How to Sell a Boat Privately in Colorado (2026)
| Titling agency | Colorado DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 2.9% (Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | DR 2444A |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Colorado — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Colorado requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Colorado DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Colorado uses DR 2444A.
- 4Gather documentation — current Colorado registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Colorado dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Colorado registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Colorado DMV — buyer must register within 60 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Colorado DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Colorado lien release procedure
- Obtain Form DR 2444A from the Colorado DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs DR 2444A releasing the lien.
- Submit DR 2444A with the existing title and title application at your county motor vehicle office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean title.
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Start My Colorado Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Colorado?▾
Yes. Colorado requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Colorado DMV.
What is the Colorado boat title transfer deadline?▾
Colorado requires the buyer to transfer registration within 60 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Colorado?▾
Colorado charges 2.9% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Colorado DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Colorado boat bill of sale?▾
Colorado does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Colorado?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Colorado DMV and pays the registration fee plus 2.9% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 60 days of the sale date.
Source: Colorado DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07