Free Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale Template

A Colorado (CO) vehicle bill of sale is a document that finalizes the transaction when you buy or sell a vehicle in the state. This legal form authorizes the buyer to transfer the title into their name and claim full vehicle ownership.

If you are the buyer, you must take the completed vehicle 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 bill of sale lets you officially take over ownership of the vehicle and serves as your purchase receipt. On the seller’s side, this document pairs with the transfer notification to release their liability for the vehicle.

Table of Contents

• Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale Requirements
• Registering a Vehicle at the Colorado DMV
• How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in Colorado
• Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
• Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQs

Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale Requirements

In Colorado, you must follow specific requirements when completing the vehicle bill of sale, or the DMV may not process the transfer request.

• Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale Form: Colorado provides an official bill of sale form you can use or try our simple vehicle bill of sale form builder.
• Notarization: Bill of sale documents do not have to be notarized in Colorado.
• Witnesses: No witnesses are required, so only the buyer and seller must sign the form.
• Language Requirements: The state only provides a bill of sale in English, but you can write it up in a different language.
• Number of Copies: Make three copies of the bill of sale to give one to the buyer, seller, and DMV.
• Writing Requirements: Use a black or blue pen to fill out the bill of sale since it is a legal document.

Registering a Vehicle at the Colorado DMV

When registering your vehicle at the Colorado DMV, remember the following information to facilitate the process.

• Colorado DMV Offices: Colorado has dozens of DMV offices for you to visit for your title transfer needs.
• Deadline: Buyers have up to 60 days to transfer the title into their name, or late fees will apply. The late fees increase each month, so you should try transferring the title as soon as possible.
• Fees: The bulk of the title transfer and registration fees depend on your vehicle type, weight, year, make, and model. Small fees are tacked on to the base price to cover the cost of materials, emissions, emergency services, road safety, and other vital elements.
• Auto/Liability Insurance: You must show proof of automotive insurance if you plan to register the vehicle while transferring the title. The Colorado DMV accepts current insurance cards and other policy documents as proof.
• Sales/Excise Tax: Colorado charges Specific Ownership Taxes based on the original vehicle value and the vehicle year. This tax is paid when registering the vehicle and at each annual renewal.
• Antique/Electric Vehicles: If you buy an antique vehicle without a title, you can register it using a surety bond if it is roadworthy. You can get a Rebuilder’s Title if it is not drivable. While registering your antique or classic vehicle, you can get special collector’s plates for it.
• Emissions: Nine Colorado counties require you to complete an emissions test before registering the vehicle in your name. You may also need to repeat the testing process before renewing your registration.

Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale Related Documents

While registering your vehicle with the Colorado DMV, you may need the following documents.

• Driver’s License and Proof of Residence: A current driver’s license confirms your identity so the DMV employee can process your title transfer request. If you need to change address during your visit, bring proof of residence, like a pay stub or utility bill.
• Application for Certificate of Title/Registration Form: The Application for Title and/or Registration gives the DMV all the info they need to put the new car in your name.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Verification: The Verification of Vehicle Identification Number form confirms that the VIN on the vehicle is correct and authentic.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement Form: Colorado does not have a dedicated form for the odometer reading. Instead, the current reading should be written on the signed title and verified by the buyer and seller.
• Emissions Certificate: If the vehicle has to undergo emissions testing, the test facility will provide an emission certificate upon passing the test. They will tell you what to do next if the vehicle does not pass the test.
• Seller’s Report of Sale: Sellers can release their liability for the vehicle by filling out a report of sale online through the Colorado Department of Revenue’s myDMV portal.
• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) Sticker: The MSRP sticker helps the DMV calculate the Specific Ownership Taxes for the vehicle, but it is not required. DMV employees can look up that value through their system if needed.
• Military Service Exemption: The Nonresidence and Military Service Exemption From Specific Ownership Tax Affidavit excuses you from paying extra taxes if you are temporarily stationed in Colorado.

How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in Colorado

Whether you’re buying or selling a vehicle in Colorado, it’s essential to know how to fill out a bill of sale to avoid complications regarding legal vehicle ownership.

Step 1 – Download and Print out the Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale Form

Print out three copies of the official Colorado bill of sale form or free vehicle bill of sale documents.

Step 2 – Write Down the Details of the Vehicle

Include the year, make, model, and full vehicle identification number. If the seller wrote down the date, confirm their input against the tag on the vehicle.

Step 3 – Fill In the Details of the Transaction

Write the date of sale, the total amount paid for the vehicle, and the payment method, if applicable.

Step 4 – Complete and Sign the Form

Ensure both parties review the information on the form and sign on the indicated line.

Repeat this process two more times to create a copy for the seller, buyer, and DMV. The buyer should leave with two bills of sale copies plus the signed title. The title needs to have the odometer reading written on it to allow for the title transfer process to go through.

Step 5 – Register the Vehicle

Upon completing these steps, you can take the bill of sale and other pertinent documents to your local DMV for processing. They will let you know if you have missed any steps or need other forms to process your request. If not, they will transfer the vehicle title into your name and let you register the car to drive on the road legally.

Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale Template

Below is an example Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale template you can use for your own purposes.

vehicle-bill-of-sale

Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQs