Colorado does not have a state-mandated bill of sale form, but you can use any written agreement that documents the sale

Colorado law does not require a specific bill of sale document or template. Instead, the state accepts any written record that shows the buyer, seller, vehicle details, sale price, and date of transfer. You can write one yourself, use a template from a private source, or read one from an online legal document site. What matters is that the document clearly identifies both parties and the vehicle, and that both the buyer and seller sign it.

The bill of sale serves as proof of ownership transfer when you take it to the Colorado Department of Revenue to register the vehicle in your name. Without it, the department will not process the title transfer. The seller keeps a copy for their records, and the buyer keeps a copy to present at registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado does not provide an official bill of sale form, so you can create one yourself or use a template as long as it includes the seller's name, buyer's name, vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, and date.
  • Both the seller and buyer must sign the bill of sale in front of a notary public; Colorado does not require notarization, but having it notarized adds legal weight if a dispute arises later.
  • The buyer must bring the signed bill of sale to the Colorado Department of Revenue along with the existing title when registering the vehicle.
  • The seller should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three years in case questions arise about the sale or the vehicle's history.

What information must appear on a Colorado bill of sale

A Colorado bill of sale should include the seller's full name and current address, the buyer's full name and current address, and the date the sale took place. It must also show the vehicle's year, make, model, color, and vehicle identification number (VIN). The sale price should be listed, even if the vehicle was traded for something other than cash — write the agreed-upon value of the trade.

You should also note the vehicle's condition at the time of sale (for example, "as-is" or "with warranty") and whether any liens or loans are still attached to the title. If the seller still owes money on the vehicle, that must be disclosed. Include a statement that the seller is transferring all ownership rights to the buyer and that the seller has the legal right to sell the vehicle.

The document does not need to be long or formal. A single page with these details, signed by both parties, is sufficient. Many people use a straightforward template with blanks to fill in, which takes only a few minutes to complete.

Whether notarization is required and when it helps

Colorado does not require a bill of sale to be notarized. However, having a notary public witness both signatures adds a layer of legal protection. A notarized bill of sale is harder to challenge later if the seller claims they did not authorize the sale or if there is a dispute over the terms.

Notarization is especially useful if you are buying from a private seller you do not know well, if the sale price is high, or if the vehicle has a complex ownership history. To have a bill of sale notarized, both the buyer and seller must appear in person before a notary public with a valid photo ID. The notary will verify their identities, watch them sign, and then add their seal and signature to the document. Most banks, credit unions, and title companies offer notary services for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15.

Steps to complete the bill of sale before registration

Start by gathering the information you need: the seller's and buyer's full names and addresses, the vehicle's VIN (found on the dashboard or the existing title), the sale price, and the date of sale. Write or print a bill of sale template, filling in all the blanks with accurate information. Do not leave fields empty or use abbreviations that might be unclear.

Both the seller and buyer should review the document carefully to make sure all details are correct. Then both parties sign and date the bill of sale. If you want it notarized, take it to a notary public with both parties present and valid photo IDs. Once signed (and notarized if you choose), the buyer keeps one copy and the seller keeps one copy. The buyer will bring their copy to the Colorado Department of Revenue when registering the vehicle.

What happens to the bill of sale after you register the vehicle

When you take the bill of sale to the Colorado Department of Revenue to register the vehicle, the department will review it as part of the title transfer process. You will also need to bring the existing title (signed by the seller), proof of insurance, and a completed process for Vehicle Registration form. The department will keep the bill of sale on file as part of the registration record.

You do not need to submit the bill of sale separately or mail it in advance. Bring it with you when you go to register, along with the other required documents. After the registration is complete, you will receive a new title in your name. The bill of sale itself is not returned to you, but you should keep your copy for your personal records for at least three years.

Private sale versus dealer sale: what changes

If you are buying from a private seller, a bill of sale is your main proof of the transaction and ownership transfer. If you are buying from a licensed dealer, the dealer will provide their own bill of sale or sales agreement, which serves the same purpose. Dealer forms often include additional language about warranties, return policies, or dealer-specific terms, but the core information is the same.

For private sales, you have more control over what the bill of sale says. You can negotiate terms like whether the vehicle is sold as-is or with any verbal promises about repairs. For dealer sales, the terms are usually set by the dealer, though you can ask questions or request changes before signing. Either way, make sure you understand what you are signing and that all details about the vehicle and price are accurate before you put your name on the document.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale

Do not leave the VIN blank or write it incorrectly. The VIN is how the Colorado Department of Revenue matches the bill of sale to the existing title, so any error will slow down or block the registration. Double-check the VIN against the title or the vehicle itself before you write it down.

Do not use "cash" as the only price if you are trading the vehicle for something other than money. Write the agreed-upon value of the trade or the combination of cash and trade-in value. This protects both parties and gives the state a clear record of the transaction.

Do not sign the bill of sale if the seller has not signed it first, and do not let the seller sign without you present. Both parties should witness each other's signature. If you sign a blank bill of sale or one with incomplete information, you have no protection if the seller changes the terms later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale template I find online?

Yes. Colorado accepts any written bill of sale as long as it includes the seller's name and address, buyer's name and address, vehicle VIN, sale price, and date. Many free templates are available online and work fine. Make sure the template you choose is for Colorado or a general template, not one specific to another state.

What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?

You cannot register the vehicle without a signed bill of sale from the seller. If the seller refuses to sign, do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale is your proof that you own the vehicle, and without it, the Colorado Department of Revenue will not transfer the title to your name.

Do I need the bill of sale if I already have the title?

The bill of sale and the title are two different documents. The title shows who currently owns the vehicle; the bill of sale shows that ownership was transferred from the seller to you. You need both to register the vehicle in your name. The seller must sign the back of the title, and you must have a signed bill of sale to present to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

How long should I keep my copy of the bill of sale?

Keep your copy for at least three years. It serves as proof of purchase if questions arise about the vehicle's history, if you need to file an insurance claim, or if a dispute develops with the seller. After three years, you can discard it, though many people keep it for the life of their ownership.

Can I sell a vehicle without a bill of sale?

Technically, you can, but it is not recommended. Without a bill of sale, there is no written record of the sale, and the buyer has no proof they own the vehicle. The buyer will have difficulty registering it with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Always create and sign a bill of sale, even for a private sale between friends or family.