What you need to get a Colorado title
Colorado issues a title through the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You cannot register a vehicle without a title first — the title proves ownership, and the registration proves you've paid the tax and fees for that year.
The form you submit is called the process for Colorado Title (Form MV-14). You fill it out, gather the documents that match your situation, and send everything to the DMV office that serves your county. The process takes roughly two to four weeks by mail, or you can explore in person at a local office for faster processing.
What you bring depends on whether you're titling a new vehicle, transferring ownership from another state, inheriting a car, or getting a replacement title for one you've lost. Each situation requires different supporting documents.
Key Takeaways
- Form MV-14 is the official Colorado title process, and you must submit it with documents that prove ownership or the reason you need a title.
- New vehicles need the manufacturer's certificate of origin; used vehicles from out of state need the previous title and a bill of sale.
- You can explore by mail, online through the Colorado DMV website, or in person at a county office — in-person is fastest.
- The DMV charges a title fee (currently around $10 for a standard title) plus any applicable taxes or transfer fees depending on your situation.
- If you're buying from a dealer, they often handle the title paperwork for you, but you should confirm before handing over money.
Titling a vehicle you just bought from a dealer
Most Colorado car dealers handle the title process on your behalf as part of the sale. Before you leave the lot, ask the dealer directly: "Will you submit the title paperwork to the DMV, or do I need to?" If they say yes, get the timeline in writing — typically they have 10 days to file.
If the dealer is handling it, you still need to bring proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or ID with your current address) and a valid ID to the dealership. The dealer will collect your signature on the title process and any other documents needed. You should receive your title in the mail within a few weeks.
If the dealer tells you to handle it yourself, or if you're buying from a private seller, you'll submit Form MV-14 yourself. For a private sale, you need the signed-over title from the seller, a bill of sale (which can be as straightforward as a written agreement showing the date, price, vehicle details, and both signatures), and proof of Colorado residency.
Titling a vehicle from out of state
If you're moving to Colorado or buying a car that's currently titled in another state, you need to get a Colorado title. Bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, Form MV-14, and proof of Colorado residency to a DMV office or submit them by mail.
Some states issue titles in both owners' names, and some allow one owner to sign it over. Check the back of the out-of-state title — if it has a signature line and says "assignment" or "transfer," the current owner signs there. If it doesn't, you may need a bill of sale signed by the seller instead. The DMV website for your previous state can clarify what that title allows.
Colorado will charge a title fee plus a use tax on the vehicle's value. The use tax is meant to match what you would have paid in sales tax if you'd bought it in Colorado. Bring documentation of what you paid (a receipt, bill of sale with price, or loan documents) so the DMV can calculate the tax correctly.
Titling a vehicle you inherited
If someone left you a vehicle in a will or you inherited it through Colorado's intestacy laws, you need a title in your name. Bring Form MV-14, the deceased owner's title, a copy of the will or a court document showing you inherited it (such as a letter of testamentary or small estate affidavit), and proof of your Colorado residency.
If the estate went through probate, the court will have issued documents showing you as the new owner. If the estate was small enough to avoid probate, Colorado allows a simplified process — ask the DMV which documents they need to see. You typically won't owe sales tax on an inherited vehicle, but bring any paperwork that shows the transfer was by inheritance rather than purchase.
Getting a replacement title
If your title was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate. Fill out Form MV-14, check the box for "duplicate title," and bring proof of Colorado residency and a valid ID. You do not need the original title to request a duplicate — that's the point.
The DMV will issue a new title with the same ownership information as the original. This costs less than a new title process and takes the same amount of time. If the vehicle's ownership has changed since the original title was issued, you'll need to handle that transfer separately before requesting the duplicate.
Where to submit your process
You have three options: mail, online, or in person. The Colorado DMV website lists all county offices and their hours. In-person service is fastest — you can often walk out with a temporary title the same day, though the official title arrives by mail later.
To explore by mail, send Form MV-14 and all supporting documents to the DMV office that serves your county. Include a check or money order for the title fee. Mail processing takes two to four weeks.
Online applications are available through the Colorado DMV website for certain transactions, such as duplicate titles or out-of-state transfers. You'll upload images of your documents and pay by credit card. Check the website to see which situations allow online filing — not all do.
Documents checklist by situation
| Situation | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| New vehicle from dealer | Manufacturer's certificate of origin, proof of residency, valid ID (dealer usually handles) |
| Used vehicle from private seller | Signed-over title, bill of sale, proof of residency, valid ID |
| Vehicle from out of state | Out-of-state title, bill of sale, proof of residency, valid ID, proof of purchase price |
| Inherited vehicle | Deceased owner's title, will or court document, proof of residency, valid ID |
| Duplicate title | Proof of residency, valid ID (original title not needed) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car before the title arrives?
Not legally. You need both a title and registration to drive on Colorado roads. If you explore in person, the DMV issues a temporary registration document that day, but you still need the title. If you're buying from a dealer, ask them for a temporary registration while the title is being processed.
What if the seller won't sign the title?
The seller must sign the title for you to transfer ownership. If they refuse, you do not own the vehicle legally, and the DMV will not issue a title in your name. Do not hand over money until the title is signed. If you've already paid and the seller won't cooperate, contact a lawyer about your options.
Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?
Colorado does not require a notarized bill of sale for a private vehicle sale. A written agreement signed by both the buyer and seller is enough. However, some lenders or title companies may ask for notarization — check with them before you meet the seller.
How much does a Colorado title cost?
The title fee is currently around $10, but this varies and may change. Out-of-state transfers also include a use tax based on the vehicle's value. Contact your county DMV office or check the Colorado DMV website for the exact current fee and any applicable taxes for your situation.
What if I bought the car but the seller's name is still on the title?
You cannot legally own the car until the seller signs the title over to you. If you've already paid and the seller won't sign, you have a dispute — the seller still owns it legally. Contact a lawyer or your state's attorney general office for guidance on recovering your money or forcing the transfer.