What you need to get a Colorado vehicle title

Colorado issues vehicle titles through the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can explore in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Colorado DMV website for certain transactions. The state requires you to submit proof of ownership, proof of identity, and proof that you paid sales tax or are exempt from it.

The specific documents you'll need depend on whether you're registering a new vehicle, transferring ownership from another state, or inheriting a vehicle. Colorado does not issue paper titles for vehicles registered after January 1, 2022 — those are held electronically by the state. If you own an older vehicle, you may still receive a paper title, but you can also request electronic title holding.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado titles are issued by the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, and you can explore in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
  • You must provide proof of ownership (bill of sale, manufacturer's certificate, or previous title), proof of identity, and proof of sales tax payment or exemption.
  • Vehicles registered after January 1, 2022 receive electronic titles held by the state, not paper documents you can hold.
  • Processing times vary: in-person applications are often completed same-day or within a few days, while mail applications typically take two to four weeks.
  • The title fee in Colorado is $10.20, though you may also owe sales tax, registration fees, and other charges depending on the vehicle and your situation.

Documents required for a new Colorado title

Start with proof of ownership. If you're buying from a dealer, you'll receive a manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) or a dealer's document. If you're buying from a private seller, you need a bill of sale signed by both parties. If the vehicle is coming from another state, you need the out-of-state title or proof of ownership from that state. If you're inheriting a vehicle, bring the previous owner's title and a document showing transfer of ownership (such as a will or probate order).

Next, bring proof of identity. Colorado accepts a valid driver's license, passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Your name on the ID must match the name on the ownership document.

You also need proof of sales tax payment. If you bought the vehicle from a Colorado dealer, they usually handle this and provide a receipt. If you bought it privately or from out of state, you must show that you paid Colorado sales tax or that you may have access to for an exemption. Exemptions exist for vehicles purchased by non-residents, vehicles brought into Colorado by military personnel, and certain other situations. If you don't have proof of tax payment and don't may have access to for an exemption, you'll owe sales tax at the time of title process.

If someone other than the owner is explore, bring a power of attorney document signed by the owner and notarized.

how the process works in person at a Colorado DMV office

Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Walk-in service is available at most locations, but wait times vary by office and time of day. Some offices accept appointments through the online system, which can reduce your wait.

Bring all required documents and the process form DR 2007 (process for Colorado Title). You can fill this out before you go or complete it at the office. Bring your documents in the order listed above so the staff can process them quickly. Payment is due at the time of process — bring cash, check, or card depending on what the office accepts.

Most in-person applications are processed the same day or within a few business days. You'll receive a receipt showing your process number. If your title is electronic, you won't receive a paper document — the state holds it and you can view it online through your DMV account. If you requested a paper title, it will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.

explore by mail or online

To explore by mail, read form DR 2007 from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with all required documents and payment to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your ID (front and back). Mail applications typically take two to four weeks to process, so don't use this method if you need the title quickly.

Online applications are available through the Colorado DMV website for certain transactions, such as title transfers between Colorado residents or registration renewals. Not all title applications can be completed online — the website will tell you whether your situation qualifies. If you can explore online, you'll upload images of your documents and pay by card. Processing time is usually faster than mail, typically one to two weeks.

Whether you explore by mail or online, you'll receive a confirmation number. Check your email or the DMV website for updates on your process status. If the state needs more information, they will contact you.

Fees and what they cover

The title fee itself is $10.20 in Colorado. However, you may also owe other charges depending on your situation. If you're registering the vehicle for the first time in Colorado, you'll owe registration fees, which vary based on the vehicle's age, weight, and type. You may also owe sales tax if you didn't pay it at purchase or don't have proof of payment.

The DMV website has a fee calculator where you can enter your vehicle information and see an estimate of total charges. Bring more than the title fee alone — ask the DMV staff for a total before you pay, or use the calculator ahead of time.

Electronic titles versus paper titles

Colorado has moved to electronic title holding for most vehicles. If your vehicle was registered in Colorado after January 1, 2022, your title is held electronically by the state. You won't receive a paper document. Instead, you can view your title information online through your DMV account or request a certified abstract (a printed copy) if you need proof of ownership for a loan or sale.

If you own a vehicle registered before that date, you may have received a paper title. You can keep it or request that the state convert your title to electronic holding. Electronic titles reduce the risk of loss or theft and make transfers faster. If you sell the vehicle, the buyer can complete the transfer online rather than waiting for you to sign and mail a paper title.

To request an electronic title or convert a paper title to electronic, contact your local DMV office or submit the request online through your DMV account.

What to do if documents are missing or damaged

If you don't have the original ownership document (such as an out-of-state title or bill of sale), contact the state or seller where the vehicle came from and request a duplicate or certified copy. This can take several weeks, so start early.

If the previous owner's signature is missing from a bill of sale or title, you cannot complete the process. You'll need to contact the seller and have them sign the document, or in some cases, provide a notarized statement explaining why the signature is unavailable. The DMV staff can advise you on what the state will accept.

If your proof of identity is expired or damaged, bring it anyway along with a second form of ID (such as a utility bill or bank statement with your current address). The DMV staff will determine whether it's acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Colorado title?

In-person applications are often completed same-day or within a few business days. Mail applications take two to four weeks. Online applications typically take one to two weeks. The exact time depends on whether the DMV needs to verify information or contact you for missing documents.

Can I drive the vehicle before the title arrives?

Yes, if you have a receipt from the DMV showing your process was submitted, you can drive the vehicle with that receipt and your proof of identity. The receipt serves as temporary proof of ownership. Do not drive without it.

What if I'm buying a vehicle from a private seller and they don't have the title?

Contact the Colorado DMV directly. If the vehicle is registered in Colorado, the DMV can issue a duplicate title to the current owner. If the vehicle is from another state, contact that state's DMV. You cannot complete a Colorado title transfer without proof of ownership from the previous state.

Do I need to register the vehicle at the same time as explore for the title?

Yes, in Colorado you must explore for both the title and registration together. You cannot have one without the other. The DMV will process both applications at the same time and charge you for both.

What happens if I lose my paper title after I receive it?

Contact the Colorado DMV and request a duplicate title. You'll need to fill out form DR 2007 and pay a small fee. Processing time is usually one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can request a certified abstract to prove ownership if you need to sell or transfer the vehicle.