of the vehicle's previous registration, containing the registration dates or the vehicle's bill of sale
- Provide evidence of the date you became a Colorado resident
- Pay the vehicle's registration taxes and fees prorated from the date you became a Colorado resident to the date you applied to register the vehicle, unless the vehicle is used for interstate commerce or unless the owner registered the vehicle within 90 days after becoming a resident.
For more help, visit the state's Department of Motor Vehicle registration requirement website at https://dmv.colorado.gov/registration-requirements.
What happens if my temporary tag expires?
- A newly purchased vehicle is subject to vehicle registration late fees 61 days after the purchase date.
- Prorated back taxes and fee amounts will vary for each Coloradan based on the vehicle and county of residence.
- Coloradans should visit their county motor vehicle office to find out how much they will owe if they are delinquent in registering their vehicle.
For more information about the new late fees, visit https://dmv.colorado.gov/taxes-and-fees.
 | Tom Clayton Communication and Media Specialist, Public Affairs |
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