How do I get a duplicate kit car title in Colorado?

Apply for a duplicate title at the Colorado DMV. You need the VIN, your photo ID, proof of ownership (registration, prior title, or bill of sale), and the $8 fee. Processing takes 7–14 business days.

Can I sell a kit car with a salvage title in Colorado?

Yes, but you must disclose the salvage title in writing. Most buyers expect a significant price reduction. To make the vehicle road-legal, it must be repaired and pass Colorado's rebuilt title inspection ($40–$80). A salvage title permanently affects the vehicle's value.

How do I remove a lien from a kit car title in Colorado?

Pay off the loan in full. The lender must release the lien within the timeframe required by Colorado law and provide a signed lien release or updated title. Contact the Colorado DMV if the lender fails to release the title after payoff.

What is a bonded title for a kit car in Colorado?

A bonded title is used when the original title is unavailable and ownership cannot be established through normal channels. In Colorado, bonded titles are available for kit cars valued under $10,000. You purchase a surety bond for 1–2× the vehicle's value and apply for a bonded title through the Colorado DMV. The bond protects anyone who later claims legal ownership.

What if the kit car title has the wrong name?

Take the title, your photo ID, and supporting documentation to the Colorado DMV. A name correction on a title typically requires a court order, affidavit, or documentation proving the error (such as a marriage certificate for a name change). The process varies by the type of error.

Kit Car Title Problems in Colorado (2025)

How to resolve common kit car title issues in Colorado — lost title, salvage, active liens, bonded title, and name corrections.

Colorado — Quick Reference

Duplicate title fee$8
Duplicate processing time7–14 business days
Salvage threshold100% of retail value
Rebuilt inspection requiredYes — $40–$80
Bonded title availableYes (vehicles under $10,000)

Colorado uses a 100% of retail value standard for salvage (total loss), which is actually less common as a trigger than most states. The bonded title process is handled through county clerks.

Note for Kit Car Owners

Kit cars require a specially constructed vehicle (SCV) title in most states. This involves a VIN inspection, emissions test, and sometimes a safety inspection.

Common Kit Car Title Problems — How to Fix

📄Lost or Missing Title

Apply for a duplicate title at the Colorado DMV. Fee: $8. Processing time: 7–14 business days. You need the VIN, proof of ownership, and photo ID.

🔴Salvage Title

A salvage kit car must be repaired and pass a rebuilt title inspection before it can be registered. Colorado inspection fee: $40–$80. Kit cars often have no original title — the builder creates a new title through the state's assembled vehicle or specially constructed vehicle (SCV) process.

🔗Active Lien on Title

The lender must sign a lien release before you can transfer the title. Pay off the loan in full, then request written confirmation from the lender that the lien is satisfied. Liens on kit cars are uncommon but possible if financed.

🔏No Title (Bonded Title)

Colorado allows bonded titles for kit cars valued under $10,000. Purchase a surety bond for 1–2× the vehicle value, then apply at the Colorado DMV.

✏️Wrong Name on Title

Name corrections require documentation at the Colorado DMV: photo ID, affidavit of error, or a court order depending on the type of discrepancy. Contact the DMV before attempting the correction.

🌊Flood or Water Damage Brand

A flood title brand is permanent — it cannot be removed. A flood-branded kit car must be disclosed to any future buyer. Significant water damage to the drivetrain, electronics, or (for EVs) the battery may make the vehicle uninsurable.

Buying a Kit Car With a Title Problem

Buyer Warnings

!Never pay full market price for a kit car with a salvage or rebuilt title — expect 20%–40% below clean title value
!Always run a VIN check (Carfax, AutoCheck, or NMVTIS) before any private purchase
!A bonded title indicates the previous ownership chain was broken — proceed with caution
!A flooded title cannot be cleared — factor permanent water damage disclosure into your offer
!Verify there are no outstanding liens using the Colorado DMV VIN search before purchasing

FAQ — Kit Car Title Issues in Colorado

How much does a duplicate kit car title cost in Colorado?: A duplicate title in Colorado costs $8. Processing takes 7–14 business days. Apply at the Colorado DMV with your VIN, photo ID, and proof of ownership.
What is the salvage threshold for kit cars in Colorado?: In Colorado, a kit car is declared salvage when damage exceeds 100% of retail value. Kit cars often have no original title — the builder creates a new title through the state's assembled vehicle or specially constructed vehicle (SCV) process.
Can I sell a kit car without a title in Colorado?: Technically, no — but Colorado offers a bonded title process for kit cars valued under $10,000. A bonded title allows legal sale and registration while protecting any prior owner who may appear. Contact the Colorado DMV to begin the process.

Official Resource

Colorado DMV →

Need a Bill of Sale?

A signed bill of sale is essential when selling a kit car with a title problem in Colorado. It documents the transaction and both parties' knowledge of the title status.

Colorado Kit Car Bill of Sale →