Buying a Car from Out of State in Colorado
Buying a car from out of state can save thousands — but registering it in Colorado requires specific steps, inspections, and tax payments. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy and after you bring the vehicle home.
Sales/Use Tax
2.9% state + local (Denver = 8.81% total)
Registration Window
45 days after becoming a CO resident
Inspection Required
Yes
Colorado-Specific Consideration
Colorado recently changed emissions testing rules — some older vehicles (pre-1981) and diesel vehicles have different requirements. Verify your specific vehicle year and fuel type against the current Colorado emissions schedule before purchase.
Colorado DMV Official Guide →How to Register an Out-of-State Vehicle in Colorado
- 1
Get a signed bill of sale from the seller
Before leaving, ensure the seller provides a signed, dated bill of sale with the VIN, sale price, odometer reading, and both signatures. Use the BillOfSaleNow form for a legally-sound document.
- 2
Obtain the out-of-state title
The seller signs the back of the title at sale. Verify the VIN matches the dashboard VIN plate. If there is a lien on the vehicle, request the lien release letter — without it, you cannot get a clean Colorado title.
- 3
Get Colorado-compliant insurance
Contact your insurer before the purchase. You need an active policy in Colorado with the correct VIN before you can register. Drive with the insurance card and bill of sale during the trip home.
- 4
Pass the Colorado inspection
Colorado requires an emissions test in the Denver/Boulder metro area (11 counties) for most vehicles. Out-of-state vehicles are not exempt.
- 5
Visit a Colorado DMV office
Bring the out-of-state title, bill of sale, and proof of CO insurance to a county motor vehicle office. Pay state and county sales/use tax at registration.
- 6
Pay sales/use tax
Colorado charges 2.9% state + local (Denver = 8.81% total). This is paid at the DMV/tag office, not to the seller. If you paid tax in the originating state, bring documentation — Colorado typically credits out-of-state tax paid.
- 7
Receive your ${stateName} title and plates
You will get Colorado plates immediately. Your certificate of title will be mailed within 2–4 weeks.
Documents Checklist for Colorado Registration
Signed out-of-state title (seller signature on back)
Lien release letter (if vehicle had an outstanding loan)
Signed bill of sale with VIN, price, odometer, both signatures
Colorado-compliant auto insurance card
Government-issued ID with current address
Emissions/safety inspection certificate
Odometer disclosure (if vehicle is < 10 years old)
Any warranty documentation or AS-IS disclosure from seller
Vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck)
★ = Required | ○ = Recommended
Does Buying Out-of-State Make Financial Sense?
When it makes sense
- The vehicle is $2,000+ cheaper than comparable local listings
- You can find a rare trim or color unavailable locally
- The vehicle has lower mileage than anything in your local market
- You are near a state border and can easily pick it up
- The originating state has lower or no sales tax (savings offset by Colorado use tax)
When to think twice
- The savings are less than $1,000 (travel + shipping + inspection eat the margin)
- The vehicle needs to pass a Colorado emissions test you are not sure it will pass
- Colorado uses fair market value for tax assessment instead of purchase price (GA, for example)
- The title has a lien and the seller is unclear about the payoff status
- You are buying from a private seller and cannot inspect in person
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax in Colorado when buying from out of state?
Yes — Colorado charges 2.9% state + local (Denver = 8.81% total) when you register the vehicle. If you paid sales tax in the originating state, Colorado typically gives you a credit. Bring your original bill of sale.
How long do I have to register an out-of-state car in Colorado?
45 days after becoming a CO resident. Missing this window can result in late fees at the DMV.
Does Colorado require an inspection for out-of-state vehicles?
Colorado requires an emissions test in the Denver/Boulder metro area (11 counties) for most vehicles. Out-of-state vehicles are not exempt.
What if the vehicle has a lien from the previous state?
You cannot get a clean Colorado title without a lien release. The seller must provide a letter from the lender confirming the loan is paid. Never complete an out-of-state purchase without verifying lien status on the title.
Can I drive home on the seller's out-of-state plates?
Generally yes — you can drive the vehicle home using the seller's plates and a copy of the signed bill of sale. Most states give buyers 7–30 days. Once you are a Colorado resident, register within the 45 days after becoming a co resident.
Generate a Colorado Bill of Sale
Use a professional, state-compliant bill of sale for your out-of-state vehicle purchase.
Create Colorado Bill of Sale