Colorado DMV Vehicle Title Transfers

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Home / DMV Information / Colorado / Title Transfer

In Colorado, the registration of your car could be denied or delayed if the Colorado Motor Car Registration file doesn't show insurance coverage for the car. Each week, insurance companies inform the Colorado Motor Car Registration Division of who has or doesn't have insurance. Note: you must provide proof of insurance to your county clerk and recorder before your car's registration can be completed.

  • Colorado Resident with a New Car

    If you're a Colorado resident and have recently purchased a car, you will need to apply for a Colorado title and car registration in order to complete the change of ownership. Simply take the following documents in to the Motor Car office in the county where you reside:

    1. Secure and Verifiable Identification
    2. The current title or the documents from the dealer properly endorsed by the previous owner.
    3. Current and accurate car odometer reading.
    4. Proof of a Colorado car emissions test if required depending on where you live.
    5. If the car was titled in another state, a car identification verification form (DR 2395), which can be completed by a licensed CO motor car dealer, a law enforcement officer, or licensed Colorado emissions testing station.
    6. Proof of car insurance coverage (insurance card, copy of insurance policy or letter from your insurance company on the company's letterhead paper).
    7. If a lien is to be recorded, an acceptable mortgage document (security agreement). The mortgage document must be a carbon copy, original, or a certified copy and must contain the car description (year, make, car identification number or VIN), lien amount, lien holder's name and address, and the owner's signature.
    8. A bill of sale for sales tax purposes.

    At the county motor car office, you'll need to pay the registration fees, car title fees, and any applicable sales tax. Your Colorado title will be mailed to you if there are no liens filed against the car. If there is a lien, the title will be mailed to the lien holder. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

    • New Residents

      If you're a new Colorado resident, you must apply for a Colorado title and registration for your car within 30 days from establishing Colorado residency. You will need to apply in the County Motor Car Office in the county where you reside. You need to bring the following documents:

      1. Secure and Verifiable Identification
      2. Your out of state title or current out of state registration.
      3. A current and accurate odometer reading.
      4. Depending on where you live, you may need to get an emissions test. Find out more about whether you need to get an emissions test.
      5. Proof of car insurance coverage (insurance card, copy of insurance policy or letter from your insurance company on the company's letterhead paper).
      6. A car identification verification form (DR 2395), which can be completed by a licensed Colorado motor car dealer, a law enforcement officer, or licensed Colorado emissions testing station.
      7. If a lien exits on an out-of-state title, the lien holder's name and address must be given if not shown on the out of state title or registration.

      At the county motor car office, you'll need to pay the registration fees, car title fees, and any applicable sales tax. Your Colorado title will be mailed to you if there are no liens filed against the car. If there is a lien, the title will be mailed to the lien holder. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

    You can learn more about Colorado vehicle title transfers on their website.

    Note: This article was accurate when it was published. Please confirm all details directly with the CO DMV. You can visit the CO DMV website or call the DMV for more information.

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