Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator Colorado

Colorado Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator

function calculateRegistrationFee() { var vehicleType = document.getElementById("vehicleType").value; var msrp = parseFloat(document.getElementById("msrp").value); var modelYear = parseInt(document.getElementById("modelYear").value); var vehicleWeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("vehicleWeight").value); var includeParksPass = document.getElementById("includeParksPass").checked; var currentYear = new Date().getFullYear(); // Input validation if (isNaN(msrp) || msrp <= 0) { alert("Please enter a valid Original MSRP."); return; } if (isNaN(modelYear) || modelYear currentYear + 1) { // Allow current year + 1 for new models alert("Please enter a valid Vehicle Model Year."); return; } if (isNaN(vehicleWeight) || vehicleWeight <= 0) { alert("Please enter a valid Curb Weight."); return; } var vehicleAge = currentYear – modelYear; if (vehicleAge = 5 && vehicleAge <= 9) { // Years 5-9 sotBase = msrp * 0.30; } else { // Year 10+ specificOwnershipTax = 3.00; // Fixed fee for older vehicles } if (specificOwnershipTax === 0) { // If not fixed fee specificOwnershipTax = sotBase * sotRate; } var roadAndBridgeFee = 0; if (vehicleWeight = 5000 && vehicleWeight 0) { document.getElementById("resultEVFee").innerHTML = "Electric Vehicle Road Usage Fee: $" + evRoadUsageFee.toFixed(2); document.getElementById("resultEVFee").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("resultEVFee").style.display = "none"; } if (parksPassFee > 0) { document.getElementById("resultParksPass").innerHTML = "Keep Colorado Wild Pass: $" + parksPassFee.toFixed(2); document.getElementById("resultParksPass").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("resultParksPass").style.display = "none"; } document.getElementById("totalFee").innerHTML = "$" + totalEstimatedFee.toFixed(2); document.getElementById("result").style.display = "block"; }

Understanding Colorado Vehicle Registration Fees

Registering your vehicle in Colorado involves a combination of state and county fees, which can vary significantly based on several factors. Unlike a simple flat fee, Colorado's system is designed to account for the vehicle's value, age, weight, and even its fuel type. This calculator provides an estimate for common passenger vehicles and electric vehicles, helping you anticipate your annual costs.

Key Components of Colorado Registration Fees:

1. Specific Ownership Tax (SOT)

The Specific Ownership Tax is often the largest portion of your registration fee, especially for newer vehicles. It's calculated based on the vehicle's original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and its age. The tax rate is 2.10% of a depreciated value of the MSRP, which decreases each year:

• Year 1: 85% of MSRP
• Year 2: 70% of MSRP
• Year 3: 50% of MSRP
• Year 4: 40% of MSRP
• Years 5-9: 30% of MSRP
• Year 10 and older: A flat fee of $3.00

This progressive depreciation means newer, more expensive vehicles incur a higher SOT, while older vehicles pay a minimal amount.

2. Road & Bridge Fee

This fee contributes to the maintenance and improvement of Colorado's transportation infrastructure. It is determined by your vehicle's curb weight:

• Under 5,000 lbs: $12.00
• 5,000 – 10,000 lbs: $17.00
• Over 10,000 lbs: $23.00

3. License Plate Fee

A standard fee is charged for your license plates. While the exact amount can vary slightly, it's typically around $11.50 for a standard plate. Specialty or personalized plates will incur additional costs.

4. State Emissions Fee

A small fee of $0.75 is applied to support the state's emissions testing and air quality programs, applicable to most vehicles.

5. County Clerk Fee

Your local county clerk's office charges a fee for processing your registration, typically around $4.00.

6. Electric Vehicle (EV) Road Usage Fee

To help offset the reduced fuel tax revenue from electric vehicles, Colorado imposes an additional annual fee on EVs. As of recent legislation, this fee is $50.00.

7. Keep Colorado Wild Pass (Optional)

Since 2023, Colorado residents have the option to add a Keep Colorado Wild Pass to their vehicle registration for $29.00. This pass provides access to all Colorado State Parks and supports wildlife conservation efforts.

Example Scenarios:

Scenario 1: New 2024 Standard Passenger Vehicle

• Original MSRP: $40,000
• Model Year: 2024 (Age 0/1)
• Curb Weight: 3,800 lbs
• Keep Colorado Wild Pass: No
• Estimated SOT: ($40,000 * 0.85) * 0.021 = $714.00
• Road & Bridge Fee: $12.00
• Other Fixed Fees: $11.50 (Plate) + $0.75 (Emissions) + $4.00 (Clerk) = $16.25
• Total Estimated Fee: $714.00 + $12.00 + $16.25 = $742.25

Scenario 2: 5-Year-Old 2019 Electric Vehicle

• Original MSRP: $55,000
• Model Year: 2019 (Age 5)
• Curb Weight: 4,500 lbs
• Keep Colorado Wild Pass: Yes
• Estimated SOT: ($55,000 * 0.30) * 0.021 = $346.50
• Road & Bridge Fee: $12.00
• Other Fixed Fees: $11.50 (Plate) + $0.75 (Emissions) + $4.00 (Clerk) = $16.25
• EV Road Usage Fee: $50.00
• Keep Colorado Wild Pass: $29.00
• Total Estimated Fee: $346.50 + $12.00 + $16.25 + $50.00 + $29.00 = $453.75

Scenario 3: 12-Year-Old 2012 Standard Passenger Vehicle

• Original MSRP: $25,000
• Model Year: 2012 (Age 12)
• Curb Weight: 3,200 lbs
• Keep Colorado Wild Pass: No
• Estimated SOT: $3.00 (Fixed for 10+ years old)
• Road & Bridge Fee: $12.00
• Other Fixed Fees: $11.50 (Plate) + $0.75 (Emissions) + $4.00 (Clerk) = $16.25
• Total Estimated Fee: $3.00 + $12.00 + $16.25 = $31.25

Important Considerations:

• County-Specific Fees: Some counties may impose additional local fees not included in this calculator.
• Special License Plates: Choosing a personalized or specialty license plate will add to your total cost.
• Sales Tax: This calculator estimates annual registration fees, not the initial sales tax paid when purchasing a vehicle.
• First-Time Registration: If you're registering a vehicle for the first time in Colorado, there might be additional one-time fees.

Always consult the official Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) or your local county motor vehicle office for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information.