If you’re transferring ownership of a vehicle in Colorado
, you’ll need to complete a title transfer. You can do this at your local county DMV in-person or through the online portal. Fees differ between counties. What is a title transfer?
A car title is what dictates ownership of the vehicle. So when you transfer the title of a car, you’re transferring its ownership.
Transferring a title consists of two steps—one for the seller and one for the buyer:
The seller must release ownership of the car by signing the title
The buyer must take the signed title to the DMV, where the state will issue a new title and registration
Some states have a state-wide process, but in Colorado, each county manages its own sales. Depending on your county, you may be required to submit additional paperwork to complete the title transfer process. This might be a bill of sale or transfer of ownership form.
You will also need to provide basic vehicle information such as the current odometer reading and sale price.
Who does the title transfer?
Here’s where it can get tricky. The responsibility for the title transfer depends on whether you’re buying (or selling) a vehicle privately or from a dealership.
In a private purchase, the buyer and seller must decide who will complete the title transfer process. On the other hand, when you buy a car from a dealer they will handle all the paperwork and send the title to the proper county DMV by mail.
Reasons for a title transfer
The most common reasons include a change of residency or buying or selling a car.
Here are some other reasons for a title change:
Paying off a vehicle loan
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Car title transfer in Colorado
In Colorado, you have 30 days after the change of ownership to do the title transfer. Otherwise, you’ll be charged a penalty fee. But don’t worry, you can complete the title transfer process online
or in-person at a local county DMV branch. Here’s what you will need:
Proof of insurance (if you plan to register the vehicle at the same time)
Secure and verifiable identification
Current title or ownership documents properly endorsed by previous owner
Completed odometer disclosure
Bill of sale for sales tax calculation
Get any lien documents from the seller—the document must include vehicle description (year, make, VIN), lienholder’s information (name, address, lien amount), and owner’s signature
Payment for the transfer titles fees
If your vehicle was previously titled out of state, then you will need additional documents:
Verification of Vehicle Identification Number form. This form can be completed by either:
Colorado law enforcement officer
Licensed Colorado motor vehicle dealer
Licensed Colorado emissions testing station
Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin
Valid registration or title which states the vehicle’s weight (if it is not shown, you will need a certified weight slip)
You may also need to provide personal information like your DL number.
From there, find your local county DMV using this map
if you want to visit a branch in-person. If you prefer to complete the process it online, go to the MyDMV Colorado site
and select Report Release of Liability under Vehicle Services. Note that title transfer fees differ between counties in Colorado. Once you’ve submitted all required documentation, you can expect to receive the new title within four to six weeks.
Key Takeaway The MyDMV Colorado portal will walk you through the title transfer process from start to finish—and there’s no lineup!
Registering a car in Colorado
You’re almost done! After a title transfer, you still need to register the vehicle. Whereas title transfer is about ownership, registration is proof that you can legally drive on the streets.
Colorado car registration
needs to be completed annually. Before you can register, you must be able to show a Colorado title and proof of auto insurance
that meets the state minimum coverage requirements.After becoming a Colorado resident, you have 90 days to register your vehicle. If it is owned by more than one person, you must declare intent to have the Certificate of Title issued in Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship.
Like with title transfer fees, counties assess their own registration fees. Fees are partially based on the vehicle’s age and weight.
When registering a vehicle, you will be required to pay some additional fees
in Colorado. | | |
---|
Specific Ownership Taxes (SOT) | 2.1% of taxable value in first year to 0.45% after the fifth year or older | This does not change throughout the life of the vehicle |
| | This fee is distributed to the County Clerk and Recorder |
| | Fee depends on weight of vehicle and goes to the County Road and Bridge Fund |
Funding Advancement for Surface Transportation Economic Recovery (FASTER) | | Goes to the Bridge Special Fund and HUTF |
Emissions-Area Air Account | | Helps fund emissions program enforcement |
Emissions Program County Area | | All vehicles must pay this fee |
Emissions-Statewide Air Account | | Helps the state AIR account |
Emergency medical services | | Excepted are trailers and low-power scooters |
| | Charged to vehicles that are not exempt from Motorist Insurance Identification Database fee |
Motorist Insurance Information Database | | Goes to the DRIVES Vehicle Services Account |
Peace Officer Standardized Training (POST) fee | | |
| | For year tab, month tab, and license plates |
Other fees may apply based on the type of vehicle, fuel type, license plate type, county of residence, or driving record.
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