How to Sell a Car in Colorado (Private Party)

Required Documents

• Colorado Certificate of Title — signed by the seller on the assignment section with odometer disclosure
• Bill of sale — recommended to document the sale price, which is used to calculate sales tax
• Emissions certificate — required for vehicles registered in Denver, Boulder, and several Front Range counties
• Valid government-issued ID for both parties
• Lien release — required if the title shows a lienholder

Title Transfer Process

• Seller signs the assignment of title on the back of the Colorado title, including the odometer reading
• No notarization is required for a private sale in Colorado
• Buyer submits the signed title to the county motor vehicle office within 60 days of purchase
• Colorado title transfers are handled at the county level — contact your county clerk and recorder's office

Taxes and Fees

• 2.9% Colorado state sales tax on the purchase price
• Local taxes add 0%–8.3% depending on the city and county (Denver adds 4.81% for a combined ~7.71%)
• RTD/FTA (metro district transit taxes) add up to 1.1% in the Denver metro area
• $7.20 title fee plus applicable ownership tax paid by the buyer at the county office
• Colorado ownership tax is an annual property tax on vehicles — assessed at the county level

Timeline

• Buyer has 60 days to transfer the title — one of the longest windows of any state
• Late transfers result in a penalty from the county motor vehicle office
• Emissions testing (where required) must be completed before the title transfer

Seller Tips

• Colorado license plates stay with the seller — remove them before handing over the vehicle
• Notify the county clerk that you have sold the vehicle to avoid future registration or parking fine liability
• If emissions testing is required in your county, advise the buyer to complete it before visiting the county office
• Keep a copy of the signed title and bill of sale for at least two years

How to create a bill of sale

1. Confirm there are no outstanding liens on the Colorado title; if there are, obtain a lien release first.
2. Sign the assignment of title on the back of the CO title, including the odometer reading and buyer's name.
3. Complete a bill of sale with both parties' names, VIN, sale price, and sale date.
4. Hand the signed title and bill of sale to the buyer.
5. Remove your Colorado license plates — they remain yours.
6. Advise the buyer to submit the signed title to the county motor vehicle office within 60 days and complete any required emissions testing first.

Frequently asked questions