What to do with Virginia plates after moving to Colorado
The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Virginia instruction only after the Colorado registration and insurance handoff are safe.
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.
Never cancel Virginia insurance before surrendering or deactivating plates
Activate replacement coverage, register in the new state, then surrender or deactivate Virginia plates. Notify the former locality as well so personal-property tax does not continue.
Open the official Virginia instructionReviewed 2026-07-31- 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage
Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.
- 2. Register in Colorado
Keep the issued registration or official receipt.
- 3. Complete the Virginia 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
- Virginia DMV: Leaving VirginiaChecked 2026-07-31 ↗InsuranceExit closeout
- Colorado DMV: Welcome to ColoradoChecked 2026-07-31 ↗LicenseRegistrationInsuranceInspection / VINTax / fees