Two Ways to Purchase Your Plate
#1: Purchase at your local DMV
You can purchase the Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet license plate directly from your local County Motor Vehicle Office at any time of year. No certificate is necessary to purchase. License plates are made to order and typically mailed after purchase.
#2: Purchase online
The Adopt-a-Shelter Pet Plate can be ordered online when you register your vehicle for the first time or as replacement plates on MyDMV by navigating to “replace license plates.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why buy the plate?
Colorado’s animal shelters need strong community support to run successfully and you have a direct impact when you purchase the Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet License Plate! Buying this plate helps shelter animals receive vital veterinary care and get adopted into loving homes. Buy the plate at your local DMV today!
How else can I support Colorado pets?
If you are not able to buy the plate or want to give more in addition to the plate, you can donate to the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund directly at the button below.
How does the program deliver essential care to adoptable pets?
Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet Grant
Step 1: Donations
Coloradans support CPOF by purchasing/renewing the Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet license plate. A portion of the cost is collected by the state as a fee, and the rest is donated to CPOF—helping shelter pets receive the care they need to find loving homes.
Step 2: Applications
Donations from plate sales are dedicated to spay/neuter surgeries, medical treatment, and microchipping for shelter pets. Eligible organizations apply for grants during the annual cycle.
Step 3: Review
The Board reviews applications and allocates funding based on impact and need. With a 90% acceptance rate, most applicants receive support.
Step 4: Pets Receive Care
Funded programs deliver essential care to shelter animals. In 2025 alone, more than 23,780 pets received treatment. Since 2011, this program has generated $6.3 million in support.
Step 5: Pets Get Adopted into Loving Homes
Every plate purchased helps pets get healthy and adopted. Spread the word to buy the pet plate!
How much does the pet plate cost?
The cost to purchase the plate includes an initial $30 donation to the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund to benefit adoptable animals, plus the $50 standard fee for a Special Use License Plate, which goes to the State. The total price for the license plate is $80 plus any additional state-required fees.
At the time of renewal, the plate holder will be charged a $25 annual donation.
You can also choose to get a personalized Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet plate!
How important is my donation?
The 25,500 Adopt a Shelter Pet license plates on the road today helped fund care for 23,780 animals this year. Still, that funding met only half of the requests from shelters and rescues.
If Coloradans purchased 10,000 additional plates, we could close that gap!
Get your plate today and help more pets receive the care they need!
What if I already have the plate?
Thank you for your generous support! Your current plate remains valid, and your annual renewal donation will continue to help pets in need. If you would like to switch to the new design, which features real Colorado pets adopted from local shelters, you are welcome to do so anytime online or at your local County Motor Vehicle Office
If you make the switch, please help us spread the word by telling your friends and family about the new plate!
