NewStateDrive
Origin record closeout

What to do with Idaho plates after moving to Colorado

The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Idaho instruction only after the Colorado registration and insurance handoff are safe.

Colorado comes first

Complete the replacement record

Register the vehicle through the county motor vehicle office within 90 days after becoming a resident.

Bring proof of Colorado-compliant insurance for the vehicle.

Idaho closeout

Cancel the Idaho plate record before dropping its insurance support

After the destination registration is active, submit Idaho's ITD 3438 License Plate Cancellation Request with the moved-out-of-state reason and choose whether to cancel the plate, registration, or both. Keep the submitted form and delivery confirmation before ending the policy that supported the Idaho record.

Open the official Idaho instructionReviewed 2026-07-31
  1. 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage

    Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.

  2. 2. Register in Colorado

    Keep the issued registration or official receipt.

  3. 3. Complete the Idaho plate action

    Keep the surrender, cancellation, mailing, destruction, or retention record the state provides.

  4. 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

Open the complete routeCheck the insurance handoff