Title Transfers

All current residents and residents-to-be utilizing vehicles to wander Colorado roads and highways need to register and/or title those vehicles at a county title and registration office, which all reside under the wing of the state's Department of Revenue.

Out-of-State Title Transfer Requirements

• If you own the out-of-state title you need to relinquish it in order to replace it with a Colorado title. If the title is with a lienholder, you can present current registration papers that show the company's address and name.

• The completion of a Verification of Vehicle Identification Number form. This can be accomplished at a certified dealership, by a law enforcement officer, or at an accredited emission or inspection center.

• Proof of a successful Colorado emissions test, if applicable.

• A weight slip is necessary for RVs and trucks having an empty weight exceeding 4,500 pounds if it is not clearly stated somewhere on the out-of-state registration.

• Current odometer reading.

• Proof of meeting the minimum insurance requirements.

• Proper identification.

• Pay fees, which vary by county.

Note: Allow six to eight weeks to receive the new title or have the title sent to the lienholder.

Title Transfer for a Vehicle Bought from a Colorado Dealer

In most cases, upon the purchase of a new or used vehicle from a Colorado dealer, you will automatically be furnished with all the paperwork needed for registration and titling.

If the dealership didn't process the papers for you, you have 30 days after acquiring the new vehicle to visit a title and registration office and create the title. Although there is not a penalty for missing this deadline, temporary registration plates issued by the dealer expire after 60 days and it takes quite a while (up to eight weeks) to receive the new title via post.

Requirements for Title

• Sales tax receipts

• Title or manufacturer's certificate of origin

• Proper odometer statement

• Application for title

• Proper identification.

• Emissions test, if applicable, and proof of insurance if also registering the vehicle

Title Issues when Financing

When you finance or lease a vehicle from a dealer or lender all of the paperwork involved with the titling and registering of the vehicle will be sent directly to your local county division of motor vehicle (DMV) office.

Once it arrives, you will be notified by the DMV via postcard, at which time you can stop by and register the vehicle. The title will be issued to the lienholder. The requirements listed above in "buying from a dealer" otherwise apply to financing when registering a vehicle. When the balance of the loan is paid off, the lender will certify the release of the title and mail the document to you.

Transfer of Title When Buying from a Private Party

When you purchase a vehicle from an individual you need to make sure you obtain the appropriate documents to register and title it in the state of Colorado.

Requirements

• Proper identification.

• The existing title, with necessary sections of transfer completed. Older titles may require notarization, but the state provides a Statement of Transfer form to exempt this step.

• Bill of sale signed by the seller stating the buyer's name, amount of sale, vehicle identification number (if an out-of-state title), vehicle year, and make.

• Proof of emission compliance provided by the seller if the buyer resides in an emissions testing region.

• Odometer reading if vehicle is less than 10 years old (either label on the physical title or on a separate form available at title and registration offices).

To register the vehicle you will need proof of insurance and pay any relevant sales tax.

Replacing Lost Titles

If you permanently misplace or damage your title beyond repair you need to fill out a Duplicate Title Request and Receipt form and take it to a county title and registration office with your vehicle registration. The fee to replace the title is $8.20.

Title Modifications

If you need to add, delete, or change a name on the title, you essentially have to file to receive a new title. This is usually a two-part process.

First, have the titled car's vehicle identification number (VIN) verified. Second, fill out the Application for Title later in the same form. Take both documents to your county office to have a new title drafted. If you are changing your name, also bring the legal document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Gift and Death Transfers

If you are giving a vehicle as a gift or have inherited a vehicle, the transfer process is essentially the same as transferring a title when a vehicle is sold. In the case of a gift, simply sign the title over; you do not even need a letter of gift to hand over to the county. The recipient will pay all applicable taxes when registering the vehicle.

If you inherit a car, a trustee, executor, or lienholder will usually sign over the title to you. If this doesn't happen, you can take the original title to your county office with the original owner's death certificate to complete the transfer. You will need to show the legal document that gives you the right to transfer the title.

Titles and Driver's License

You do not need to have a driver's license to own a vehicle in the state of Colorado. However, if you intend to drive the car, you will need a driver's license, and the vehicle will need proper registration.

Further Information

For the majority of transactions regarding vehicle registration or titling, you need to present proper identification when you go to the state's Department of Revenue.
Check out the DMV's complete list of title forms.

Also find registration information at Registration & Titling,
Car Registration, and Registration FAQs on this site.