When should I use the estate sale page?
Use this page when your side by side sale in Colorado fits a estate sale scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Estate sale — Colorado
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What to know about estate sale sales in Colorado
You must establish your legal authority to sell the vehicle. This typically requires Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will), issued by the probate court. Bring these letters to the DMV — they authorize you to sign as the seller and transfer the title. Some states allow small estate affidavits for low-value vehicles outside of formal probate.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Side by Side make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any estate sale-specific disclosures required in Colorado.
Seller guidance
You must establish your legal authority to sell the vehicle. This typically requires Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will), issued by the probate court. Bring these letters to the DMV — they authorize you to sign as the seller and transfer the title. Some states allow small estate affidavits for low-value vehicles outside of formal probate.
Buyer guidance
Verify that the executor or administrator has active, court-issued authority to transfer the vehicle. Request a copy of the Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Without proper authority, the title transfer can be challenged by other beneficiaries or creditors of the estate.
Colorado-Specific Note
Colorado allows a small estate affidavit (CRS 15-12-1201) for estates under $80,000. The affidavit may be used 10 days after death if no personal representative has been appointed. Present the notarized affidavit, death certificate, and vehicle title at the county clerk's office for title transfer.
Legal considerations
Colorado allows a small estate affidavit (CRS 15-12-1201) for estates under $80,000. The affidavit may be used 10 days after death if no personal representative has been appointed. Present the notarized affidavit, death certificate, and vehicle title at the county clerk's office for title transfer.
Colorado Legal Requirements
Most states provide a small estate procedure—typically an affidavit or simplified court process—that allows vehicle title transfers without full probate when the total estate value falls below a state-specific threshold. The executor or administrator must present Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or a small estate affidavit to the DMV to authorize the transfer. Check your state’s probate code for the applicable threshold and required documentation.
Colorado Side by Side transfer fees and requirements
In Colorado, the title transfer fee is $7.2 and registration costs $50 - $100+ based on vehicle weight and age. Side by Side sales are subject to 2.9% state plus local taxes; ownership tax based on age. Colorado does not require notarization for private-party side by side transfers. Emission testing is required in Colorado — verify the side by side 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 side by side purchases
Colorado has a 2.9% state sales tax rate. 2.9% state plus county/city taxes (total 3–10%). Private-party side by side 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.
Side by Side market data and safety information
The most common side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party side by side prices range from $5,000–$30,000. Side by sides average 2.6 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used side by side
Before completing a side by side bill of sale in Colorado, verify these safety items:
- Verify ROPS (cage) is intact and meets manufacturer specifications
- Check all seat belts and door/net latching mechanisms
- Inspect CV axles and boots — the highest-wear item on side-by-sides
- Test power steering operation and differential lock engagement
- Confirm headlights, taillights, brake lights, and (where required) turn signals function
- Verify horn and reverse-warning beeper operation
- Check that windshield (if equipped) is rated and unmodified
- Inspect parking brake operation on a 15-degree slope
Side by Side insurance and depreciation in Colorado
Insurance averages $200–$600/year. Multi-passenger models cost more. Required for on-road use. Side-by-sides depreciate 30–40% in 3 years. Sport models (RZR, Maverick) depreciate faster than utility models (Ranger). Peak season for private side by side sales is spring for recreation, fall for hunting season, with an average of 25 days on market.
Side by Side registration and titling
Side by Sides are classified as "Off-highway vehicle (OHV) — some states allow street-legal conversion" for registration purposes. Side-by-sides range from 1,000–2,000 lbs. Multi-seat crew models weigh more. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to side by sides.
Safety tips for estate sale side by side transactions
When completing a estate sale side by side sale in Colorado, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common side by side recall categories are Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for estate sale side by side sale in Colorado
- Obtain Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the probate court
- Confirm the vehicle is listed as an estate asset (title or registration in the decedent's name)
- Determine if the estate qualifies for a small estate affidavit to skip formal probate
- Obtain an appraisal or fair market value statement (protects executor from beneficiary disputes)
- Complete title transfer documents with executor signing in representative capacity
- Wait at least 10 days after death before using the small estate affidavit (CRS 15-12-1201)
- Confirm the estate does not exceed $80,000
- Present notarized affidavit, death certificate, and title at the county clerk's office
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Colorado side by side bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Colorado Side by Side 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 estate 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 estate 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 estate sale transaction.
What are the Colorado fees for a estate sale side by side 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 side by side makes are most commonly sold in Colorado?
The most popular side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party prices range from $5,000–$30,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a estate sale side by side sale in Colorado?
Colorado has a 2.9% state sales tax rate. Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age
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