Colorado Temporary Tags: How to Apply & Fees

If you just bought a car in Colorado, you cannot drive it with missing plates. Well, almost.

There is a very narrow 36-Hour Rule that lets you drive it home, but after that, you need a Temporary Registration Permit (Temp Tag).

Unlike a permanent metal plate which lasts a year, a temp tag is a paper license plate that buys you time (usually 60 days) to get your emissions tested, fix your title, and pay your taxes.

This guide explains how to get one from your County Motor Vehicle Office (not the Driver License office), how much it really costs, and why driving on an expired tag is a $100 mistake.

The 36-Hour Rule: When You Can Drive Without Plates

Before you run to the DMV, check if you are already legal.

The Exception: If you buy a car from a private seller on a Saturday, Sunday, Holiday, or between 5:00 PM – 8:00 AM, you can legally drive it for 36 hours without tags.

• Restriction: You may only drive from the Point of Sale to your Home/Storage. You cannot drive to work or the store.
• Requirement: You must have the Bill of Sale and Proof of Insurance in the passenger seat.

If you bought the car on a Tuesday morning, this rule does not apply. You need a tag immediately.

How to Get a Temp Tag In Colorado (Private Sale)

Validity: 60 Days. Cost: ~$7.00 – $8.00 Permit Fee + Sales Tax.

The “Sales Tax” Surprise: When you buy a temp tag, the county may require you to pay the Sales Tax on the vehicle right then and there.

• Example: If you bought a $10,000 car, you might owe ~$800 in tax before they hand you the $7 paper tag. Be prepared.

Required Documents:

1. Title: Properly signed over to you. (Or a Bill of Sale if the title is held by a bank).
2. Proof of Insurance: Valid Colorado policy.
3. Secure & Verifiable ID: (Driver’s License or Passport).
4. Odometer Disclosure: (If the car is less than 20 years old).

Who Issues Temp Tags? (State vs. County)

Do NOT go to the Driver License Office. They handle licenses, not license plates. You must visit your County Motor Vehicle Office (e.g., Denver County, El Paso County, Jefferson County).

• Dealership Purchase: The dealer acts as an agent for the county. They will issue the 60-day tag right on the lot.
• Private Party Purchase: You (the buyer) must go to the County office to buy the tag.

Colorado Temp Tag Types: Standard 60-Day vs In-Transit Permits

Tag Type	Validity	Who Needs It?
Standard Temp Permit	60 Days	Residents waiting on emissions or title work.
In-Transit Permit	XX Days	Non-residents driving the car out of Colorado immediately.
Demonstration	Varies	Dealers use these for test drives.

Moving to Colorado? If you are a new resident bringing a car from another state, you don’t need a temp tag immediately if your out-of-state plates are valid. However, you must transfer your registration within 90 days. While you are at it, check our guide on getting a Colorado license from out-of-state to handle both tasks efficiently.

Extensions: Can I Get a Second Tag?

Generally, No. You cannot extend a temp tag just because you “didn’t get around to” registering the car.

The Exception: You can buy a second temp tag only if you can prove a “Title Issue” that is not your fault (e.g., the bank hasn’t sent the lien release yet).

• Action: You must visit the County office and explain the delay.
• Cost: You will pay the permit fee again.

Penalties for Expired Tags In Colorado

Colorado police are aggressive about expired paper tags.

1. Late Fees: The DMV charges a mandatory $25 per month late fee (up to $100) when you finally register.
2. Tickets: Police can ticket you for unregistered vehicle usage. This is a moving violation that could show up on your record.
   • Worried about points? You can check if a ticket hit your license by requesting your Colorado driving record.

Frequently Asked Questions