Do you have a DMV Question?

To answer your question directly: Yes, because you have already switched to Colorado insurance and your Florida insurance has stopped, you must register the car in Colorado now.

Here is the breakdown of why this is necessary and how to handle it so it doesn’t cause you a headache when you move back to Florida in the spring.

1. The Insurance Trap
Florida is very strict about insurance. The moment your Florida insurance was cancelled, the Florida DMV was notified. If you still have a “valid” Florida plate but no Florida insurance, they will suspend your driver’s license.

The Fix: You must surrender your Florida plate immediately to show them you are no longer operating the vehicle under Florida jurisdiction. You can usually do this by mail so you don’t have to travel back.

2. Colorado’s Rules
In Colorado, you are technically required to register your vehicle within 90 days of residing there. Since you are working or staying there through March 2026, you fall into this window.

The Catch: Because you already have Colorado insurance, you cannot keep your Florida registration anyway. States require the registration and the insurance to match.

3. Will you have to re-register in FL later?
Yes. When you move back to Florida in March, you will treat it like a “New Resident” registration.

Keep your receipt: When you surrender your Florida plate now, save the receipt. Florida often waives the $225 “Initial Registration Fee” if you can prove you previously had a plate registered in your name. This will save you significant money when you return.

Your Checklist for Right Now:
Surrender the FL Plate: Mail your Florida license plate back to your home county’s Tax Collector office in Florida. Include a note stating you have moved temporarily and a copy of your ID. This “stops the clock” on any potential license suspension.

Register in CO: Take your Florida title (or current registration if there is a lien), your new CO insurance card, and a VIN Verification (you can get this done at most CO emissions stations or by a police officer) to the Colorado DMV.

Get the CO Plate: You’ll pay Colorado taxes and fees for the next few months, but it keeps you legal and insured.