How To Transfer a Car Title in Colorado 2026
Colorado requires every new vehicle owner to apply for a certificate of title through their county motor vehicle office. Under C.R.S. § 42-6-116, the buyer must submit a completed application with all required documents and applicable fees within 60 days of the sale date for newly purchased vehicles. Sellers must report the transfer of ownership within 5 days via myDMV or at a county office. Standard private-party title transactions are handled exclusively at the county level.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Colorado
| Document | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Certificate of Title (assigned by seller) | Required | Buyer's name, address, purchase price, date, and odometer reading completed by all listed owners |
| DR 2395 – Title and/or Registration Application | Required | Completed by buyer at county office or in advance |
| Bill of Sale | Required (private party) | Must include VIN, year, make, sale date/time, price, and signatures of both parties |
| Secure and Verifiable Identification | Required | Colorado driver's license, state ID, or other approved document |
| Proof of Colorado Liability Insurance | Required (if registering simultaneously) | Must show vehicle VIN, policy number, and active coverage dates |
| Odometer Disclosure | Required (most vehicles) | Completed on the title or on the DR2173 Bill of Sale form |
| [VIN Verification | Conditional (out-of-state title) | Completed by a CO law enforcement officer, licensed dealer, or emissions station |
| Emissions Inspection Certificate | Conditional (emissions area) | Required if buyer resides in a designated emissions area |
| Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) + Weight Slip | Conditional (new vehicle) | Required when titling a vehicle in Colorado for the first time |
| Lien / Security Agreement | Conditional (recording a lien) | Original or certified copy; must include lienholder info, lien amount, and owner signature |
| Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship Acknowledgment | Conditional (multiple owners) | Completed within the DR 2395 form |
| Letters of Testamentary / Small Estates Affidavit + Death Certificate | Conditional (estate transfer) | Establishes signing authority for a deceased owner's vehicle |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Colorado
Step 1: Conduct Pre-Purchase Vehicle Verification
Before purchase, buyers should confirm the vehicle has not been reported stolen using the state's Motor Vehicle Verification System and review its title history through the federal NMVTIS database. These checks help identify salvage, flood, or fraud-related title brands before ownership changes hands.
Step 2: Seller Completes and Delivers the Certificate of Title
At the time of vehicle delivery, the seller must complete the assignment section on the back of the Colorado Certificate of Title, entering the buyer's full legal name and address, the purchase price, the date of sale, and a complete odometer disclosure. All owners listed on the title must sign. The seller must also remove the license plates before delivery, as Colorado plates remain tied to the seller's registration.
If the vehicle carries a Rebuilt from Salvage brand, the seller must provide a completed Rebuilt from Salvage Disclosure. If the original title is unavailable, the seller must obtain a replacement before the sale is finalized.
Step 3: Seller Reports the Transfer of Ownership
Within 5 days of the sale, the seller must report the release of liability through the "Report Release of Liability" function on myDMV or in person at a county motor vehicle office. Timely reporting protects the seller from liability for subsequent tolls, violations, or incidents involving the vehicle.
Step 4: Buyer Obtains Required Inspections
Before visiting the county office, the buyer must determine whether any of the following apply:
- Emissions test: Required if the buyer resides in a designated emissions area. The seller typically provides a passing certificate.
- VIN verification (DR 2698): Required for all out-of-state titles; completed by a Colorado law enforcement officer, licensed dealer, or licensed emissions station.
Step 5: Assemble the Complete Document Packet
Before the county office visit, the buyer must confirm that the document packet is complete. Key items include the fully assigned title, completed DR 2395, bill of sale, Secure and Verifiable Identification, and proof of Colorado liability insurance if registering the vehicle at the same time. Refer to the Required Documents table above for the full checklist. Incomplete submissions will be rejected.
Step 6: Submit Documents and Pay Fees at the County Motor Vehicle Office
All standard private-party title transfers must be submitted in person at the buyer's county motor vehicle office. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or credit/debit card (a processing fee may apply for card payments and varies by county). Current fees per the official Colorado DMV Taxes and Fees schedule are as follows:
| Fee Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title Application | $7.20 |
| Duplicate / Replacement Title | $8.20 |
| Lien Filing Fee (eff. July 1, 2025) | $40.00 (flat) |
| Late Registration Penalty | $25.00/month ($10.00/month for trailers) |
| FASTER Road Safety Surcharge (2,001–5,000 lbs, Sept. 2025–Aug. 2027) | $19.30 |
| FASTER Bridge Safety Surcharge (2,001–5,000 lbs) | $18.00 |
| Age of Vehicle Fee (under 7 years) | $9.00 |
| Age of Vehicle Fee (7–9 years) | $7.00 |
| Age of Vehicle Fee (10+ years) | $5.00 |
| County Clerk Hire Fee | $4.00 |
| Plug-In Electric Vehicle Registration Fee (FY 2025–26) | $60.05 |
| Battery Electric Road Usage Fee (2026) | $16.00 |
| Plug-In Hybrid Road Usage Fee (2026) | $11.00 |
| State Sales / Use Tax | 2.9% state rate + applicable local rate |
| Specific Ownership Tax (SOT) | Varies by vehicle age, class, and taxable value |
Use the Sales Tax Lookup tool to confirm the combined rate for the county of registration.
Step 7: Receive the New Colorado Certificate of Title
After the county office accepts the application and fees, new registration and license plates are issued on the same day. The Certificate of Title is then processed and mailed:
- No lien recorded: Mailed to the new owner within 4 to 6 weeks.
- Lien recorded: Mailed directly to the lienholder until the loan is satisfied.
- Out-of-state title: Processed by the Colorado State Title Section; same-day printing is not available. Contact (303) 205-5608 for status inquiries.
Contact Information
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214
Phone: (303) 205-5600
Official Website: Colorado DMV
