What You Need to Do to Title a Vehicle in Colorado

To title a vehicle in Colorado, you submit an process for Certificate of Title form (Form MV-14) to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership and a completed odometer statement. The process takes roughly 10 to 15 business days if submitted by mail, or you can complete it in person at a local DMV office for faster processing. You will need the vehicle's VIN, proof that sales tax was paid (or a sales tax exemption form), and identification showing your Colorado residency.

The specific documents and fees depend on whether you are titling a new vehicle, transferring a title from another state, or obtaining a replacement title. Colorado charges a title fee of $10.50 for most passenger vehicles, though fees vary slightly for motorcycles, trailers, and other vehicle types. If you are financing the vehicle, the lender's name will appear on the title as a lienholder.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form MV-14 (process for Certificate of Title) to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles along with proof of ownership and an odometer statement.
  • Processing takes 10 to 15 business days by mail or same-day to next-day service at a DMV office in person.
  • You need your vehicle's VIN, proof of sales tax payment, and a Colorado ID showing your current address.
  • The title fee is $10.50 for most vehicles, and if you have a loan on the vehicle, the lender will be listed as a lienholder on the title.

Documents Required for a New Colorado Title

Start with the process for Certificate of Title (Form MV-14), available on the Colorado DMV website or at any DMV office. You must complete this form in full, including your name, address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the vehicle's description (make, model, year). The form also includes a section for the odometer reading, which must be signed and dated by you.

Next, bring proof of ownership. If you purchased the vehicle from a dealer, this is the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) or the dealer's paperwork. If you bought it from a private party, bring the signed title from the previous owner. If the vehicle is new and has never been titled anywhere, bring the MCO.

You must also provide proof that sales tax was paid. This is usually a receipt from the dealer or a bill of sale showing the purchase price. If you are exempt from sales tax (for example, if you are a Native American tribal member or the vehicle qualifies for a specific exemption), bring the signed exemption form instead. Colorado DMV will not issue a title without evidence of tax payment or a valid exemption.

Finally, bring a valid Colorado ID showing your current address. A Colorado driver's license works, but you can also use a state ID card. If you recently moved to Colorado, bring your out-of-state driver's license plus a document showing your new Colorado address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Transferring a Title from Another State

If you own a vehicle titled in another state and are now a Colorado resident, you must transfer the title to Colorado within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring the original title from the previous state (signed by the previous owner if you just purchased it), your Form MV-14, proof of sales tax payment or exemption, and your Colorado ID.

Some states issue electronic titles, which means the previous state's DMV holds the title and you do not have a physical document. If this is the case, contact the previous state's DMV and request that they release the title to Colorado. You may need to provide them with your new Colorado address and authorization to transfer. Once Colorado DMV receives the electronic release, they will issue your Colorado title.

If the title from the previous state has a lienholder listed (a bank or finance company), that lien transfers to your Colorado title automatically. You do not need to do anything extra, but the lienholder's name will appear on your new Colorado title until the loan is paid off.

Replacing a Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Title

If your Colorado title is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can request a duplicate title by submitting Form MV-14 and paying the $10.50 fee. You do not need the original title or proof of ownership because Colorado DMV has your vehicle information on file. Bring your Colorado ID and complete the form, checking the box that indicates you are requesting a duplicate.

If your title was stolen and you suspect fraud, contact the Colorado DMV directly to report it. They can flag your vehicle record to prevent someone else from obtaining a fraudulent title. Processing a duplicate title takes the same 10 to 15 business days by mail or same-day service at a DMV office.

Where to Submit Your process and Processing Times

You can submit your title process by mail to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Include all required documents, the $10.50 fee (check or money order), and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the title mailed back to you. Processing by mail takes 10 to 15 business days from the date DMV receives your process.

For faster service, visit a local DMV office in person. Colorado has DMV offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and several other cities. In-person service is usually same-day or next-day, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can pay the title fee in cash, check, or debit card at the office.

You can find the address and hours of your nearest DMV office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others use an appointment system. Check ahead to see whether you need to schedule an appointment or can drop in.

Fees and Payment Methods

The standard title fee in Colorado is $10.50 for passenger vehicles. Motorcycles are $7.50, and trailers are $6.50. If you are requesting a duplicate title or a corrected title, the fee is the same. If you are transferring a title from another state, Colorado charges the same $10.50 fee; you do not pay the other state's fee again.

By mail, send a check or money order payable to "Colorado Department of Revenue." Do not send cash through the mail. At a DMV office, you can pay in cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted at most offices, though some locations may accept them—call ahead to confirm.

If you are financing the vehicle and the lender requires a title in their name before releasing funds, ask the lender whether they can submit the process directly to Colorado DMV. Some lenders handle title applications on behalf of borrowers to speed up the process.

Correcting Errors on Your Title

If your Colorado title contains an error—such as a misspelled name, wrong VIN, or incorrect vehicle description—you can request a corrected title. Submit Form MV-14 with the box marked for "Corrected Title," include your current title, and pay the $10.50 fee. Bring your Colorado ID and any documents that support the correction (for example, a bill of sale showing the correct VIN if the VIN was wrong).

Processing a corrected title takes the same 10 to 15 business days by mail. If the error is minor and you are in a hurry, visiting a DMV office in person may allow you to resolve it faster, though the office may still need to mail you a corrected title depending on the type of error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my vehicle before I receive the title?

No. Colorado requires you to have a title before you can register a vehicle. You must submit your title process first, receive your title, and then use that title to register the vehicle at a DMV office or online through the Colorado DMV website.

What if the previous owner's signature is missing from the title I'm transferring?

The previous owner must sign the title before you submit it to Colorado DMV. If the signature is missing, contact the previous owner and ask them to sign the back of the title. If you cannot reach them, contact Colorado DMV to ask whether they can process the process without the signature in your specific situation.

Do I need to have the vehicle inspected before I title it?

Colorado does not require a pre-title inspection for most vehicles. However, if the vehicle is a salvage vehicle, flood vehicle, or branded title vehicle, additional documentation and inspection may be required. Contact Colorado DMV if you are unsure whether your vehicle needs an inspection.

How long is a Colorado title valid?

A Colorado title does not expire. Once issued, it remains valid as long as you own the vehicle. You only need a new title if you transfer ownership, correct an error, or request a duplicate.

What happens if I move out of Colorado after getting a title?

Your Colorado title remains valid even if you move to another state. If you move and want to title the vehicle in your new state, contact that state's DMV. You will need to surrender your Colorado title and follow that state's titling process.