What you need to do a Colorado vehicle title transfer

Colorado requires you to transfer the title within 10 days of buying a vehicle. You do this through the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through your county. The process involves submitting specific documents, paying a fee, and either mailing everything in or visiting a DMV office in person.

The state does not require a notary for most title transfers, but the seller's signature on the back of the title must be original ink — photocopies are not accepted. If you are financing the vehicle, your lender will likely handle some of this paperwork for you, but you still need to understand what documents go where.

The whole process typically takes two to four weeks if you mail it in, or you can walk out the same day if you go to a DMV office. Costs vary depending on whether you are transferring from out of state, whether the vehicle is new or used, and whether you need a duplicate title.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit the signed title, an process form (MV-14), proof of insurance, and a bill of sale to the Colorado DMV within 10 days of purchase.
  • If you are buying from a private seller, you need their original signature on the back of the title in ink; if you are buying from a dealer, they usually handle the signature.
  • The title transfer fee in Colorado is $7.20 for most transfers, though out-of-state transfers and duplicate titles may cost more.
  • You can mail your documents to the DMV or visit an office in person; mailing takes two to four weeks, while in-person service is usually same-day.
  • If the seller's name does not match the title exactly, or if the title is missing, you will need to contact the previous owner or the state where the vehicle was last registered.

Documents the Colorado DMV requires

Start with the original title signed by the seller. The seller must sign the back of the title in blue or black ink. If the title has two owners listed, both must sign unless the title says "or" between the names — if it says "and," both signatures are required. If the seller cannot sign (death, incapacity), you will need a power of attorney or a court order, which adds time to the process.

Next, complete Form MV-14, the process for Colorado Title and Registration. This form asks for your name, address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the odometer reading, and whether you are transferring from another state or from within Colorado. You can read this form from the Colorado DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office.

You will also need proof of insurance. Colorado law requires you to have liability insurance before the title is transferred to you. Bring a copy of your insurance card or a declaration page from your insurance company showing your name, the vehicle VIN, and the policy dates. The insurance does not have to be active yet — it just has to show you have coverage in place.

Finally, bring a bill of sale if you are buying from a private seller. This is a straightforward document that lists the seller's name, your name, the vehicle details, the sale price, and the date. Colorado does not have a required form for this — you can write it on plain paper or use a template from the DMV website. If you are buying from a dealer, they will provide this.

Transferring a title from out of state

If you are moving to Colorado with a vehicle registered in another state, you have 90 days to transfer the title. You will need the out-of-state title, your Colorado proof of insurance, Form MV-14, and a bill of sale. The fee is the same as an in-state transfer ($7.20), but processing may take slightly longer because the DMV has to verify the out-of-state registration.

Some states issue electronic titles instead of paper titles. If your previous state uses electronic titles, contact that state's DMV to request a paper copy before you move. Colorado cannot process a transfer without a physical title document in hand. This can add one to two weeks to your timeline, so plan ahead if you are relocating.

If your out-of-state title is lost or damaged, you will need to get a duplicate from the state where the vehicle was last registered before you can transfer it to Colorado. Contact that state's DMV directly — the Colorado DMV cannot issue a title for a vehicle that was never registered in Colorado.

Where to submit your documents

You have two options: mail your documents or visit a DMV office. If you mail, send everything to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214. Include a check or money order for $7.20 made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Do not send cash. Mailing typically takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope.

If you visit in person, find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website. Bring all original documents, your check or money order, and a valid ID. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept appointments online. Processing usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you will receive your new title and registration the same day.

The DMV is closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. If you are mailing, make copies of everything for your records before you send it — the DMV will not return your documents.

What happens if the title has a lien or loan

If you are financing the vehicle, your lender is listed on the title as a lienholder. You cannot transfer the title to yourself until the lien is released. In most cases, your lender will handle this automatically once the loan is funded. Ask your lender whether they will send the lien release directly to the Colorado DMV or whether they will send it to you to submit.

If the lender sends it to you, include the lien release with your other documents when you submit your title transfer. The lien release is usually a separate document or a notation on the title itself. Do not submit your title transfer without it — the DMV will reject the process and send everything back.

If you are buying a used vehicle from a private seller who still owes money on it, be very cautious. The seller should pay off the loan before the sale closes, and the lien should be released before you take possession. If the lien is not released, you cannot legally own the vehicle, and you could lose money if the lender repossesses it.

Title transfer fees and what they cover

The standard title transfer fee in Colorado is $7.20. This covers the cost of processing your process and issuing a new title in your name. If you are also registering the vehicle for the first time in Colorado, you will owe registration fees in addition to the title fee. Registration fees depend on the vehicle's age, weight, and type, and they range from about $50 to $200 per year.

If you need a duplicate title because the original is lost or damaged, the fee is $7.20 as well. If you are transferring a title from out of state and the vehicle is new to Colorado, you may owe a one-time use tax based on the purchase price, though this varies depending on your county and the vehicle's value.

The DMV accepts checks, money orders, and cash at in-person locations. If you are mailing, send a check or money order only — do not send cash through the mail. Some DMV offices accept credit cards, but this varies by location, so call ahead if you want to pay that way.

Common mistakes that delay your transfer

The most common error is submitting a title with a signature that is not original ink. Photocopied signatures, printed signatures, or signatures in pencil will be rejected. The seller must sign in blue or black ink on the back of the title. If this happens, the DMV will send your process back, and you will have to resubmit with a properly signed title.

Another frequent problem is missing or incorrect information on Form MV-14. Make sure the VIN matches the title exactly, the odometer reading is accurate, and your address is complete. A single digit wrong in the VIN can cause the process to be rejected.

If you are buying from a private seller and the seller's name on the title does not match their ID, the DMV may ask for additional documentation. This can happen if someone recently married, divorced, or changed their name. Ask the seller to bring a court order or marriage certificate to prove the name change, or contact the DMV before you submit to find out what they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle before the title is transferred?

Yes, but only if you have temporary registration. When you buy from a dealer, they issue a temporary registration document that is valid for 30 days. If you buy from a private seller, you can ask the DMV for a temporary registration at the time you submit your title transfer. You must have proof of insurance to get temporary registration.

What if the seller will not sign the title?

Do not complete the purchase. A title cannot be transferred without the seller's signature. If the seller is unwilling or unable to sign, you have no legal claim to the vehicle. If you have already paid, contact a lawyer — this is a civil matter and may require court action to recover your money.

How long does it take to get the new title in the mail?

If you mail your documents, expect two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. If you submit in person at a DMV office, you will receive your new title the same day. The DMV does not issue temporary titles by mail, so if you need to drive the vehicle before the title arrives, you will need to visit an office in person.

Do I need to notarize the title?

No. Colorado does not require a notary for standard title transfers. The seller's original ink signature on the back of the title is all that is needed. Some lenders may require a notarized power of attorney if the seller cannot sign in person, but this is rare and the lender will tell you if it is needed.

What if I bought the vehicle years ago and never transferred the title?

Transfer it as soon as you can. Colorado allows transfers up to several years after purchase, but you may owe back registration fees and penalties. Contact the Colorado DMV directly to find out what you owe before you submit your documents. The longer you wait, the more complicated the process becomes.