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Origin record closeout

What to do with Michigan plates after moving to Colorado

The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Michigan 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.

Michigan closeout

Destroy the Michigan plate after the new registration is active

After the vehicle is titled and registered in the destination state, Michigan does not require the old plate to be returned. Destroy it before disposal to prevent misuse, keep the new registration proof, and ignore a later Michigan renewal notice only after the replacement registration is complete.

Open the official Michigan 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 Michigan 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