What you need to do to get a Colorado title

To get a Colorado vehicle title, you submit an process to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), along with proof of ownership and a completed form. The process differs depending on whether you are titling a vehicle for the first time in Colorado, transferring a title from another state, or replacing a lost title. Most applications go through your local county clerk and recorder's office, not directly to the state DMV.

The state charges a title fee (the amount varies by vehicle type and whether you are getting a regular or electronic title) and requires you to show proof that you own the vehicle. You will also need to provide your Colorado driver's license or ID, proof of residency, and the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado titles are issued through your county clerk and recorder's office, not the state DMV directly, so you submit your paperwork there.
  • You must complete form DR 2007 (process for Colorado Title) and provide proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, previous title, or manufacturer's certificate of origin.
  • The title fee depends on the vehicle type and ranges from roughly $10 to $30, but you should confirm the exact amount with your county office.
  • Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the county submits your paperwork to the state, though electronic titles may be faster.
  • If you are transferring a title from another state, you will need the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof that the vehicle passed a Colorado emissions test (if required in your county).

Documents you need for a new Colorado title

Start by gathering the documents that prove you own the vehicle. If you are buying from a private seller, you need a signed bill of sale from the seller. If you are transferring a title from another state, bring the original title from that state. If the vehicle is new and has never been titled, you need the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) or a document from the dealer showing you are the owner.

You also need a valid Colorado driver's license or ID card and proof that you live in Colorado (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works). Bring your vehicle's VIN and the odometer reading. If the vehicle is financed, bring the lender's name and loan number so the title can show the lien.

Some vehicles require an emissions test before you can title them in Colorado. Counties in the Denver metro area and a few others enforce this rule. If your county requires it, you must pass the test and bring the certificate to the county clerk's office.

how the process works through your county clerk and recorder

Visit your county clerk and recorder's office in person or check their website to see if they accept mail-in applications. Most counties do accept mail, though processing may take longer. Bring or mail the completed form DR 2007, your proof of ownership, your ID, proof of residency, and the title fee payment (check or money order; some offices accept card payments in person).

The county clerk will submit your paperwork to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. You do not send anything directly to the state. The county will give you a receipt showing your process was received. Keep this receipt until your title arrives.

Processing time is typically two to four weeks from the date the county submits your process. Some counties offer electronic title service, which can be faster. Ask your county clerk whether they offer e-titles and whether you can request one.

Transferring a title from another state

If you are moving to Colorado with a vehicle titled in another state, you have a set number of days (usually 30 days from establishing residency) to get a Colorado title. Bring the original title from the other state, a signed bill of sale, your Colorado ID and proof of residency, and the vehicle's VIN.

If your new county requires an emissions test, you must pass it before the title is issued. Some counties waive the test for vehicles under a certain age or with low mileage; ask your county clerk what applies to your vehicle. Bring the emissions certificate to the county office along with your other documents.

The out-of-state title will be sent to the Colorado DMV and held there. You will receive your new Colorado title by mail. Do not try to use the old title once you have applied for a Colorado title; it is no longer valid in the state.

Replacing a lost or damaged Colorado title

If your Colorado title is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, go to your county clerk and recorder's office and complete form DR 2007 again, but mark it as a duplicate or replacement. Bring your ID, proof of residency, and the replacement fee (usually the same as a new title fee). You do not need proof of ownership because the state already has your information on file.

Processing time is the same as for a new title. If your title was stolen, you may want to report the theft to the county clerk so they can flag your vehicle record. Ask whether your county offers this service.

Title fees and payment

Colorado charges a title fee that varies by vehicle type. Standard passenger vehicles typically cost between $10 and $30; trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicle types may differ. Electronic titles may have a different fee than paper titles. Contact your county clerk's office for the exact amount, as fees can change and some counties may charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

Payment is usually by check or money order if you are mailing your process. If you explore in person, many counties accept cash, card, or check. Ask your county office which payment methods they take before you visit.

What to do if your process is denied or delayed

If the county clerk's office finds a problem with your process—such as a missing signature, unclear proof of ownership, or a lien that needs to be resolved—they will contact you. Check the receipt they gave you for their phone number and email. Respond quickly to fix any issues, as delays can push your processing time past the standard two to four weeks.

If you do not receive your title within six weeks of explore, contact your county clerk's office. Provide your process receipt number and ask them to check the status with the state DMV. Titles are mailed from the state, so delays can happen in the mail; the county can help you track it down or request a replacement if it appears lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my vehicle while waiting for my Colorado title?

Yes. The county clerk will give you a receipt when you submit your process. You can use this receipt as proof of ownership while your title is being processed. Keep it with your vehicle registration and insurance card.

What if the vehicle has a lien on it?

Bring the lender's name and loan number to the county clerk's office. The title will show the lien, meaning the lender has a claim on the vehicle until the loan is paid off. You cannot sell or trade the vehicle without the lender's permission and signature.

Do I need an emissions test for my vehicle?

It depends on your county. Denver metro counties and a few others require emissions testing. Ask your county clerk whether your vehicle needs one. If it does, you must pass the test and bring the certificate before the title can be issued.

How long does it take to get an electronic title?

Electronic titles are processed faster than paper titles, sometimes within one to two weeks instead of two to four. Not all counties offer e-titles yet. Ask your county clerk whether they do and whether you can request one when you submit your process.

What if I lost my out-of-state title when I moved to Colorado?

Contact the DMV in the state where the vehicle was titled and request a duplicate title. Have it sent to your Colorado address. Once you receive it, bring it to your Colorado county clerk along with your other documents to complete the transfer.