Replacing a Lost Registration in Colorado

Replacing Vehicle Registration Documents in Colorado

If any of your Colorado vehicle registration documents have been lost, stolen or damaged, you should try to replace them through the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as soon as you are able to do so.

You may face traffic citations, fines, and even having your vehicle impounded if you are pulled over while driving without your vehicle's license plates, registration sticker, or current registration card.

The replacement process is fairly simple. You'll typically need to visit your county Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registration office and provide proof of your identity and vehicle ownership.

On this page you'll find an overview of how to replace your Colorado registration card and license plates.

If you have specific questions pertaining to your registration documents or the replacement process, please contact the Colorado DMV.

Replacing Registration Cards in Colorado

Those little pieces of paper are easy to misplace, but are awfully important to have nearby. If you've lost your registration card, or if it's been damaged or stolen, you can get a replacement by visiting your Colorado county's registration office in person. You may need to provide your county office with:

  • Proof of your car insurance.
  • Proof of your identity.
  • Information about your vehicle, such as:
    • The vehicle identification number (VIN).
    • The year, make, and model.
    • The license plate number.
  • Payment to cover the replacement fee, if applicable.
  • An explanation of your reason for requesting a replacement.

If your registration documents are damaged or mutilated, you may need to surrender them to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you will be issued a replacement.

If your vehicle registration has been stolen, you may need to contact your local law enforcement office to file a police report and prevent identity theft.

NOTE: If there is incorrect information on your vehicle registration card, you may need to follow the replacement procedures above to replace it.

Replacing Colorado License Plates

If you've lost a license plate in Colorado, or if it has been damaged so badly you can't read it, you'll need to get new plates.

Go to your county Colorado DMV registration office with the other license plate (or anything you have left), along with your driver's license and registration to prove that you own the plates. The CO Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will cancel your original plates and issue you new ones. Fees vary depending on county.

You may need to fill out a Lost or Stolen License Plate/Permit Affidavit (Form DR 2283).

Stolen Colorado License Plates

In most cases, a lost license plate is due to loose screws, but on certain occasions, theft is simply undeniable.

If you are sure that someone has stolen your plates, you must fill out an Lost or Stolen License Plate/Permit Affidavit (Form DR 2283) and take it to your Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) county registration office, along with your driver's license and vehicle registration card.

If your license plates were stolen, you should also contact the local authorities to file a police report.

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