The processes of obtaining a registration for custom cars in Colorado or an antique vehicle registration must be completed by residents who own these types of vehicles. Both the procedure of registering custom car projects and vintage vehicles can be completed through the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Note that applying for a CO antique car registration or a custom car registration are procedures that vary from the application procedure for a regular registration card. To learn how to register custom car projects and obtain a classic car registration in CO, read the sections below.

Steps in the Colorado Custom Car Registration Process

When registering custom vehicles in Colorado, car owners will generally be required to obtain a VIN number and pass an emissions test prior to submitting the necessary documents and fees for a title and a registration. Therefore, to successfully apply for custom vehicle registrations in CO, applicants will first have to:

  • Submit the vehicle to a VIN inspection conducted by a representative of the Colorado State Patrol.
  • Apply for a Colorado VIN through a local DMV office by submitting the Application for Colorado Assigned VIN (Form DR 2408), the Certified VIN Inspection (Form DR 2704) and the Assigned VIN Declaration of Facts (Form DR 2426).
  • Provide proof of ownership for the major components used in the vehicle Reconstruction, such as the transferred title, a manufacturer origin statement or bills of sale and invoices and receipts.
  • Submit photographs of the vehicle before and after its reconstruction and pay the applicable fees.

After obtaining a VIN number for a new custom auto registration by completing the steps outlined above, vehicle registration applicants will be required to prove their car is roadworthy and apply for a regular title. Therefore, you may also be required to submit your vehicle to an emissions test prior to proceeding.

When obtaining a title and registration for custom vehicles in CO, applicants are generally asked to submit proof of a vehicle insurance policy and an official identification document. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be required to submit an odometer disclosure statement and a lien release document.

Since the list of steps in the process of registering a custom car outlined above is not all-inclusive, if you own this type of vehicle, you are encouraged to contact a nearby DMV location to inquire about the specifics that apply to your case.

Steps in the Colorado Antique Car Registration Process

In addition to Colorado custom car registrations, the state DMV also offers an antique vehicle registration procedure. Note that, since historic vehicles are not generally operated on public roadways, applicants will not be required to complete the standard vehicle registration process.

When applying for a historic vehicle registration in CO, car owners will be required to request the Collector Series Registration and Tax Paid decal. This special classic auto registration can generally be obtained for vehicles built prior to 1976 or vehicles that are at least 32 years old.

Owners requesting a vintage car registration will also be required to sign an affidavit pledging that they will only drive their vehicles within the state for a maximum of 4,500 miles per year. Applicants can finalize the annual registration procedure by submitting the Inoperable Collector’s Item Registration (Form DR 2909) to the office of the DMV Vehicle Services Unit along with the corresponding ownership documents and payment for the fees and taxes.

Note: Drivers will be required to renew their vehicle registrations, both for antique and custom cars, on a routine basis.

Fees to Register a Custom or Antique Vehicle in Colorado

An important step in the process of registering custom vehicles in Colorado or antique collector’s items is paying the annual registration fees and taxes. The fee for a custom auto registration is typically based on the weight and type of the vehicle. The cost for an antique car registration, on the other hand, is determined based on the month of application.

However, the total payable amount for the initial custom or antique vehicle registration may be greater as applicants will be required to complete additional steps. For example, since car owners are required to have a VIN inspection conducted on their vehicle, they will be required to pay an inspection fee of $20.

Last updated on Monday, March 9 2020.