Surface coloring technology can generate protective layers in various colors on the surface of materials. The technology can endow products with attractive appearance or realize extinction while improving surface properties. Surface coloring lies in two forms: on one hand, generated compounds are in certain color; on the other hand, effects of light reflection, refraction and interference enable the surface to exhibit different colors. As two important structural materials, magnesium alloy and titanium alloy have been extensively applied in many fields due to their excellent properties. Research progress on surface coloring processes for magnesium alloy and titanium alloy were summarized, and certain studies on and application status of surface coloring processes for magnesium alloy and titanium alloy were introduced. Surface coloring processes including chemical conversion + spraying, metallic coating, organic coating, anodic oxidation and micro arc oxidation were applied to magnesium alloys; and such coloring processes including thermal oxidation, chemical oxidation, anodic oxidation and micro arc oxidation were applied to titanium alloys. Specific process parameters of surface coloring on magnesium alloy and titanium alloy were listed. Practical applications of surface coloring on the two above-mentioned alloys were summarized. Surface coloring on magnesium alloys and titanium alloys can not only meet the requirements for light weight and strength, but also give a decorative appearance of components. Prospect of studies on surface coloring on magnesium alloys and titanium alloy is also put forward based upon existing study results of surface coloring processes.