Vehicle registration exemptions - Colorado

Vehicles owned by the United States government or by an agency thereof.

See citations below for more details.

Fire-fighting vehicles

See citations below for more details.

Police ambulances and patrol wagons

See citations below for more details.

Farm tractors and implements of husbandry

If designed primarily for use and used in agricultural operations.

Special mobile machinery used only on property owned or leased by the owner

Must be used solely on property owned or leased by the owner of such machinery and equipment and not operated on the public highways of the state, if the owner lists all the machinery or equipment for assessment and taxation under part 1 of article 5 of title 39, C.R.S.

Special mobile machinery owned by a public utility

If not operated on the highways of this state and owned by a public utility and taxed under article 4 of title 39, C.R.S.

Special mobile machinery exempt by certificate

Exempt if covered by a registration exempt certificate issued by the department in accordance with section 42-3-107 (16)(g).

For the owner of special mobile machinery may obtain a registration exempt certificate if:

• The department verifies that the owner regularly has at least 250 items of special mobile machinery in the state;
• Each item of such special mobile machinery is clearly marked or painted in a manner that identifies it as being owned by the owner;
• Each item of special mobile machinery bears a visible and readily identifiable unique identification number assigned by the owner;
• Each item of special mobile machinery bears a visible toll-free telephone number for the owner that can be used for verification of ownership; and
• The owner of the special mobile machinery has paid all required fees and surcharges.

Any vehicle whose owner is permitted to operate it under registration provisions concerning lienholders, manufacturers, dealers, nonresidents, and fleet owners.

See citations below for more details.

Foreign owned vehicle operated within Colorado

The registration requirement for foreign owned vehicles does not require registration or reregistration of any motor vehicle, truck, bus, trailer, semitrailer, or trailer coach used in interstate commerce.

However, registration or reregistration is required in accordance with or to the extent that reciprocity exists between the state of Colorado and a foreign country or another state, territory, or possession of the United States.

Vehicle owned by a nonresident who operates a business in Colorado

Any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or trailer coach within Colorado must be registered and pay the same fees and tax as are required for vehicles owned by residents of Colorado.

This rule, however, does not require registration or reregistration in Colorado of any motor vehicle, trailer, or trailer coach used in interstate commerce.

But registration or reregistration is required in accordance with or to the extent that reciprocity exists between the state of Colorado and a foreign country or another state, territory, or possession of the United States.

Motor vehicles registered with and displaying plates issued by the armed forces in foreign countries and owned by military personnel

Owners of these vehicles have 45 days to register the vehicle.

Citations

• C.R.S. 42-3-103 Registration required – exemptions - rules
• C.R.S. 42-3-104 Exemptions – specific ownership tax – registration - domicile and residency – rules - definitions
• C.R.S. 42-3-117 Nonresidents