A Colorado car title establishes the legal owner of a motor vehicle. For this reason, vehicle owners must apply for a car title immediately after purchasing a new or used vehicle. Drivers must apply for a CO auto title before they may register their vehicles, or they may complete the two transactions simultaneously.

When applying for a vehicle title, vehicle owners must complete an application, pay the applicable DMV fees and submit supporting documentation, such as a bill of sale and odometer disclosure statement. To learn more about how to get car title certificates and the ways in which titles and registrations differ, review the sections below.

Where to Apply for a Car Title in Colorado

When vehicle owners need to apply for a Colorado car title (otherwise known as a pink slip), they must complete the process in person at a county motor vehicle office under the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). During the process of applying for a vehicle title in CO, applicants must submit an application and supporting documentation, pay all titling fees and any applicable sales tax.

After applying for a title for car ownership, motorists must allow between four and six weeks for the new car title to arrive in the mail. The DMV sends the new or used car title to the lienholder if there is a lien on the vehicle, rather than sending the title to the driver.

The Colorado Auto Title Application

When applying for a DMV car title in Colorado, vehicle owners must complete an Application for Title and/or Registration (Form DR 2395). When completing the application to get car title in CO, vehicle owners must provide the following information pertaining to the vehicle, car owner and lienholder:

• The vehicle identification number (VIN).
• The vehicle’s fuel type, year, make, body style, model and color.
• The name(s) and addresses of all vehicle owners.
• The names and addresses of any lienholders (if applicable).
• The lien amount (if applicable).
• The signature, birth date and driver license or identification card number of the vehicle owner(s).

Vehicle owners often chose to complete the form to request a certificate of title and a registration certificate at the same time.

Documents You Must Provide When Applying for a New Car Title in Colorado

In addition to submitting a car title and registration application (Form DR 2395), vehicle owners must submit other documentation as well. When getting car title certification, for instance, motorists must submit a form of secure and verifiable identification, including a state driver license, identification card, driver permit, out-of-state photo ID, U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization. Additionally, applicants who need to apply for a Colorado car title must provide the following:

• The current vehicle title or other ownership documentation.
• Proof of completing a vehicle emissions inspection (if applicable).
• An odometer disclosure statement.
• A bill of sale (for determining sales tax).
• If there is a lien on the vehicle, drivers must submit an original mortgage document specifying the vehicle’s make, year, VIN, lien amount and the name, address and signature of the lienholder.
• If drivers acquire the vehicle from outside of Colorado, they must submit an application for Verification of Vehicle Identification Number (Form DR 2698). Either a state law enforcement officer, motor vehicle dealer or emissions testing agent must complete the form.
• If the vehicle is brand-new or from out-of-state, applicants must certify the vehicle’s weight by submitting a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin or the vehicle’s current out-of-state auto title or registration card.

Drivers who wish to obtain a DMV car title and registration certificate simultaneously must also provide proof of auto insurance.

What is a Colorado car registration?

In addition to applying for a title, vehicle owners must obtain auto registration documentation as well. Car registration materials show that a vehicle is safe to operate throughout the state and that the vehicle owner met DMV registration prerequisites and paid all applicable registration fees.

However, drivers cannot get car registration in Colorado unless they obtain auto insurance and submit proof of their vehicle insurance to the DMV. Like titling applications, motorists must submit proof of auto insurance in person at a county motor vehicle office.

What is the difference between a car title and a vehicle registration in Colorado?

Drivers may apply for titles and new car registration simultaneously using the Application for Title and/or Registration (Form DR 2395), but the two documents serve different purposes. However, the main difference between motor vehicle registrations and titles is that title certificates establish the legal owner of the vehicle, while a Colorado car registration shows that a vehicle may be driven on public roadways.

When drivers apply for a DMV car registration in CO, they must submit proof of auto insurance in addition to the application, registration fees and other supporting documentation. Vehicle owners may apply for a vehicle registration and certificate of title at the same time, but drivers may complete the two transactions separately if they prefer. However, motorists cannot legally operate the vehicle on state roadways until they obtain both documents.

Car Title Costs in Colorado

The car title costs in Colorado vary depending on the procedure you are requesting. For example, replacing an existing title in the state will cost $8.20. Conversely, the fees for new titles will vary depending on the type of vehicle and the residency status of the applicant.

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