What to do with Colorado plates after moving to West Virginia
The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Colorado instruction only after the West Virginia registration and insurance handoff are safe.
Complete the replacement record
Title and register the vehicle within 30 days after establishing West Virginia residency.
List insurance from a company licensed to sell coverage in West Virginia on the title application and carry the current insurance certificate with the registration card.
Return or recycle Colorado plates after replacement registration
After the destination registration is active and the Colorado plates are off the vehicle, return regular plates to a Colorado county motor vehicle office or use a recycler that accepts metal license plates. Ask the county before disposing of personalized or qualifying specialty plates, and retain the replacement registration proof.
Open the official Colorado instructionReviewed 2026-07-31- 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage
Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.
- 2. Register in West Virginia
Keep the issued registration or official receipt.
- 3. Complete the Colorado plate action
Keep the surrender, cancellation, mailing, destruction, or retention record the state provides.
- 4. End or rewrite the old policy
Ask the insurer to use dates that do not create an uncovered active registration.
Sources for this closeout sequence
- Colorado DMV: License plate dispositionChecked 2026-07-31 ↗Exit closeout
- West Virginia DMV: New residentsChecked 2026-08-21 ↗RegistrationInsuranceTitle / lienTax / fees