Colorado Car Sales Tax Calculator (2026)
Estimate Colorado car sales tax in seconds. Enter your sale price and pick your county-rate tier; the calculator returns state tax, local surtax, title transfer fee, and total out-the-door cost for a private party sale.
Colorado Car Sales Tax Calculator
Estimate state tax, local surtax, and total cost for a private car sale in Colorado.
Estimated total tax
$450.00
3.00% combined rate
Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age
2.9% state plus county/city taxes (total 3–10%)
Estimate only. CO DMV may calculate tax from the higher of purchase price or book value. Confirm exact rates with your county tax assessor before transfer.
How Colorado taxes private car sales
Colorado charges a 2.9% state sales tax on private party car purchases, plus a county-level surtax that ranges from 0.10% to 7.10% depending on where the buyer registers. 2.9% state plus county/city taxes (total 3–10%). Combined effective rates fall between 3.00% and 10.00%.
Who pays the tax
In Colorado the buyer pays the car sales tax at the time of title transfer — it is collected by the DMV (or equivalent agency) when the buyer registers the vehicle. The seller does not collect tax in a private party sale.
When the tax is due
Tax is due within 60 days of the sale date. Colorado late-titling penalties typically begin once that window closes — interest accrues monthly on unpaid tax.
Exemptions and gift transfers
Gift transfers between immediate family members may qualify for a sales-tax exemption — confirm with the Colorado DMV at title transfer.
Late penalties
Filing the title transfer beyond the 60-day window typically triggers a late fee plus monthly interest on the unpaid tax. The Colorado DMV may also block registration renewals until the back tax is paid. File on time — the calculator above shows the exact amount owed.
Compare car sales tax across states
See how Colorado stacks up against the five lowest- and highest-tax states for a private car purchase. Tap any state to open its calculator.
5 lowest sales-tax states
5 highest sales-tax states
- Arkansas11.63%
- Louisiana11.45%
- California10.50%
- Kansas10.50%
- Washington10.40%
Colorado car sales tax FAQ
How much is sales tax on a car in Colorado?
Colorado charges 2.9% state tax plus a county surtax (typically 0.10% to 7.10%). Combined rates run roughly 3.00% to 10.00% on the purchase price.
Who pays sales tax on a private car sale in Colorado?
In Colorado the buyer pays the car sales tax at the time of title transfer — it is collected by the DMV (or equivalent agency) when the buyer registers the vehicle. The seller does not collect tax in a private party sale.
When is Colorado car sales tax due?
Tax is due within 60 days of the sale date. Colorado late-titling penalties typically begin once that window closes — interest accrues monthly on unpaid tax.
Are there any Colorado sales-tax exemptions for car transfers?
Gift transfers between immediate family members may qualify for a sales-tax exemption — confirm with the Colorado DMV at title transfer.
What is the title transfer fee in Colorado?
The Colorado title transfer fee is $7. This is collected at the time of title transfer in addition to any sales tax owed. Use the calculator above to see fees plus tax on your sale price.
Ready to close the car sale?
Create a printable Colorado car bill of sale in minutes. It is required at the DMV to register your purchase and document the taxable amount.
Create your Colorado bill of saleRelated resources
Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.