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Colorado boat and trailer move

Move a Boat and Trailer to Colorado

Register a motorized or sail-powered boat with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, prepare it for mandatory inspection, and keep its highway trailer on a separate DMV record.

Use this order

Prepare the boat and trailer before the office visit

The government instructions are free. We show a private provider only when it is authorized for this vehicle and task.

  1. 1. Check when the application becomes due

    A Colorado resident must register a motorized or sail-powered boat used on Colorado public waters. The 60-day out-of-state-registration allowance is for nonresidents, not a grace period after Colorado residency begins; the separate highway trailer follows the 90-day vehicle window.

  2. 2. Prepare the correct ownership record

    For first registration, submit the CPW boat application and accepted proof of ownership, which can include a bill of sale, prior government registration, manufacturer statement, certificate of title, court document, qualifying affidavit, or CPW physical-inspection form.

  3. 3. Complete identification and inspection

    Colorado requires professional aquatic-nuisance-species inspection before trailered or motorized watercraft enter the water. Arrive clean, drained, and dry; decontamination can be required based on the boat's water history, condition, seal, or inspection result.

  4. 4. Register the correct vehicle class

    Colorado boat registration is annual from January 1 through December 31. Motorboats and sailboats also need the Aquatic Nuisance Species stamp before launch, and the operator must retain proof of the stamp.

Vehicle classification

Check the exact vehicle class

A person under 18 generally may not operate a motorboat. A person age 14 through 17 may operate after completing an approved course and carrying the boating-safety certificate. The boat's highway trailer separately follows Colorado title, VIN, brake, and breakaway rules.

Open the primary Colorado source before completing a form or paying a fee. The official agency decides which forms and checks apply to the specific vehicle.

Open the primary official source
No verified provider is listed for this exact transaction yet

Use the official state instructions. We do not show a near-match, unverified business, or provider with an expired authorization.

Open the official state guide
Separate state records

Other vehicles moving to Colorado

Open only the guide for the vehicle you are registering.

  • motorcycle
    Move a Motorcycle to Colorado

    Move an out-of-state motorcycle through Colorado title, registration, VIN verification, insurance, and the correct two-wheel or three-wheel endorsement.

  • rv
    Move an RV or Motorhome to Colorado

    Title and register a personal motorhome in Colorado while separating its VIN, emissions, insurance, driver-license, and towed-record questions.

  • trailer
    Move a Trailer to Colorado

    Move a trailer onto Colorado records using its own ownership evidence, VIN, weight, brakes, and breakaway equipment rather than the tow vehicle's paperwork.

Reviewed 2026-08-24

Official Colorado sources

These are the state pages and forms used to prepare this guide.