Space Force · Colorado Springs, Colorado

Peterson Space Force Base
DMV & Vehicle Registration Guide 2026

Everything active duty members need to know about vehicle registration, driver's license transfer, and your SCRA rights when PCSing to Colorado Springs, Colorado.

SCRA Protection: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows active duty members to keep their home-state vehicle registration while stationed in Colorado. Consult the Peterson Space Force Base JAG office for your specific situation.
🏛️ Colorado DMV — Primary Contact
CO Division of Motor Vehicles
📞 (303) 205-5600
🌐 https://dmv.colorado.gov
📍 1881 Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80214
Military Note: Active duty stationed in CO exempt from CO registration if vehicle is registered in home state.
📋 Documents Required
  • ✓
    PCS orders (copy)
  • ✓
    Current vehicle title (or lienholder info)
  • ✓
    Proof of insurance (current policy)
  • ✓
    Military ID (CAC card)
  • ✓
    Current out-of-state registration
  • ✓
    Driver's license (to exchange if establishing residency)
  • ✓
    Payment for fees (check DMV website for amounts)
📞 Key Contacts
CO Division of Motor Vehicles
📞 (303) 205-5600
🌐 State DMV — Vehicle & License Services
Peterson Space Force Base Legal Assistance Office (JAG)
📞 (719) 556-7321
🌐 Free SCRA guidance for active duty
Peterson Space Force Base Provost Marshal / Installation Traffic
📞 (719) 556-7321
🌐 On-post vehicle registration & decals
🚗 Step-by-Step Registration Process
1

Decide: maintain home-state or transfer registration

SCRA lets you keep your home-state plates while stationed in Colorado. However, if you want Colorado residency (e.g., no state income tax), you may benefit from transferring.

2

Get your on-post vehicle decal first

Before anything else, visit the Peterson Space Force Base Provost Marshal office to get your installation vehicle registration decal. You'll need this to enter the base.

3

Visit the DMV (or complete by mail)

Contact CO Division of Motor Vehicles at (303) 205-5600. Many states allow active duty to complete vehicle registration by mail using PCS orders. Check https://dmv.colorado.gov for the military exemption process.

4

Transfer your driver's license (if applicable)

If establishing Colorado residency, exchange your license at the local DMV. Bring your military ID and PCS orders. Present these for any military fee exemptions.

5

Update your auto insurance

Notify your insurer of your new address. Moving to a different state often changes your premium. If using USAA or GEICO Military, this is a simple online update.

✅ PCS DMV Checklist
Decide: SCRA exemption or transfer to Colorado
Get installation vehicle decal (Provost Marshal)
Gather PCS orders + vehicle title + insurance
Contact JAG for SCRA guidance
Schedule DMV appointment (or mail-in packet)
Update vehicle registration
Exchange driver's license (if residency transfer)
Update car insurance to new address
Notify lender of address change (if financed)
Update military/DEERS record with new address
Get emissions inspection (if required in Colorado)
Update vehicle registration in finance records

Offline Access to Peterson Space Force Base Moving Guides

Add BaseReady to your home screen and access this guide — and all 146 base profiles — even without internet during your move.

Open App to Install
📍 Related Bases — Moving from Peterson Space Force Base to one of these?
Vandenberg Space Force Base
Lompoc, California · Space Force
Maui Space Surveillance Complex
Kihei, Hawaii · Space Force
Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station
Colorado Springs, Colorado · Space Force
Patrick Space Force Base
Cocoa Beach, Florida · Space Force
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register my car in Colorado if I'm active duty?
Under the SCRA, active duty members may keep their home-state registration while stationed in Colorado. Active duty stationed in CO exempt from CO registration if vehicle is registered in home state.
How long do I have to register my vehicle after arriving at Peterson Space Force Base?
If you choose to transfer registration to Colorado, timelines vary. Contact the CO Division of Motor Vehicles at (303) 205-5600 for the current military grace period.
Can my spouse register a vehicle in Colorado?
Military spouses may be covered under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA). Consult the JAG office at Peterson Space Force Base for your specific situation.

Full Peterson Space Force Base Relocation Profile

BAH rates, housing data, cost of living, and more — all free.

View Full Profile →