Colorado Trailer, Motorcycle and Off-Highway Registration

Beyond passenger cars and light trucks, Colorado titles and registers trailers, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, off-highway vehicles, and collector cars. Each class has slightly different fees, plate styles, and renewal cycles, but all share the same county motor vehicle office workflow that applies to standard vehicle registration.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles registered in Colorado are titled and plated through the county. Riders must hold a Class M license endorsement, which requires:

• A valid Colorado driver license.
• A passing motorcycle written exam (offered at all driver license offices).
• A passing motorcycle skills test, or completion of a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course at an authorized training center — passing the MOST course waives both the written and skills tests.

Motorcycle registration fees are slightly lower than passenger vehicles because of the weight calculation, but the Specific Ownership Tax applies to motorcycles using the same MSRP-based schedule. Helmets are required only for riders under 18 — Colorado is one of about 18 states without a universal helmet law.

Trailers

Trailer registration depends on weight and use:

• Trailers 2,000 pounds GVWR or less: a permanent registration is available for a one-time fee of $7.50 plus the title fee. The trailer never needs annual renewal.
• Trailers over 2,000 pounds GVWR: annual registration with a fee that scales by weight (typically $30-$100 plus SOT).
• Trailer coaches and travel trailers: registered as RVs (see below).
• Utility, boat, and equipment trailers: require title and registration regardless of weight.

Homemade or converted trailers require a VIN inspection (DR-2698) and a manufacturer's statement of origin from the builder.

Recreational vehicles (RVs)

Motor homes and travel trailers register as RVs in Colorado. The Specific Ownership Tax for RVs uses the same MSRP-based schedule as passenger vehicles — meaning a $250,000 Class A motorhome carries a year-one SOT around $4,460. Sales tax also applies on the purchase price using the buyer's home county rate. RVs over 26,000 pounds GVWR or designed to tow over 10,000 pounds may require a Class B noncommercial CDL endorsement to operate.

Park-model RVs (over 8.5 feet wide) require an oversize-load permit to be moved on Colorado highways. They are titled but not registered for daily road use.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles operated off-road in Colorado require an OHV registration rather than a standard plate. The OHV decal is issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), not the DMV, for an annual fee of $25.25. OHV operators must:

• Display the decal on the vehicle.
• Carry the registration card.
• Be at least 10 to operate solo on public OHV land (younger riders must be supervised).

Some Colorado counties — Hinsdale, Lake, Ouray, San Juan, and several others — allow ATVs and UTVs to operate on local roads under municipal ordinance. In those counties, drivers also need a separate Colorado Class C license and proof of liability insurance.

Collector and historic vehicle plates

Colorado offers two collector classes:

• Collector Plate: available for vehicles 25 years old or older. The owner certifies the vehicle is used for parades, exhibitions, and pleasure driving — not daily commuting. The annual SOT is reduced.
• Horseless Carriage Plate: reserved for vehicles manufactured before 1943 (over 80 years old) and used solely for collector purposes. Registration is a one-time $25 fee with no annual renewal. The plate is white with blue lettering.

Salvage and rebuilt titles

A vehicle declared a total loss by an insurance carrier receives a salvage title. After repairs, the owner can apply for a rebuilt title using:

• Receipts and photographs documenting all repairs.
• A safety inspection by a Colorado law enforcement officer trained for rebuilt-vehicle inspection.
• The DR-2444E rebuilt vehicle inspection form.
• A rebuilt-vehicle title application and $8.20 title fee.

Rebuilt vehicles can be operated normally but the rebuilt brand stays on the title forever, which usually reduces resale value 20-40%.

Specialty plates

Colorado offers about 200 specialty plate options — military service, emergency responders, alumni associations, environmental groups, and organization-affiliated. Most carry a one-time fee of $25-$50 plus an annual contribution to the sponsoring program. Personalized configurations cost an additional $60 first-year fee plus $25 annual.

For renewal of any of these classes, see the registration renewal page — most renew through the same myDMV portal as passenger vehicles, with the exception of OHV decals which renew through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.