Colorado Car Registration Fee Calculator

What the Colorado Car Registration Fee Calculator Does

The calculator estimates two major parts of your annual vehicle costs:

1. Ownership Tax – Based on your car’s original MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) and how old the vehicle is.
2. Registration Fees – Based on your vehicle’s weight and certain statewide surcharges.

It also includes situational costs, like emissions testing fees, if your vehicle requires it.

Instead of guessing or searching through DMV fee charts, you can plug in your details and see an instant breakdown of charges.

How Colorado Car Registration Fees Are Calculated

Colorado doesn’t charge a flat registration fee. Instead, it uses a mix of taxes and surcharges. Here’s a breakdown:

• Ownership Tax:
  • Calculated using the car’s original MSRP (not resale value).
  • Tax rate drops as your car gets older. For example:
    • New cars: around 2.1% of taxable value.
    • 2–4 years old: reduced rates.
    • 5–9 years old: 0.45%.
    • 10+ years old: flat $3.
• Weight-Based Fee:
  • Light vehicles under 2,000 lbs: $10.
  • Medium vehicles (2,001–4,500 lbs): $15.
  • Heavy vehicles (4,501+ lbs): $28.
• Standard Surcharges:
  • Road Safety Fee: $16.
  • Bridge Safety Fee: $13.
  • License Plate/Decal Fee: $4.73.
• Situational Fees:
  • Emissions Program Fee: $25 (if your vehicle needs testing).

Important Note: County-specific clerical fees and sales tax (for new purchases) are not included in the calculator.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Enter your vehicle’s original MSRP.
   • Example: $35,000.
2. Select your car’s model year.
   • The tool adjusts the ownership tax based on age.
3. Choose your vehicle weight category.
   • Light, medium, or heavy.
4. Check the emissions box if required.
   • Adds $25 if your car needs a test.
5. Click “Calculate Fees.”
   • You’ll get a full breakdown of each fee and a total estimate.

If you want to start over, simply click “Reset.”

Why This Calculator Is Useful

• Save time: No need to decode DMV fee charts.
• Plan your budget: Know what your annual costs look like.
• Buy smarter: Factor fees into your decision before purchasing a car.
• Avoid surprises: Be prepared for emissions or weight-based costs.

Instead of being caught off guard at the DMV counter, you can arrive knowing exactly what you’ll pay.

Example Estimate

Let’s say you’re registering a 2021 SUV with an MSRP of $35,000 and a weight of 4,200 lbs:

• Ownership Tax: ~$267.75
• Registration Fee (by weight): $15
• Road Safety Fee: $16
• Bridge Safety Fee: $13
• Plate/Decal Fee: $4.73

Estimated Total: $316.48

If the SUV requires an emissions test, add $25.