How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Colorado
Colorado has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Colorado-Specific Note
Colorado-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Colorado Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Colorado, the title transfer fee is $7.2 and registration costs $50 - $100+ based on vehicle weight and age. Vehicle sales are subject to 2.9% state plus local taxes; ownership tax based on age. Colorado does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Colorado — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Emissions testing required in Denver metro and northern Front Range
- Ownership tax calculated based on vehicle taxable value
- VIN verification required for out-of-state vehicles
Official Colorado bill of sale form
The official Colorado bill of sale form is DR 2173 (Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Colorado requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
Colorado sales tax on vehicle purchases
Colorado has a 2.9% state sales tax rate. 2.9% state plus county/city taxes (total 3–10%). Private-party vehicle sales in Colorado are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age. The title transfer fee is $7.
Colorado bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,683 bill of sale documents for Colorado transactions, with 45 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Colorado Vehicle Guides
- Fleet Vehicle Sale in Colorado
- GAP Insurance Claim in Colorado
- Government Surplus Vehicle in Colorado
- Hit-and-Run Vehicle Claim in Colorado
- Hold Harmless Vehicle Sale in Colorado
- Insurance Required to Register in Colorado
Each guide is written specifically for Colorado laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Colorado?
Colorado requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Colorado?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Colorado?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Colorado?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Colorado require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Colorado bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.