Colorado title transfers for cars are common procedures that must be completed whenever a vehicle is passed from one owner to another. Vehicle owners must complete a car title transfer through their county motor vehicle offices, since these serve as agents of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the state Department of Revenue (DOR).

Note that when meeting the CO title transfer requirements, motorists will need to apply for a new car registration in most cases. To learn more about when and where to request a vehicle title transfer in CO, as well as the steps for how to fill out transfer of title documents, continue reading the sections below.

What is a car title transfer in Colorado?

To ensure the success of the Colorado auto title transfer process, car owners must understand the transfer of car title procedures and the function of their state-issued certificate of title.

The CO title transfer for cars is a common DMV transaction that transfers possession of a certain vehicle between the car’s original owner and a new owner.

The certificate of title is the official document used to perform a transfer since it records important details about the vehicle sale and the personal information and signatures of the interested parties. Note that failure to transfer a car title will impede the car registration process.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Colorado?

Transferring a car title in Colorado is a requirement in situations where the vehicle ownership is transferred to another person’s name, regardless of whether or not the vehicle was purchased in a private sale.

Therefore, apart from initiating the car title transfer after buying or selling a vehicle, you will also have to transfer a car title in the event that you inherit a vehicle or receive one as a gift.

Note that the state DMV imposes certain time limits for completing the CO vehicle title transfer and obtaining a car registration. If you do not complete the transfer of auto title on time, you may be required to pay certain late titling and registration fees.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Colorado

When completing the Colorado title transfer for cars, vehicle owners will be required to meet several requirements imposed by the state DMV, which may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the passing of possession.

The criteria to successfully transfer a vehicle title include submitting certain documentation and arranging payment for the state titling and registration costs.

For example, the CO title transfer requirements regarding the documents for completing the transfer and obtaining a car registration after purchasing or selling a vehicle include:

• A reassigned title certificate displaying the seller’s and the buyer’s names and signatures, the purchase date and price and the vehicle odometer reading (if required).
• A completed title and registration application, if required.
• A secure and verifiable photo identification, such as a driving license or a state-issued ID card.
• A bill of sale containing details about the vehicle and the sale.
• Proof of a passed emissions test, if required.
• Evidence of a valid automobile insurance coverage.
• A vehicle identification number verification (VIN).

Note: If the vehicle seller has lost or damaged his or her title, a replacement title certificate must be obtained through the corresponding county motor vehicle site before initiating the transfer.

When completing the CO title transfers for cars under different circumstances, you will have to submit additional documents. For instance, if you are transferring an auto title for a vehicle that you have inherited, you may be required to submit the death certificate of the original owner and any applicable court orders granting your right of possession over the vehicle.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Colorado

If you are wondering, “How do you transfer a title on a car in Colorado?” it is important to note that since you cannot complete a title transfer online, you will need to visit the DMV. Therefore, to ensure that you complete the transfer of car title as quickly and effectively as possible, check the completeness of your application prior to making your office visit.

Note that you can legally operate the vehicle for several days prior to completing the CO car title transfer and registration procedures. Your county DOR agent will process your transfer request once it verifies the authenticity of the submitted paperwork and cost payments. Your new title will arrive at your address on record within four to six weeks.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Colorado

Prior to getting a new car title in Colorado, vehicle owners need to learn specific details about the state titling procedures that may differ based on the motorists’ specific situation. In most cases, motorists are required to obtain a DMV new title when they purchase a new motor vehicle that has not been previously titled in the state.

The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (CO DMV) will issue a new car title when the motor vehicles are titled for the first time in CO. Moreover, they may also order a new car title when the vehicle had been already titled in another state but is being transferred to Colorado.

Obtaining a new title for a car in Colorado differs slightly in comparison to the title transfer process. A title transfer procedure is required when the ownership rights are transferred from one person to another. Therefore, title transfer is mandatory in the following situations:

• When buying or selling a vehicle
• When transferring ownership to a family member
• When gifting or donating a motor vehicle
• When inheriting a motor vehicle
• When removing a lien and paying off a loan

Car Title Transfer Fees in Colorado

Paying the applicable fees for the Colorado title transfers for cars is one of the more important steps in the auto title transfer process. However, the total cost of the process of transferring a car title in CO may also include the DMV registration costs, since the titling and the registration procedures are completed simultaneously in most cases.

Therefore, you will also be required to arrange payment for the costs of a new registration, which will vary based on the vehicle weight and type, as well as your county of residence and the type of license plates you have ordered.

Note: If a duplicate car title is needed to finalize the CO car title transfer, a separate fee of $8.20 will also apply.

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