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 bill of sale is invalid unless both the buyer and the seller sign it.
If the vehicle is newer than 2011 and under 16,000 pounds, an Odometer Disclosure Statement must be attached to the bill of sale.
County Versions
Vehicle Registration
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.
Registrations must be renewed every 12 months using the online renewal system.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
Colorado owners can register online through myDMV or with a local county motor vehicle office. For renewals, owners can go to myDMV, a kiosk, or County Motor Vehicle Office.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Driver’s license
- Certificate of Title (if the vehicle was titled in a different state, you also need a VIN verification)
- Emissions inspection form (if applicable);
- In some counties, sellers are required to provide an emissions test, while in others, this is not necessary
- Registration Fees
- Proof of Insurance according to the minimum requirements:
- $25,000 for bodily injury/death for one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury/death for all persons
- $15,000 for property damage
A Colorado motor vehicle power of attorney is required if someone else acts on the buyer’s or seller’s behalf.
Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Check out our other Colorado bill of sale forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a bill of sale is required for all vehicle sales in Colorado. It serves as proof of ownership transfer and includes essential details about the transaction, such as the purchase price, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the buyer’s and seller’s names and signatures. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles requires a bill of sale for all vehicle sales, including private party sales, dealer sales, and gift transactions.Is a bill of sale required for all vehicle sales in Colorado?
In a bill of sale, you will need to include the following information: If you don’t have a bill of sale for your vehicle in Colorado, you may encounter legal issues, such as disputes over ownership or problems with the registration. It is essential to have this document as proof of ownership transfer and to protect yourself from any legal issues arising from the sale, even if it is not required by law.What information must be included in a bill of sale for a vehicle in Colorado?
What happens if I don’t have a bill of sale for my vehicle in Colorado?