How to Register a Car in Colorado After a Private Sale
You have 60 days from date of purchase to register your newly purchased vehicle in Colorado. Here is every document you need, what it will cost, and exactly where to go.
Deadline
60 days
Title Fee
$7.20
Sales Tax
2.9%
Smog Required
Yes
Required Documents in Colorado
- Signed Colorado Certificate of Title
- Odometer disclosure (for vehicles under 10 years old)
- Proof of Colorado auto insurance
- Emissions certificate (if in applicable county)
- Payment for title, registration, and sales tax
Colorado Registration Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | $7.20 |
| Annual registration fee | Based on vehicle age and weight — typically $50–$150 |
| Sales / use tax | 2.9% state + local (varies by county; Denver ~8.81% combined) |
| Smog inspection | Required — $30–$80 at test-only station |
Colorado has the longest deadline for title transfer at 60 days — but late fees still apply after 60 days. Registration fees vary significantly by county due to local levies.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Car in Colorado
- 1
Get a signed title from the seller
The seller must sign the back of the Colorado Certificate of Title in the appropriate seller section, entering the odometer reading and sale date. Do not accept an unsigned title — it cannot be transferred.
- 2
Obtain a bill of sale
A bill of sale documenting the sale price, date, VIN, and both parties' names is required in Colorado to calculate the 2.9% state + local (varies by county; Denver ~8.81% combined) sales/use tax at the DMV. Keep a copy for your records.
- 3
Get a smog/emissions certificate
Colorado requires a smog or emissions certificate before title transfer. Emissions testing required in the Denver metro area (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld counties) for vehicles 1982 or newer.
- 4
Obtain proof of insurance
You must show proof of Colorado insurance meeting the state minimum liability requirements. Contact your insurer before completing the purchase — most policies extend to newly acquired vehicles for 30 days.
- 5
Visit Colorado DMV
Bring all required documents to Colorado DMV. Colorado DMV offers myDMV.colorado.gov for registration renewal. Title transfers after private sales typically require visiting a county clerk and recorder. Pay the title fee ($7.20), registration fee (Based on vehicle age and weight — typically $50–$150), and applicable sales tax (2.9% state + local (varies by county; Denver ~8.81% combined)).
- 6
Receive your plates and registration card
Colorado will issue your registration card immediately or by mail. New plates are typically available same day. Your new title arrives by mail within 4–8 weeks. Colorado has the longest deadline for title transfer at 60 days — but late fees still apply after 60 days. Registration fees vary significantly by county due to local levies.
FAQ — Colorado Car Registration
How long do I have to register a car after buying it in Colorado?
Colorado requires title transfer and registration within 60 days from date of purchase. Operating a vehicle with an untransferred title may result in penalties. The deadline runs from the date of sale on the bill of sale and title.
How much does it cost to register a car in Colorado?
Colorado registration costs include: title fee $7.20, registration fee Based on vehicle age and weight — typically $50–$150, and sales/use tax of 2.9% state + local (varies by county; Denver ~8.81% combined). Total out-of-pocket for a $10,000 vehicle purchase is typically $800–$1,500 depending on county.
Do I need a smog check to register a car in Colorado?
Yes. Emissions testing required in the Denver metro area (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld counties) for vehicles 1982 or newer.
Can I register a car online in Colorado?
Yes, partially. Colorado DMV offers myDMV.colorado.gov for registration renewal. Title transfers after private sales typically require visiting a county clerk and recorder.
What documents do I need to register a used car in Colorado?
Required: Signed Colorado Certificate of Title; Odometer disclosure (for vehicles under 10 years old); Proof of Colorado auto insurance; Emissions certificate (if in applicable county); Payment for title, registration, and sales tax.
What if the seller did not give me the title?
You cannot register or legally operate the vehicle without a properly signed title. Contact the seller immediately — they must sign the title over to you. If the seller is unresponsive or the title is lost, the seller must apply for a duplicate title from Colorado DMV before the transfer can be completed. Never purchase a vehicle without receiving the signed title at the time of sale.
Need a Colorado Bill of Sale?
A proper bill of sale is required to establish the taxable sale price at the Colorado DMV.
Create Colorado Bill of Sale