Registration inspection path

New-resident vehicle inspection in Colorado

An out-of-state vehicle needs VIN verification; an emissions test may also be required by county.

Requirement boundary

Emissions or safety inspection

The reviewed state rule identifies a statewide inspection, safety, or VIN step for an incoming vehicle.

Official sources

Colorado DMV: Welcome to ColoradoReviewed 2026-07-31

Check where to get the inspection on the official source

Failed inspection

Read the failure report before booking a repair

The failure code determines the repair and any waiver path.

Open the failed-inspection path
New to Colorado?

Inspection is one step of registering your car

New Colorado residents should register their car within 90 days. The title, registration, insurance, and license deadlines come with it. See every Colorado step in order, or have us prepare the paperwork for you to sign and send.

Moving to Colorado: every registration stepLender or lessor holds the title? The financed-car path for Colorado