Colorado DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Colorado

Are you buying or selling a car and need to know how to transfer a title in Colorado? You have come to the right place. Read on and learn all the information needed to get the vehicle titled and registered as soon as possible.

Your title is issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles. In order to process the title, you will need to visit your local DMV office.

They are located throughout the state and are generally open Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

What Is A Title? Is It The Same As The Registration?

Your car title is the document that offers proof of ownership. The registration is used only for the license plates. In order to sell the car, the title must be signed over to the buyer.

If you have a loan on your car, the title document is kept by the bank until the loan is paid off. You receive the paper title in the mail when you have completed all payments.

Buying Or Selling: What Do I Need To Transfer My Title In Colorado?

The original or certified duplicate title must be in the presence of the buyer and seller. The odometer reading must be recorded on the title and both sides must sign to confirm the reading.

Then the buyer must fill out their section showing their name and address and sign and date it. If there is an existing loan on the vehicle, the bank must sign off on the title before the buyer can have it transferred.

Once the sales transaction is complete, the buyer must bring the following documentation to the DMV within 36 hours:

• The existing title properly filled out and signed.
• Bill of sale.
• Proof of insurance.
• Proof of an emissions test where applicable.
• Verifiable identification such as a driver’s license.
• Payment for all fees and taxes due.

The car cannot be driven until the title transfer is filed and a new registration is issued unless the car is sold on the weekend, in which case it can be driven to its new garage location.

Title Transfer When Gifting Or Inheriting A Vehicle

Yes, you can still gift your child or other direct relation your old car in Colorado without paying additional sales tax. Make sure to record the odometer reading and have the relative receiving the car fill out the buyer’s section. Both parties will sign the title. In the Purchase Price section, write down, “gift”.

At the DMV, you will both be asked for verifiable identification that proves your relationship.

You will have to pay the title and registration fees, but not the sales tax unless the relative is taking over the loan on the car.

Where Is The Closest Colorado DMV Location?

There are over 100 DMV offices situated throughout the state.

The busier locations are open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. In more rural areas, call ahead as the office may close for lunch or for road tests.

Who Has To Sign The Title Transfer?

Both the seller and buyer must sign the title transfer. If there are two names listed on the original title, both parties must sign it when selling.

If two people will be listed on the new title, both must sign the bill of sale and the title.

Do You Need Car Insurance To Transfer A Title In Colorado?

Yes, every vehicle bought in Colorado must carry mandatory auto insurance.

You must show proof of insurance when applying for the title transfer and when registering the vehicle.

What About An Emissions Test?

Does my vehicle need to pass an emissions test before I can transfer the title?

Some counties in Colorado require vehicles to pass a smog test. If your car is to be registered in a county with that regulation, you must present an emissions certificate when applying for the new title.

Since the fee structure for a title transfer varies from county to county, you will want to check with the DMV before heading out to your local office.

Colorado DMV Hours And Contact Information

For a fast answer don’t hesitate to give them a call at (303) 205-5600 during regular business hours or reach out to your local DMV office.

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Colorado, or for CO DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Colorado Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Colorado.