We are searching for
--

Please wait. This should take only a few seconds.

Colorado License Plate Lookup

GoodCar's license plate lookup provides interested parties with the right information on their vehicles.
Colorado License Plate Lookup Colorado License Plate Lookup

How To Lookup Colorado License Plates

License plate searches in Colorado are valuable for interested parties to research vehicle history. These records encompass vehicle specifications, history, manufacturer details, recalls, and much more. In Colorado, vehicle history records are available via government and private databases. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles for one maintains vehicle and driving records. Vehicle records are also available on third-party sites such as GoodCar and can be accessed by providing license plates or VINs.

License Plates

License Plates

License plate searches are more popular for obtaining vehicle records because of their convenience. You can easily read a plate number and implement a search to yield results on millions of vehicles. Plate numbers are easy to see, while VINs are more challenging to obtain for a specific vehicle. Along with inputting the plate number into the search tab, you must also indicate the state where the vehicle is registered. Verifying basic vehicle information from a license plate number is free, but you must subscribe for the full report for a small fee.

VIN

VIN

A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code issued by vehicle manufacturers when rolled out as a form of identification. It shows when and where the vehicle was built. VINs are located on the driver-side doorjamb, engine firewall, and dashboard near the windshield. VINs are also used as a parameter to search vehicle records on the platform.

You can opt for the VIN rather than the license plate search on the site. However, the VIN check is less convenient due to the number of characters and the hassle of getting it from the vehicle.

Why Run a License Plate Search in Colorado?

Reasons to Run License Plate Search in Colorado

Colorado License plate lookups are a great way of performing due diligence on a vehicle as a buyer or otherwise interested party. A full license plate report provides accident histories, warranties, recalls, vandalism reports, and much more. This information can be used for accountability, especially when dealing with private sellers. The platform's comprehensive report significantly reduces the potential of being misled concerning accurate odometer readings or previous vehicle accidents. Requesters can also benefit by confirming which parts still have active warranties in case of wear or breakdown.

This assists potential buyers in making better-informed decisions before committing to transactions. The Colorado License plate search also works for insurance purposes. Before purchasing a vehicle, the buyer and the insurer are responsible for ensuring its legality of use and potential caveats. Insurers can use the reports with law enforcement reports to confirm titling and theft checks to reduce the potential for legal liability. License plate searches also provide parties with manufacturer information about the vehicle’s specifications.

Specifications such as engine or transmission types, interior features, safety options, and NHTSA crash test ratings are all available. Combined with pricing details, this information can be used to determine a fair value of the vehicle compared to what the seller is proposing.

What Can You Get Out of a Colorado License Plate Lookup?

GoodCar is a validated car lookup service that uses the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to provide reputable information about public vehicle records. It is also considered an NMVTIS data provider. The site's record seekers can benefit from vehicle records and title brands covering different subjects.

Vehicle Records

Vehicle Records

Potential vehicle buyers require full knowledge about its history before purchasing. Colorado license plate lookups provide valuable information on vehicle history, such as damage severity, lease usage, a car’s structural damage, odometer readings, branded titles, last mileage reports, or salvage titles. Furthermore, the reports also provide vehicle model numbers, specs, market pricing, and any other details that a person requires to buy a car.

Title Brands and Problem Checks

Title Brands and Problem Checks

Title brands/ issues are an excellent way to verify a vehicle isn't hiding serious damages or problems. A GoodCar license plate lookup report indicates if a vehicle has suffered any incident, including a declaration of total loss. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues the branded title detailing any information like significant accidents, vandalism, theft, fire, or hail damage. Additionally, a Colorado license plate lookup can indicate if a vehicle is registered as rebuilt.

Why Choose GoodCar for Colorado Plate Lookups?

Why Choose GoodCar for Colorado Plate Lookups?

Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.

Colorado Resources

Colorado License Plates

Since 1913, Colorado has required all registered vehicles to have a license plate number. The law also applies to individuals who move to Colorado or have expired temporary tags on their cars. New state residents should register their vehicles within 90 days of residency, after which they will be issued new Colorado plate tags. However, Colorado residents not new to the state should title or register new cars within 60 days.

