A Colorado bill of sale is a form used to record the official sale of items sold in Colorado. The buyer and seller should keep a copy of any bill of sale for their records.
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 vehicle is purchased after hours and must be driven prior to registration. It is also necessary when there is no space on the current title for the odometer reading.
The state provides an official bill of sale but is usually only available for purchase through a state-approved vendor. The exceptions are the few counties that provide their bills of sale. You will have to call your county’s local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out if your county is one of them [1] . For example, Broomfield County provides a form on its website.
Language Requirements
Bill of sale in Colorado and other DMV documents is 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.”
Signing Requirements
The bill of sale must be signed by both the buyer(s) and the seller(s).
Number of Copies
If a bill of sale is needed to complete a vehicle or vessel sales transaction, then you will need one copy to submit to the state, along with a copy for the buyer and a 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
Boat Registration Forms
Any boat with a motor or sail must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It is given 45 days prior to 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
Firearm 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
