When should I use the out-of-state sale page?
Use this page when your electric vehicle sale in Colorado fits a out-of-state sale scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Out-of-state sale — Colorado
Colorado Electric Vehicle bill of sale for out-of-state sale
Complete your Colorado electric vehicle bill of sale for a out-of-state sale transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.
ColoradoElectric VehicleOut-of-state sale
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What to know about out-of-state sale sales in Colorado
You must title/register the transfer in the state whose rules govern the sale (typically the state where the transaction occurs). Provide the buyer with your state's standard bill of sale and a clean, signed title. Some states require you to obtain a VIN inspection before releasing a title to an out-of-state buyer.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Electric Vehicle make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any out-of-state sale-specific disclosures required in Colorado.
Seller guidance
You must title/register the transfer in the state whose rules govern the sale (typically the state where the transaction occurs). Provide the buyer with your state's standard bill of sale and a clean, signed title. Some states require you to obtain a VIN inspection before releasing a title to an out-of-state buyer.
Buyer guidance
You will need to re-title the vehicle in your home state after purchase. Bring the signed out-of-state title, the bill of sale, and any required inspection certificates to your local DMV. Many states require a state-certified VIN verification and an odometer disclosure statement to process an out-of-state title.
Colorado-Specific Note
CO requires a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. The out-of-state title is surrendered at the county clerk. CO use tax applies on the purchase price.
Legal considerations
CO requires a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. The out-of-state title is surrendered at the county clerk. CO use tax applies on the purchase price.
Colorado Electric Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Colorado, the title transfer fee is $7.2 and registration costs $50 - $100+ based on vehicle weight and age. Electric Vehicle sales are subject to 2.9% state plus local taxes; ownership tax based on age. Colorado does not require notarization for private-party electric vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Colorado — verify the electric vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Emissions testing required in Denver metro and northern Front Range
- Ownership tax calculated based on vehicle taxable value
- VIN verification required for out-of-state vehicles
Colorado sales tax on electric vehicle purchases
Colorado has a 2.9% state sales tax rate. 2.9% state plus county/city taxes (total 3–10%). Private-party electric vehicle sales in Colorado are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age. The title transfer fee is $7.
Electric Vehicle market data and safety information
The most common electric vehicle makes in private-party sales are Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford, Rivian, Hyundai. Average private-party electric vehicle prices range from $12,000–$60,000. The average NCAP safety rating for recent electric vehicle models is 4.6 out of 5 stars. Electric vehicles average 2.8 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Battery/High Voltage, Software/OTA Updates, Charging System.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used electric vehicle
Before completing a electric vehicle bill of sale in Colorado, verify these safety items:
- Check battery State of Health (SOH) — capacity degradation below 70% significantly reduces value
- Verify full charge range matches manufacturer specifications for the model year
- Test DC fast charging capability — some older EVs have degraded charge acceptance
- Check for any battery recall or warranty coverage status
- Confirm orange high-voltage cabling is intact and shielding is undamaged
- Verify regenerative braking smoothness and one-pedal-driving function
- Test pedestrian-warning sound (federally required at low speed)
- Inspect for prior collision-repair history that touched the battery pack tray
Electric Vehicle insurance and depreciation in Colorado
EV insurance costs 10–25% more than comparable gas cars due to higher repair costs and battery replacement risk. EV depreciation is volatile — Tesla holds value best, while some models lose 50–60% in 3 years. Battery warranty transfer is a key value factor. Peak season for private electric vehicle sales is spring when gas prices typically rise and ev incentive programs refresh, with an average of 28 days on market.
Electric Vehicle registration and titling
Electric Vehicles are classified as "Passenger vehicle (EV-specific registration fees apply in 30+ states to offset lost fuel tax revenue)" for registration purposes. EVs weigh 20–30% more than comparable gas vehicles due to battery packs. Some states have proposed weight-based surcharges. Federal odometer disclosure is required for electric vehicles under 20 years old.
Safety tips for out-of-state sale electric vehicle transactions
When completing a out-of-state sale electric vehicle sale in Colorado, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common electric vehicle recall categories are Battery/High Voltage, Software/OTA Updates, Charging System. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for out-of-state sale electric vehicle sale in Colorado
- Confirm the original title is signed and notarized if required by the seller's state
- Obtain a state VIN verification form if required in the buyer's state
- Complete odometer disclosure on the title or a separate form (49 CFR Part 580)
- Gather emissions or safety inspection certificates if required in the buyer's state
- File for title transfer in the buyer's home state within the permitted timeframe
- Get VIN inspection at a CO authorized location
- Surrender out-of-state title at county clerk
- Pay CO use tax on purchase price
- Transfer title within 60 days
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Colorado electric vehicle bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Colorado Electric Vehicle bill of saleWhy Buyers Want Documentation Across State Lines
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
$60–$85 mobile notary
Mobile notary visit minimums run $60–$85 — higher on weekends, plus per-mile travel fees. State-formatted documents skip the trip.
Source: Thumbtack / NNA
Frequently asked questions
Why does the out-of-state sale scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a out-of-state sale transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the out-of-state sale transaction.
What are the Colorado fees for a out-of-state sale electric vehicle transfer?
Colorado charges a $7.2 title transfer fee. Registration costs $50 - $100+ based on vehicle weight and age. Sales tax: 2.9% state plus local taxes; ownership tax based on age. Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What electric vehicle makes are most commonly sold in Colorado?
The most popular electric vehicle makes in private-party sales are Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford, Rivian, Hyundai. Average private-party prices range from $12,000–$60,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a out-of-state sale electric vehicle sale in Colorado?
Colorado has a 2.9% state sales tax rate. Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age
Colorado electric vehicle bill of sale by city
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