FAQ

Colorado Trout Unlimited and the Protect Our Rivers License Plate Program

1. What is Colorado Trout Unlimited? With 11,000 members from 24 chapters across the state contributing over 44,000 volunteer hours annually, Colorado TU is the state’s leading non-profit conservation organization. Colorado TU’s mission is to conserve, protect, and restore Colorado’s rivers.
2. What is the Protect Our Rivers license plate program? In the 2013 legislative session, Senate Bill 224 created a special license plate that would allow drivers to show their support of Colorado’s rivers. Early on, it was decided that the slogan on the license plate would be “Protect Our Rivers” and the phrase was quickly adopted as the name of the overall initiative.
3. How will donations benefit Colorado’s rivers? 100% of the money collected through the Protect Our Rivers license plate program will be used in Colorado TU’s ongoing efforts to conserve, protect, and restore rivers within the state of Colorado.

How to Get the Protect Our Rivers License Plate

1. How much does the Protect Our Rivers license plate cost? To get the Protect Our Rivers license plate, you must make a one-time $25 donation to Colorado Trout Unlimited. In addition, the Department of Motor Vehicles will charge a one-time $50 specialty plate fee.
2. What portion of the cost, if any, is tax-deductible? Colorado Trout Unlimited is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so the $25 donation is tax-deductible. Registration and specialty plate fees are not tax-deductible.
3. What is the renewal fee for the Protect Our Rivers license plate? Once you purchase the license plate, it is yours to keep. There is no renewal fee beyond your usual vehicle registration fee.
4. How do I make the donation to get the license plate? Donations are accepted online at www.protectourrivers.net.
5. Do I need to be a member of Colorado Trout Unlimited to get the license plate? No, the Protect Our Rivers license plate is available to anyone who makes a $25 donation to Colorado TU.
6. What happens after I make the donation? You will receive a certificate that you will present to the county clerk. The certificate is surrendered to the county in exchange for the plates – you do not get to keep it. Once you submit your certificate and pay the associated fees, the plates are mailed to you.

Vehicle Registration and the County Clerk’s Office

1. Where can I get my Protect Our Rivers license plates? To get the plates, you will need to bring your certificate to your county clerk’s office. See the Division of Motor Vehicles website to find your office. Once you submit your certificate and pay the associated fees, the plates are mailed to you.
2. Do I have to get my plates in person? You must go in person to your local county clerk’s office to submit the certificate and pay the associated fees. The plates will then be mailed to you.
3. Do I have to wait until the registration on my current vehicle expires to get my Protect Our Rivers plates? No, you can get the plates at any time. The DMV will credit you for the unused months in your registration cycle and issue you the new plates with new decals. Your existing plates are yours to keep or throw away – they do not need to be surrendered to the DMV.
   
4. How do I get Protect Our Rivers plates for a newly purchased vehicle? Bring your certificate and other materials to your county clerk office, just as you would if you were getting standard license plates.
5. What should I take with me to the county clerk when I get my plates? Your certificate from Colorado Trout Unlimited, $50 for the specialty license plate fee, payment for your vehicle registration fee and your renewal postcard, if applicable. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need your driver’s license, proof of insurance, VIN verification, or Colorado emissions test results.
6. What is the $50 special license plate fee? The DMV collects $50 for all special license plates in Colorado. It is a one-time fee at issuance of the plates; you do not need to pay it again unless your plates are lost or stolen. Of the $50, $25 is directed to the Highway Tax Users Fund and $25 is directed to the License Services Cash Fund.
7. What vehicles are eligible for Protect Our Rivers license plates? Passenger vehicles and light truck vehicles that weigh less than 16,000 pounds, motor homes, and motorcycles are eligible.
8. May I keep the same number that is on my current license plate? No, all special license plates are issued with different numbers.
9. Can I order a personalized Protect Our Rivers license plate? Yes, but the river graphic may be replaced by the characters of the personalization.
10. Can I still get a Protect Our Rivers license plate if I live out of state? No, the Protect Our Rivers license plate is available only to Colorado residents.