How to transfer a car title in Colorado
For private sellers and buyers in Colorado. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Colorado, the seller signs the title over carefully, signs two bills of sale and takes the plates off. The buyer fills out form DR 2395 and goes to the county motor vehicle office within 60 days of the sale, paying state and local sales tax on the full price.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Colorado?
Seller
- Sign the title over to the buyer carefully. A mistake can make it invalid.
- Make two bills of sale, one for the buyer and one for you, and sign both.
- Give the buyer a new passing emissions certificate if the car needs a test.
- Take your plates off. In Colorado they belong to you, not the car.
- You can report the sale online within 5 days to end your liability. It is optional.
Buyer
- Get the signed title and a bill of sale signed by the seller.
- Title and register the car at your county motor vehicle office within 60 days. Late fees apply after that.
- Pay state and local sales tax on the full price to the county clerk.
- Bring an unused passing emissions certificate if the car needs a test.
- Carry the bill of sale and proof of insurance in the car until it is registered.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles before you go: dmv.colorado.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Colorado?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over to the buyer.
Fill it out carefully. A mistake can make it invalid.
Step 2 · Seller
Write two bills of sale.
One for the buyer and one for you. Sign both. A notary is optional.
Step 3 · Seller
Get an emissions test if the car needs one.
Give the buyer a new passing certificate at the sale.
Step 4 · Seller
Take your plates off.
In Colorado the plates belong to the seller.
Step 5 · Seller
Report the sale online (optional).
Do it within 5 days to end your liability for the car.
We have not confirmed whether Colorado requires a bill of sale. Check with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
Colorado bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Colorado?
Step 2 · Buyer
Get the emissions certificate.
If the car needs a test, you need an unused passing certificate to register it.
bouldercounty.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Go to your county motor vehicle office within 60 days.
Fill out DR 2395 and bring the title and bill of sale. Late fees apply after 60 days.
DR 2395 · Application for Title and/or Registrationbouldercounty.gov checkedStep 4 · Buyer
Pay the sales tax.
The county clerk collects state and local sales tax on the full price.
tax.colorado.gov checked
After the Colorado DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Colorado guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Colorado · Steps to buy a car in Colorado
- Colorado bill of saleWhen you need one and what to include
- Replace a lost title in ColoradoDuplicate title (DR 2539A)
- Car title after a death in ColoradoThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Colorado?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | Not confirmed yet | Buyer | bouldercounty.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | State and local rates on the full price | Buyer | tax.colorado.gov Checked |
| Late registration fee (if it applies) | Charged after 60 days | Buyer | bouldercounty.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | Not confirmed yet |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Colorado Department of Revenue, Taxation Division.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Colorado are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Duplicate Title/Lien Request and Receipt (DR 2539A).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
Does the seller keep the plates?
Yes. In Colorado the plates belong to the seller, not the car.
bouldercounty.gov checked
Does the seller have to report the sale?
No, but it helps. Report it online within five days to end your liability.
bouldercounty.gov checked
Is an emissions test needed?
If the car needs one, the seller gives the buyer a new passing certificate at the sale.
bouldercounty.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Colorado sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.