Paperwork When Buying a Car in Colorado
To complete all of the necessary steps to title and register your vehicle in Colorado following a purchase, you will need certain documents from the seller.
Use this guide to learn more about what paperwork the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires to:
- Buy a car.
- Register and title that car.
Paperwork for Colorado Car Buyers
To avoid fines or penalties, you must register and title your car in Colorado within 60 days following a purchase. The paperwork you receive when buying a car will differ based on whether you purchased your new vehicle from a dealership or a private party.
Paperwork from Dealer Purchases
When you buy a vehicle from a dealership, the dealership will submit all the required paperwork to the DMV for you for titling and registration. You should receive a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) if your car is brand new, or the existing title if it is a certified pre-owned or used car.
Paperwork from Private Vehicle Purchases
For cars bought from a private seller, make sure you receive the following documents before completing the sale:
- The certificate of title, with all transactional components filled out—this includes:
- Signatures from you and the seller.
- The vehicle's:
- Purchase date.
- Sale price.
- Odometer reading.
- A bill of sale.
- When transferring ownership of a vehicle, the Colorado DMV requires a bill of sale. The Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale (Form DR 2173) can be obtained through specific vendors in Colorado . Be sure to include:
- Time and date of sale.
- The purchase price.
- The vehicle's details:
- Year.
- Make.
- Model.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN).
- When transferring ownership of a vehicle, the Colorado DMV requires a bill of sale. The Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale (Form DR 2173) can be obtained through specific vendors in Colorado . Be sure to include:
- An emissions certificate, if you live in a county where emissions testing in required.
- For information, visit our guide to CO smog inspections.
What If No Title Is Present?
If the seller does not have a title, they must apply for a duplicate title before ownership can be transferred.
The process for applying for a duplicate title includes:
- Completing a Duplicate Title Request and Receipt (Form DR 2539A).
- Securing a lien release if a lienholder possesses the title.
- Paying the $8.20 duplicate title fee.
CO Car Registration Paperwork
After buying a car, you will have 60 days to title and register it at your local DMV office.
You'll need the above-mentioned paperwork that you received from the seller, be it a dealer or a private party. Bring these documents with you to complete the process:
- The vehicle title, properly filled out.
- If the vehicle is being titled for the first time, you may also need:
- A manufacturer's statement of origin.
- A document that specifies the weight of the vehicle.
- If the vehicle is being titled for the first time, you may also need:
- Proof of insurance.
- An emissions certificate.
- Only required in certain counties. For more information, visit our Car Inspections in Colorado page.
- A completed Application for Title & Registration (Form DR 2395).
- A bill of sale.
- Lien documents, if applicable.
- An odometer statement.
- Usually recorded either on the title or bill of sale.
- Payment for the required fees.
Visit our Car Registration in Colorado page for a complete outline on registering your newly-purchased car with the DMV.