Just Sold My Boat in Colorado — What’s Next? (2026)
Need Colorado bill of sale documentation?
If you haven’t generated a Colorado-compliant bill of sale yet, do it now — your proof-of-sale window closes the moment the buyer leaves.
Start My Colorado Boat Bill of Sale →Colorado boat sale facts
| Titling agency | Colorado DMV ↗ |
| Title transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Release of liability | File with Colorado DMV within 5 days |
| Buyer’s sales / use tax | 2.9% (Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fee (buyer pays) | $7 |
| Boat identifier | HIN (Hull Identification Number) |
Your Colorado boat post-sale checklist
- 1
Keep your signed Colorado bill of sale
This is your proof that you sold the boat on the sale date. If the buyer gets a ticket, is in an accident, or fails to transfer the title within 60 days from the sale date, the Colorado bill of sale shields you from liability. Keep both your copy and a scan for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with Colorado DMV
Most Colorado sellers file this online through Colorado DMV within 5 days of the sale. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents become the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Colorado requires the buyer to title the boat within 60 days — your release filing protects you if the buyer misses that deadline.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your boat insurance
Contact your insurer the same day you hand over the keys. Colorado does not require you to maintain insurance on a vehicle you no longer own, but you must not cancel before the sale is complete. If you are replacing the boat with another, transfer the policy instead — many insurers offer a short grace period to bind coverage on the new vehicle.
- 4
Remove your registration decal and registration decal
In Colorado, the registration decal stays with the seller, not the boat. Remove the decal before handover and return any current registration to the Colorado boating authority. The buyer will register the vessel in their name and receive new decals.
- 5
Verify the 60-day title transfer window
Colorado requires the buyer to retitle the boat at Colorado DMV within 60 days of the sale date. If you have not received confirmation that the title has been transferred by day 65, contact Colorado DMV with your bill of sale and release-of-liability filing number to confirm the change of ownership.
- 6
Confirm your Colorado tax obligations (seller's side)
Colorado charges 2.9% sales/use tax on private-party boat sales — the buyer pays this at Colorado DMV when titling. Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age. Sellers generally do not owe Colorado sales tax, but if the boat sold for more than your original purchase price you may owe federal capital gains tax. Consult a tax advisor.
- 7
Watch for liens or loan payoff confirmation
If you had a loan on the boat, confirm the lender received the buyer's payoff and has released the lien on the Colorado title before you deliver the title. Colorado uses DR 2444A as the lien release form — your lender will file this with Colorado DMV to clear the title record.
Boat-specific note
Boats use a Hull Identification Number (HIN) instead of a VIN — confirm the HIN on the transom matches the title and bill of sale. If the vessel is U.S. Coast Guard documented (5+ net tons, typically 26ft+), file an abstract-of-title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado
How long do I have to file a release of liability in Colorado?▾
Colorado sellers should file a release of liability with Colorado DMV within 5 days of the sale. Most Colorado sellers can file this online directly through Colorado DMV. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents fall on the buyer.
What is the Colorado title transfer deadline for a boat?▾
Colorado requires the buyer to title the boat within 60 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Do I owe Colorado sales tax on the boat I just sold?▾
Colorado charges 2.9% sales/use tax on private-party boat sales. Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age. The buyer typically pays this at Colorado DMV when titling — sellers generally owe no Colorado sales tax on the proceeds. You may owe federal capital gains if you sold for more than the original purchase price.
Does Colorado require a notary on the boat bill of sale?▾
No. Colorado does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' full names, addresses, signatures, and the date is sufficient for Colorado DMV.
How does the buyer register the boat in Colorado?▾
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Colorado DMV, pays the title fee (~$7) plus 2.9% sales/use tax, and receives a new Colorado title in their name. Transfer must be completed within 60 days of the sale date.
What is U.S. Coast Guard documentation and do I need to file anything with the USCG?▾
USCG documentation is a federal title for vessels 5+ net tons (typically 26ft+) used in commerce or international waters. Recreational boats under 26 feet usually do not need USCG documentation — state registration and a bill of sale are sufficient. If your boat IS USCG-documented, file an abstract of title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
Where do I find the HIN on my boat?▾
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character serial stamped on the starboard side of the transom (back of the boat) above the waterline. It is also recorded on the title. Confirm the HIN on the transom matches your bill of sale and title before the buyer pulls away on the trailer.
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Source: Colorado DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07