Gilpin Motor Vehicles

Before You Come to the Office...

Determine whether your transaction can be completed online

Before you schedule an appointment, please check mydmv.colorado.gov first to see if you can conduct your transaction there or at a kiosk at many supermarkets. MOST transactions can be completed at that site and allow you to 'skip the trip' to the office.

Renewals can be done online at mydmv.colorado.gov by mail, drop box, or kiosk. 

You can also renew by mail or by dropping your check/money order in the mail or at the Clerk's office. This AVOIDS LATE FEES.

Get a Quote Online (Optional)

To avoid any misunderstandings we will not quote fees or give estimates over the phone. You can obtain an estimate at at mydmv.colorado.gov under the Vehicle Services tab.

Be Aware of Transaction Limits and Other Details

Customers are limited to 2 transactions per appointment. If you have more than 2, please call and schedule an appointment so that we can accommodate you when staff is available.

No Motor Vehicle Titles will be taken after 4:30pm or transactions after 4:45pm. 

Pets are not permitted in the building.

We may not perform any motor vehicle transaction for anyone except the owner of the vehicle, unless the customer has the owner’s power of attorney. The only exception is a registration renewal if the customer has the owner’s renewal postcard. Businesses must give a letter of authorization to their agent in order for us to handle their transactions.

These policies are dictated by the Drivers Privacy and Protection Act (DPPA) which we are required to follow. They apply even if the customer is a spouse, family member or friend.

Schedule an Appointment Online

Motor vehicle appointments are to be scheduled online only unless otherwise stated in the scheduling system. You will receive a confirmation email only if you schedule online. If you choose not to schedule an appointment, please note that you may have an extended wait time as those with appointments will be seen at their scheduled time.

You are limited to 2 transactions for your appointment.

Schedule an Appointment

If you did not receive your renewal card in the mail, please call 303-582-5321 and leave your name, number and plate # and we can call you with a total. 

Skip the Trip and complete your transaction online at mydmv.colorado.gov.

Registration renewals may be mailed to PO Box 429, Central City CO 80427 and we will mail your tabs. 

Avoid Costly Late Fees on Vehicle Registrations

Each month, the Gilpin County Clerk & Recorder’s Office processes thousands of dollars in late fees for expired vehicle registrations. While many residents assume these funds support local services, the truth is that the majority of late fees—about 80%—go to the State of Colorado, not the County.

In a recent month alone, $5,095 in late fees were collected from Gilpin County residents. Of that, $4,205 went directly to the State, leaving only a small portion to support local operations. That’s thousands of dollars of avoidable, out-of-pocket expense for residents—and money that could have stayed in your wallet.

Understanding Colorado’s Late Fee Schedule:

Standard Vehicle Registration

• one-month grace period after your tags expire
• After that: $25 per month, up to a maximum of $100
• If registration is more than 13 months expired, it is treated as a new registration:
  • You’ll owe the $100 late fee
  • Plus new plates
  • And pay for the prior year’s fees (effectively paying for two years)

Temporary Tags

• A $25 late fee applies the day after expiration
• An additional $25 is added at the start of each new month, up to a maximum of $100
• There is no grace period for temp tags

Trailers

• One-time $10 late fee
• This does not increase over time

Tips to Avoid Late Fees:

• Set a calendar reminder for your registration expiration date
• Renew online, by mail, or in person before your grace period ends
• Don’t ignore temp tags—they expire quickly and fees start immediately
• Have a question? Call us at 303-582-5321 

Being proactive can save you time and money.