Colorado's green license plates are back — but demand isn't - Axios DenverLog InLog InAxios Denver is an Axios company.

Colorado' s green license plates are back but demand isn' t

Colorado's "historic" green license plates. Photo: John Frank/Axios Colorado's retro — with green mountains, white horizon and lettering — became available at the start of the year.Yes, but: So far, few people are making the switch from the standard, reversed white mountains, green horizon and lettering. What's happening: The "historical background" plates, as they're labeled by the state's motor vehicles department, are expensive.Since their January release, fewer than 600 people have purchased them, shows. That's 0.008% of all plates.They cost $118.60 when issued and $75 to renew, plus taxes. Reality check: Most speciality plates, such as those supporting Colorado universities and charities, are closer to $50-$75 to issue and typically carry a $25 renewal fee.And it's not even an embossed plate like the original, but rather a digital print. Of note: The most common speciality plates in Colorado support major charities.Data: ; Chart: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals What they're saying: The cost is related to the legislation in 2019 that brought the retro license plate back to life, says Derek Kuhn, a Department of Revenue spokesperson. The plate price tag includes a $50 donation to disability causes, part of that helped get it through the Legislature. The bottom line: To get the old-school Colorado plate, it'll cost you. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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