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Table of Contents
- What Are the Basics?
- How do I Sign the Title?
- What If I’ve Lost the Title?
- What Information is Included in the Bill of Sale?
- Why Do I Need to Include the Odometer Reading?
- Why Do I Need a Bill of Sale?
- May I Transfer Plates?
- What if I Don’t Transfer Plates to a New Vehicle?
- What if I am Giving the Car to Someone Rather than Selling It?
- How Do I, As Executor, Transfer the Car to an Heir?
What Are the Basics?
The owners of titled vehicles in Colorado have state-issued titles that they can use to legally transfer ownership of their respective vehicles. The sale requires the owner or owners listed on the title to sign and date the title. You also need to provide the odometer reading to establish the official mileage at the time of the sale.
The Colorado DMV also requires a completed bill of sale that lists the VIN number, year, make and model as well as the selling price. The Colorado DMV uses the bill of sale to determine the appropriate sales tax when applicable.
How do I Sign the Title?
What if I’ve Lost the Title?
If you have lost the Colorado-issued title or it otherwise is not legible or available, you can obtain a duplicate title from the Colorado DMV. You can complete and submit a Duplicate Title/Lien Request and Receipt form along with the fee online, by mail or at a DMV service center.
What Information is Included in the Bill of Sale?
The bill of sale includes the VIN number, year, make and model of the vehicle. It also includes the name or names of the sellers and buyer or buyers and the selling price.
Why Do I Need to Include the Odometer Reading?
An odometer reading helps to determine the original mileage on a vehicle, which helps to thwart potential fraud. The odometer reading goes on the title and not the bill of sale.
Why do I Need a Bill of Sale?
The Colorado DMV will use the bill of sale to determine the tax on the transaction when the buyer obtains a title.
May I Transfer Plates?
When selling a vehicle, you cannot transfer the license plate to the seller. You must remove the license plate and return it to the Colorado DMV or transfer it to another vehicle that you own.
What if I Don’t Transfer Plates to a New Vehicle?
If you do not transfer plates to a new vehicle, you can return it at a local DMV service center.
What if I am Giving the Car to Someone Rather than Selling It?
You still must sign the title and provide a bill of sale with the selling price indicated as “Gift.” The DMV will not charge a sales tax but will charge a registration fee for the new owner plus the fee to transfer the title to the new owner.
How do I, As Executor, Transfer the Car to an Heir?
An executor can transfer a vehicle to an heir by completing and submitting a Transfer of Title Upon Death form.