A Colorado bill of sale is a legal document that formalizes the transfer of ownership for various high-value items, such as vehicles, firearms, boats, or other personal property, from a seller to a buyer within the state. This document serves as proof that a sale has taken place and that the buyer now holds legal ownership of the item.
How to Register a Vehicle in Colorado
As the buyer, you are required to bring the completed bill of sale and additional supporting documents to a Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in order to transfer the title into your name.
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
Use a vehicle bill of sale form to buy or sell a motor vehicle.
Vehicle Bill of Sale
Use a boat bill of sale to transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis).
Boat Bill of Sale
Use a trailer bill of sale to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle).
Trailer Bill of Sale
Use a firearm bill of sale to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun).
Firearm Bill of Sale
Use a motorcycle bill of sale to transfer ownership of a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Requirements
In Colorado, a bill of sale is only required in certain circumstances. A title transfer should generally suffice when a seller reassigns ownership of a vehicle or vessel to a buyer. A bill of sale becomes necessary when a car is purchased after hours and must be driven before registration. It is also required when there is no space on the current title for the odometer reading.
Language and Copy Requirements
- Language: In Colorado, the bill of sale and other DMV documents are not translated into Spanish or any other language. Also, the state does not provide interpreters; however, you may bring your own. All translated documents must state the following, typed or printed on the same page:
- “I, (insert translator name), affirm that the foregoing is a complete and accurate translation from (insert name foreign language) to the English language to the best of my ability. I further affirm that I am fully competent to translate from (insert name of foreign language) into the English language and that I am proficient in both languages.”
- Number of Copies: If a bill of sale is needed to complete a vehicle or vessel sales transaction, you will need one copy to submit to the state, one copy for the buyer, and one copy for the seller. If a bill of sale is not legally needed, you should only have to make copies for each party to the sale.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Application for Title and/or Registration
- Verification of Vehicle Identification Number
- Odometer Reading
- Emissions Inspection Certificate (if applicable)
- Driver’s License and Proof of Residence
- Proof of Insurance
- Registration fees
- A notarized motor vehicle power of attorney (Form DR 2175) for delegating vehicle registration and titling
Boat Registration Forms
Any boat with a motor or sail must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It is given 45 days before the registration expiration date for Colorado citizens and 60 days for non-residents.
- Registration Application
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Proof of Ownership in the form of one of the following:
- Bill of Sale
- Previous registration certificate
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)/Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO)
- Certificate of Title
- Any court-issued document proving ownership
- A collection of personal property by affidavit form pursuant to 15-12-1201, CRS.
- A physical inspection form completed by a CPW agent
Gun Registration Forms
For selling a firearm through a licensed dealer or selling privately to a family member:
- Driver’s license or state identification card for each person
- Firearm information, including the make, model, features, and serial number
- Completed background check or a signed statement from the buyer that they are not prohibited from owning a firearm
- Purchase details, including sale price and terms
Sample