The Colorado Correctional Industry prints all the state’s license plates. Colorado’s County Motor Vehicle Department is responsible for titling, registering, and issuing license plates for all vehicles in the state. The state’s MVD will require proof of identification and insurance before registration and issuing new license plates. The MVD might also require additional information before issuing the license number plate. The state requires most vehicles to have license tag plates at the front and rear.

The only exception is motorcycles and trailers, which should have them at only the rear. Individuals who buy vehicles from Colorado dealers receive a “title complete notice” by mail and can complete vehicle registration through the state’s online myDMV portal. However, people who purchase vehicles from private sellers or third parties must visit the nearest county motor vehicle office for registration and issuing of Colorado license number plates. Once a person registers and applies for a license plate, it will be mailed to them in about two-six weeks after payment.

People who register their vehicles through a dealer will receive their Colorado license plate through the USPS mailing service. It is essential to note individuals who fail to register or renew their tags within 90 days will face fines and pay back taxes to the state.

Standard Issue License Plates

Standard Issue License Plates

Standard or regular license plates in the state are issued to passenger cars, motorcycles, trailer couches, and park trailers. The plates have uppercase “COLORADO” lettering at the bottom, with mountain ranges in the background. Standard plates have a white and green gradient with green serials. A standard Colorado license plate costs $3.78, and there are no annual renewal fees apart from the registration fees incurred.

Personalized License plates

Personalized License plates

Parties may also opt for personalized license plates that combine unique messages or characters. Vehicle owners with customized license plates should still install them at the front and rear of their vehicles. The plate design still remains the same, with the COLORADO lettering at the bottom and the mountain range background. However, when applying for a personalized tag, individuals must provide information about the meaning of the plate to avoid offensive or misleading information. A personalized Colorado license plate costs $50, with an annual renewal fee of $25.

Specialty License Plates

Specialty License Plates

Colorado specialty license plates are offered to people or organizations in the state with unique qualifications or causes. Specialty plate design and initial cost might vary depending on the options available. For example:

  • Colorado special plates with the Rocky Mountains background costs an initial $60
  • Adopt a Shelter Pet plates cost $80
  • Colorado Avalanche plates cost $50
  • Breast Cancer Awareness plates cost $75

However, renewal fees for Colorado specialty plates are $25 annually.

How to Get a License Plate in Colorado

How to Get a
License Plate in Colorado

In Colorado, license plates are issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get a license plate, a person should ensure their car is registered. Individuals should complete the first-time vehicle registration using the DMV’s online portal if the vehicle was purchased from a state dealer. However, if a person purchases the car through a private sale or from a third party, they should visit the nearest county DMV office. After registering for new plates, a person can expect them mailed within two to six weeks after payment.

CO License Plate Renewal

Colorado license number plates can only be renewed for personalized and special plates. The Department of Motor Vehicles usually sends notices to people 30 days before the expiry date. Though these plates can be renewed in person or via mail, it would be advisable to visit myDMV.colorado.gov to complete the process. Vehicle owners will be required to pay a fee of $25 annually.

CO License Plate Replacement

Colorado vehicle owners can also replace their current license plates if they are lost, damaged, or defaced. This also applies to personalized plates. To replace your plates, navigate to the DMV online portal. However, please select the “Replace license plate” option in the Vehicle Services Tab.

Frequently Asked Questions about Colorado License Plate Lookups

Frequently Asked Questions about
Colorado License Plate Lookups

  1. Can I Look Up Colorado License Plates for Free?

    GoodCar license plate records can be accessed for free to view basic vehicle specifications. However, you must pay a small fee to access the full report from the license plate search.

  2. Can I use Colorado license plate lookup services to find out about a vehicle's accident history?

    GoodCar license number lookup can provide information about accidents or collisions. They also provide information about flood, fire, or hail damage, reconstruction, rebuilding, and whether the vehicle was previously used as a police vehicle.

  3. How can I register a vanity License Plate in Colorado

    You can order personalized plates when registering a vehicle at Colorado's Department of Revenue office. You can do so online through the myDMV platform or in person at the county motor vehicle office. Vanity plates have a one-time issuance fee of $60 and an annual fee of $50.