A Colorado motor vehicle bill of sale is a legal form that finalizes the transaction when you buy or sell a vehicle in the state. It authorizes the buyer to transfer the title into their name and claim full car ownership.
If you are the buyer, you must take the completed bill of sale to one of the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices to transfer the title into your name. You will likely need the signed title, a valid driver’s license, and other documents to complete the transaction. The DMV requires this document for all vehicle sales, including private party sales, dealer sales, and gift transactions.
Registering a Motor Vehicle
New owners must register the vehicle within 60 days of the sale date, while new residents have 90 days. Private sales registration is handled in person, and certain dealerships may complete the process on the buyers’ behalf.
You can register online through myDMV or with a local county motor vehicle office. For renewals, you can go to myDMV, a kiosk, or County Motor Vehicle Office.
Registrations must be renewed every 12 months using the online renewal system.
Gather Required Documents
The following documents are required by the DMV Office:
- Bill of Sale.
- Driver’s License.
- Certificate of Title: If the vehicle was titled in a different state, you also need a VIN verification.
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Proof of Insurance: According to the minimum requirements: [1]
- $25,000 for bodily injury/death for one person.
- $50,000 for bodily injury/death for all persons.
- $15,000 for property damage.
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: Must be attached to the bill of sale if the vehicle is newer than 2011 and under 16,000 pounds.
- Emissions Inspection Form: In some counties, sellers are required to provide an emissions test, while in others, this is not necessary.
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney: If someone else acts on the buyer’s or seller’s behalf.
Submit Your Documents
In Colorado, vehicle registration is handled by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) under the Department of Revenue. You can visit a local County Clerk and Recorder’s Office to submit your documents.
For renewing your vehicle registration, you can submit your documents through the Colorado DMV’s online services. However, first-time registrations generally require an in-person submission.
Pay Registration Fees
Paying for vehicle registration in Colorado depends on the method you choose and the specific taxes and fees associated with your vehicle.
You can pay your registration fees at your local County Clerk and Recorder’s office. Accepted forms of payment include cash, check, debit card, and major credit cards.
For renewing your vehicle registration, you can pay online through the Colorado DMV portal. You will need your license plate number and the last eight digits of the VIN. Payment methods include credit and debit cards.
Colorado Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Below, you can download a Colorado motor vehicle bill of sale template in PDF or Word format.
