How to Transfer a Car Title in Colorado

What You Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in Colorado

To transfer a car title in Colorado, you file Form MV-14 (process for Colorado Certificate of Title) with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles. You submit it in person at a local DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third party. The process takes about two weeks by mail, same-day or next-day if you go in person. You will need the current title, a bill of sale, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The fee is $10 for a standard title transfer, though additional fees explore if you need a duplicate title or are registering the vehicle at the same time.

The specific documents and steps depend on whether you are buying a used car from a private seller, trading in at a dealer, inheriting a vehicle, or receiving one as a gift. Each situation has slightly different requirements, and some require notarization or additional paperwork from the seller.

Key Takeaways

You must submit Form MV-14 to the Colorado DMV in person, by mail, or through an authorized agent within a set timeframe after buying or receiving a vehicle.
A bill of sale signed by the seller, the current title, and proof of your identity and Colorado residency are the core documents needed for any transfer.
The $10 title transfer fee does not include registration fees, which are calculated separately based on vehicle weight and age.
If the seller's name on the title does not match the bill of sale or if the title is damaged, you may need to request a duplicate or corrected title first.
Colorado allows you to transfer a title without registering the vehicle at the same time, but registration must happen within 60 days of purchase.

Gather the Documents the Seller Must Provide

The current owner must sign the title on the back in the section marked "Seller's Signature." Both the buyer and seller should sign and date a bill of sale — this is a written record of the sale price and date. Colorado does not have an official bill of sale form, so you can use any written agreement that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both parties. Many sellers use a straightforward template found online, or you can write one yourself.

If the title is a paper certificate, the seller must sign it in front of you or have it notarized. If the title is electronic (which Colorado now issues for most vehicles), the seller signs it through the online system before transferring it to you. Ask the seller whether the title is in paper or electronic form before you meet — this affects how you complete the transfer.

If the seller's name on the title does not match the name on their identification, or if the title shows a lien (a loan against the vehicle), the lender must sign off on the transfer. Do not accept a title with an active lien unless the seller can provide written proof that the lien will be paid off at the time of sale.

Prepare Your Identity and Residency Documents

You will need to prove who you are and that you live in Colorado. Acceptable forms of identification include a Colorado driver's license, a Colorado ID card, a passport, or a military ID. If you do not have a Colorado ID yet, bring your out-of-state license plus one additional document that shows your name and current Colorado address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

If you are transferring the title to a business or organization rather than yourself, bring the business registration documents and the name and ID of the person signing on behalf of the business. If you are transferring a title to multiple owners, all owners must sign Form MV-14 and provide identification.

Complete Form MV-14 and Submit It

read Form MV-14 from the Colorado Department of Revenue website or pick one up at a DMV office. Fill in your name, address, and driver's license number; the vehicle's VIN, make, model, and year; the seller's name and address; and the purchase price. Sign and date the form. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer often completes this form for you, but you should still review it for accuracy.

Submit the form along with the signed title, the bill of sale, your identification, and proof of residency to any Colorado DMV office. You can also mail the documents to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Include a check or money order for $10 made out to "Colorado Department of Revenue." If you submit by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the new title mailed back to you.

If you use an authorized third party (such as a title service or some auto dealers), they can submit the paperwork on your behalf. You will still need to provide all original documents and sign Form MV-14, but the third party handles the DMV filing. This typically costs $25 to $50 in addition to the state fee.

Understand Timeline and Registration Timing

If you submit in person at a DMV office, you can receive your new title the same day or the next business day. If you mail the documents, allow two to three weeks for processing. The DMV will mail the new title to the address you provide on Form MV-14.

You do not have to register the vehicle at the same time you transfer the title, but Colorado law requires you to register it within 60 days of purchase. If you do not register within that window, you may face late fees or penalties. Many people transfer the title and register the vehicle in the same visit to save time, but you can do them separately if needed.

If you are buying a vehicle from out of state, you have 30 days from the date you bring it into Colorado to transfer the title and register it. After 30 days, you cannot legally drive the vehicle in Colorado without a Colorado title and registration.

Handle Special Situations

If you are inheriting a vehicle, the executor of the estate or the person handling the deceased owner's affairs must sign the title. You will also need a copy of the death certificate and a letter stating that the vehicle is part of the estate. Some Colorado counties require the title to be notarized in this case.

If you are receiving a vehicle as a gift, the process is the same as a purchase, except the bill of sale shows a sale price of $0 or "gift." The giver must still sign the title and provide identification. Colorado does not charge sales tax on gifts, but you still pay the $10 title transfer fee and registration fees.

If the title is damaged, lost, or the seller cannot locate it, you can request a duplicate title from the Colorado DMV. This takes an additional one to two weeks. The seller must complete Form MV-14 (Duplicate) and pay a $10 fee. Once you receive the duplicate, you proceed with the transfer as normal.

What Happens After the DMV Processes Your Transfer

The Colorado DMV will mail your new title to the address you provided on Form MV-14. The title will show your name as the owner and will include the vehicle's VIN, make, model, year, and odometer reading. Keep this title in a safe place — you will need it if you sell the vehicle later or if you need to prove ownership.

Once you have the new title, you can register the vehicle if you have not already. Registration requires proof of insurance, the new title, and payment of registration fees based on the vehicle's weight and age. You can register at any Colorado DMV office or online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?

No. You should not drive the vehicle on public roads until you have transferred the title and registered it in Colorado. If you are buying from out of state, you have 30 days to complete both steps. During that time, you can drive it with your out-of-state title and registration, but after 30 days you must have a Colorado title and registration.

What if the seller will not sign the title?

Do not complete the purchase. A title transfer requires the seller's signature. If the seller is unwilling or unable to sign, you cannot legally own the vehicle. If you have already paid, contact the seller in writing and request a refund, or consult a lawyer about your options.

Do I need to notarize the title?

For most private sales in Colorado, notarization is not required if you submit the title in person at a DMV office. If you mail the title, some DMV offices request notarization to verify the seller's signature. Call your local DMV office before mailing to confirm whether notarization is needed for your situation.

What if there is a lien on the title?

A lien means the vehicle is financed or has an outstanding loan. The lender must sign off on the title before you can transfer it. The seller should provide written proof that the lien will be paid off at closing. If the lien is not paid off, you cannot legally own the vehicle free and clear.

How much does a Colorado title transfer cost?

The title transfer fee is $10. Registration fees are separate and depend on the vehicle's weight and age. A duplicate title costs $10. If you use a third-party service to file the paperwork, expect to pay an additional $25 to $50 on top of state fees.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.