What You Need to Do to Transfer a Title in Colorado

To transfer a vehicle title in Colorado, you submit an process for Colorado Title (Form MV-14) to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The process takes roughly 7 to 10 business days once the DMV receives your complete paperwork. You can submit by mail to the Denver office, in person at any DMV branch, or through an authorized third-party vendor like a title service or some auto dealerships.

The specific documents and fees depend on your situation — whether you're buying from a private seller, trading in at a dealership, inheriting a vehicle, or moving to Colorado from another state. Each path has different requirements and timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado requires Form MV-14, the current title or ownership proof, a bill of sale, and a $10 title fee for most transfers.
  • Private sales need a signed bill of sale from the seller; dealership purchases usually handle the title work for you.
  • Out-of-state titles must be submitted with an odometer disclosure form and proof that any lien has been satisfied.
  • You can mail documents to the DMV, visit a branch in person, or use a third-party vendor to avoid a trip to the office.
  • The title arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot drive legally without it once ownership transfers.

Documents You Need for a Private Sale

When you buy a vehicle from a private seller in Colorado, you need the seller's current title, a signed bill of sale, and your completed Form MV-14. The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller. Colorado does not have a required bill of sale form — you can write one yourself or use a template, as long as it contains those core details.

The seller must sign the title in the space marked "Signature of Transferor" on the back. If the title has multiple owners listed with "and" between their names, both must sign. If it says "or," only one needs to sign. Bring the original title to the DMV or include it with your mailed process. You also need proof of your identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of Colorado residency if you're new to the state.

If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the seller's lender must release it before the title can transfer. Ask the seller for a lien release letter or proof that the loan is paid off. Without this, the DMV will not process the transfer.

Transferring a Title from a Dealership Purchase

When you buy from a Colorado dealership, the dealer typically handles the title transfer as part of the sale. You sign the paperwork at the dealership, and they submit Form MV-14 and the previous owner's title to the DMV on your behalf. You pay the $10 title fee at the dealership, and the new title arrives at the address you provide within 7 to 10 business days.

If you financed the purchase, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. You receive the title, but the lender holds legal interest in the vehicle until the loan is paid off. Once you pay off the loan, contact the lender to request a lien release, then submit that release to the DMV to have your name listed as the sole owner.

Out-of-state dealerships selling to Colorado buyers must provide an odometer disclosure form (Form MV-4) if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. The dealership should include this with the title documents they send to the DMV.

Transferring an Out-of-State Title to Colorado

If you move to Colorado with a vehicle titled in another state, you must transfer it to a Colorado title within 90 days of establishing residency. Submit the out-of-state title, Form MV-14, a bill of sale or purchase receipt, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your driver's license. The $10 title fee applies.

For vehicles less than 10 years old, include an odometer disclosure form (Form MV-4) signed by the previous owner or dealer. If the vehicle has a lien from an out-of-state lender, provide proof that the lien has been satisfied or that the lender consents to the Colorado transfer. Some out-of-state lienholders require specific paperwork; contact your lender before submitting to the DMV.

Colorado will not issue a new title until the out-of-state title is surrendered. Mail the original out-of-state title with your process, or bring it in person to a DMV office. Do not attempt to register the vehicle with an out-of-state title — Colorado registration requires a Colorado title.

Inherited Vehicle Title Transfer

To transfer title of an inherited vehicle, submit Form MV-14, the current title, a certified copy of the death certificate, and proof that you are the legal heir (typically a will, probate court order, or affidavit of heirship). The $10 title fee applies. If the vehicle has a lien, the estate must satisfy it before the title transfers, or the lender must consent to the transfer in writing.

If the estate is in probate, the probate court may issue an order authorizing the title transfer. Bring that order along with the death certificate and current title. If there is no probate (common for small estates or when the vehicle passes directly to a surviving spouse), an affidavit of heirship signed by the heir and notarized may be sufficient — check with your county clerk or the DMV for your specific situation.

You can submit these documents by mail or in person. Processing takes the same 7 to 10 business days as other transfers.

Where to Submit Your Title Transfer process

Colorado offers three ways to submit your title transfer: by mail to the DMV headquarters in Denver, in person at any DMV office, or through an authorized third-party vendor. Mailing is the slowest option — allow 7 to 10 business days for processing plus mail time in both directions. In-person submission at a DMV office is faster; you can often walk out with a receipt the same day, and the title arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Third-party vendors (title services, some auto dealerships, and certain notary offices) are authorized to accept and submit applications on your behalf. They charge a fee — typically $25 to $75 — but handle the paperwork and mailing for you. This is useful if you cannot visit a DMV office or prefer not to mail original documents yourself.

The DMV headquarters address is 303 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80204. Find the nearest DMV office and hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. If you mail your process, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the DMV can return your title.

Title Transfer Fees and Timeline

The Colorado title fee is $10 for most transfers. If the vehicle has a lien, add $5 for a lienholder title. If you need a duplicate or corrected title, those are also $10 each. Some third-party vendors charge additional service fees on top of the state fee.

Processing time is 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your complete process. Weekends and state holidays do not count. If you submit in person, the DMV processes your process when ready and mails the title to your address. If you mail your process, add 3 to 5 business days for mail delivery each way.

You cannot legally drive the vehicle once the title transfers to you until you receive the new title in the mail. If you need to drive before the title arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary registration permit (Form MV-5) at the time you submit your process. This is valid for 30 days and allows you to operate the vehicle while the title is being processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the seller's signature on the title is not clear or looks forged?

Contact the seller when ready and ask them to sign again on a separate piece of paper or to visit the DMV with you. The DMV will not process a title with a questionable signature. If the seller refuses or is unreachable, you may need to consult a lawyer about your purchase agreement.

Can I register my vehicle before the new title arrives?

No. Colorado requires a valid title before you can register a vehicle. If you need to drive before the title arrives, request a temporary registration permit (Form MV-5) when you submit your title process. This 30-day permit allows legal operation while the title is in process.

What happens if I lose the title after it arrives?

Submit Form MV-14 with a check for $10 to request a duplicate title. You can mail it or visit a DMV office. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can drive with a copy of the title or a temporary registration permit.

Do I need a bill of sale if I'm buying from a dealership?

No. The dealership provides a purchase agreement that serves as proof of sale. The dealer submits the title transfer paperwork to the DMV on your behalf, so you do not need to create a separate bill of sale.

What if the vehicle title has a lien from an out-of-state bank?

Contact the lender and ask for a lien release or proof that the loan is paid off. Some out-of-state lenders require specific forms or notarization. Once you have the release, submit it with your title transfer process. The DMV will not issue a new Colorado title until the lien is satisfied.