How To Transfer a Car Title in Colorado
Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.
When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!
Although anyone may be permitted to operate a specific vehicle, the car's ownership is indicated by its title. The owner holds the title if the car has been fully paid for.
However, if there are outstanding payments, the bank holds the title. At the same time, the owner is given a certificate that serves as proof of ownership for insurance and state registration purposes.
Since the title is evidence of ownership, it must be transferred every time the car is sold, gifted, or inherited. In Colorado, transferring a car title is relatively straightforward and involves only a few basic steps.
This article covers everything you need to know about how to transfer a car title in Colorado.
Table of Contents
- How To Transfer Car Title in Colorado
- How To Transfer Car Title in Colorado If You're a New Resident With an Out-of-State Title
- How To Transfer Car Title in Colorado for Out-of-State Car Titles With Lease Agreements
- How To Request a Replacement Title in Colorado
- How To Complete the Colorado Title Transfer Forms
- Lien Filing in Colorado
- Cost of Title Transfer in Colorado
- Common Mistakes That Often Lead to Rejection of Title Transfer Requests
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
How To Transfer Car Title in Colorado
To complete the car title transfer, you must present the following credentials to the county motor vehicle office within your vicinity and remit the corresponding fees for the title, registration, and possibly sales tax:
- Proof of insurance (if registering the vehicle at the same time).
- Valid and verifiable identification.
- Current title or other proof of ownership endorsed by the previous owner.
- Completed odometer disclosure statement.
- Bill of sale for sales tax purposes.
- Mortgage document (security agreement) if there's a lien to be recorded.
The state handles dealer resale titles, low-powered scooters, and IRP titles, while the county motor vehicle offices handle most other titles.
If the car has multiple owners, it must have the title issued in Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship.
You can complete the Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship Acknowledgement of Intent form in the Title and Registration Application.
If the car was previously titled in a different state, you must complete the Verification of Vehicle Identification Number form (DR 2698).
To complete this form, contact a Colorado law enforcement agency, licensed Colorado motor vehicle dealer, or licensed Colorado emissions testing station.
You may also need to provide a manufacturer's statement of origin, valid registration or title, or a weight slip.
Once the transfer is complete and there are no liens on the vehicle, the Colorado title will be sent to you in a few weeks. However, the title will be mailed to the lienholder if a lien exists.
How To Transfer Car Title in Colorado If You're a New Resident With an Out-of-State Title
Upon establishing residency in Colorado, you are granted a 90-day window to register your vehicle.
It is essential to note that all states must adhere to Federal Law 28 CFR Part 25, National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) as of January 1, 2010, to safeguard states, individuals, and businesses from motor vehicle title fraud.
To comply with this mandate, the county motor vehicle office's capacity to print a title "over the counter" has been disabled for any title applications with an out-of-state title as the supporting document. Instead, the State Title Section will process and mail the Colorado Certificate of Title.
It is crucial to recognize that Out-Of-State titles branded or stamped with "export only" or "junk" will not be titled in Colorado.
A Verification of VIN form (DR 2698) must be completed if the vehicle was registered in a different state. You must contact one of the following service providers directly to obtain this form:
- A Colorado law enforcement agency.
- A licensed Colorado motor vehicle dealer.
- A licensed Colorado emissions testing station.
- Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (if titled for the first time).
- Valid registration or title, along with a weight slip.
How To Transfer Car Title in Colorado for Out-of-State Car Titles With Lease Agreements
If you are transferring car titles with a lien holder, you may complete and submit a title release form from the lien holder via mail.
Upon completion of the title release form, the lien holder will dispatch the title to the DMV in your new state of residency.
After the DMV in your new state of residency receives the title release form, you will be notified to visit your local CO DMV to complete the remaining procedures.
If you settle your vehicle loan before commencing the vehicle title transfer, you can avoid transferring your lien holder onto the new vehicle title.
Suppose you need to complete the vehicle title transfer of a leased vehicle. In that case, obtaining power of attorney from your leasing agency is mandatory before you can finalize the remaining procedures.
How To Request a Replacement Title in Colorado
One must appear at their local county office to obtain a replacement vehicle title in Colorado. To procure a replacement vehicle title, one must fulfill the following conditions:
- Valid identification if the vehicle was purchased on or after 7/1/2006.
- The title number and VIN of the vehicle in question
- Payment of the $8.20 fee for the duplicate title. Payment through the postal service must be tendered as a check and addressed to the "Colorado Department of Revenue" as the payee.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope must be included to receive the duplicate vehicle title by mail.
How To Complete the Colorado Title Transfer Forms
Initially, you must complete the customary data regarding the automobile transaction. In Colorado, it may be necessary to furnish information on the front and rear portions of the vehicle's title.
Subsequently, once the document is completed, furnish it to the buyer. You are mandated to furnish the following particulars on the vehicle's title:
- Full names of the buyer and seller
- Signatures of the buyer and seller
- Notary's endorsement (if applicable)
- Date of the transaction
- Vehicle purchase price
- Vehicle Identification Number
- Mileage reading (a separate document may be necessary to provide this information)
Ensure all the details above are provided before going to your local DMV.
Lien Filing in Colorado
Lien placement on a vehicle is a procedure conducted at the county motor vehicle office in the jurisdiction where the vehicle is currently located. On the other hand, lien extensions are processed at the nearby county clerk's office.
Lien filing typically spans a decade, though this does not apply to various types of vehicles, such as multipurpose trailers, truck tractors, trailer coaches, manufactured homes, and motor homes assigned specific maturity dates by the lienholder.
Cost of Title Transfer in Colorado
In Colorado, there are specific fees imposed for vehicle titles. These fees are as follows:
- Title fee: The state charges a fee of $7.20 for obtaining a vehicle title.
- Vehicle type fee: Depending on the classification of the vehicle, there are additional fees:
-
- Passenger vehicles: A fee of $45 is applicable for passenger vehicles.
- Light truck vehicles: Light truck vehicles are subject to a fee of $90.
- Specialty fees: There is an extra charge of $50 for specialty fees in addition to the other fees.
Kindly be advised that the fees mentioned above are susceptible to modification, and it is prudent to verify the prevailing fee schedule by consulting the Colorado Department of Revenue or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Staying abreast of the most current fee structure ensures accurate and up-to-date information regarding the applicable charges.
Common Mistakes That Often Lead to Rejection of Title Transfer Requests
Errors relating to vehicle titles include:
- Absent hand-written names, signatures, and job title of an agent signing on behalf of a company (unless a dealership or leasing company)
- Tampered odometer mileage or indicator
- Unmarked odometer indicator on the odometer statement
- Issues with Secure and Verifiable ID (SVID) on DR2842 include missing or incorrect ID information, lack of applicant or witness signature, or absence of the DR2421 Statement of One in the Same when the name doesn't match.
