Supporting the Relocation, Travel, and Lifestyle Needs of the American Military Family

AUTOMOBILE TITLES: In order to title your vehicle, you must show proof of purchase with sales tax paid in a previous state, or you will be subject to Colorado sales tax.  You will be assessed state tax of 3%, plus county and city tax at your home address.  City and county tax varies and can amount to as much as an additional 1.5% of the purchase price.  The total sales tax can be as high as 7.5%.  If you purchased a vehicle overseas within last six months, it is subject to Colorado State sales tax when registered. All others are exempt.

LICENSE PLATES:  To register your car in Colorado you will need the following documentation:

Title and/or current out-of-state registration if the title is held by a lien holder. If the registration has been expired for more than six months; you must provide the title or a photocopy of the title from the lien holder.

A VIN verification form (DR2087) completed by a Colorado Law enforcement officer, a licensed Colorado motor vehicle dealer or a licensed Colorado emissions testing station.  
NOTE: If you currently have USAREUR license plates you need to get a special VIN certification.  The License Bureaus in Colorado Springs only accept VIN Verification from the Main Colorado State Patrol Office in Colorado Springs (Call ahead! The times and dates change).  They will not accept Peterson Security Services or the Peterson Auto Center VIN Certification documents.

Proof of a current Colorado vehicle emissions test.

All trucks with an empty weight between 4,500 and 10,000 pounds require a certified weight slip, unless the weight appears on the out-of-state title/registration. Motor homes may also require a certified weight slip.

Odometer reading at time of original purchase, if reading does not appear on the title/registration.

Proof of insurance coverage.

EMISSION INSPECTIONS: Colorado's Front Range cities AIR Program (Automobile Inspection and Readjustment Program) requires an AIR emissions test for all vehicles registered or operated in the AIR Program area, which includes all bases in the Peterson Complex.  Vehicles of temporary residents such as military personnel, students and "other non-program area residents" which includes employees who are operating vehicles within the AIR program area are required to comply with all inspection requirements.  Test renewals are based on the age of your vehicle.  You must have a valid emissions test to register your vehicle on base.  The maximum fee for an initial test is $15 - $25.  Failing vehicles receive one free retest within ten calendar days at the same inspection station.  For additional information you may write the Emissions Technical Center at 2441 North Union Blvd, El Paso County, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.  Their phone number is 719-633-2333.  The AIR Program has significantly improved the quality of air in Colorado by eliminating vehicle-related air pollution.  Please help us keep our air clean!

INSURANCE: Vehicle insurance coverage is mandatory in the state of Colorado.  It must be verified at the time of vehicle registration.  The mandatory liability minimum in Colorado is $25,000 bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION:  If you are an active duty military member assigned to a duty station in Colorado or were assigned to a unit in Colorado from which you were then assigned to an unaccompanied/remote duty station, you may qualify for a non-resident exemption. Only the active military member or a lawful agent with power of attorney and a copy of orders indicating a Colorado duty station may execute the non-resident affidavit. This affidavit is valid for 60 days from the execution date. A separate affidavit must be provided for each vehicle and renewed on an annual basis. The non-resident affidavit allows exemption from paying Colorado ownership tax. You may obtain the affidavit from your legal office on base, or your motor vehicle office. A military ID card is required. Have proof of insurance, driver's license and car registration available.

CHILD CAR SEATS: Colorado Law requires all infants and children to be restrained either by carseat, booster seat or seatbelt.  See chart: