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Origin record closeout

What to do with Montana plates after moving to Colorado

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

Montana closeout

Cancel the Montana registration with MV60 after the new registration is active

After the destination registration is active, complete Montana MV60 and select permanent cancellation. Every listed owner must consent, and the plates must be removed when they remain in the owner's possession. Keep the signed form and submission proof with the destination registration before treating the old record as closed.

Open the official Montana 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 Montana 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