Colorado
Title Fee
$7.20
Sales Tax Rate
2.9%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Colorado?
All motor vehicles, trailers, and special mobile machinery mounted on a truck or trailer chassis must be titled.
OHVs and snowmobiles purchased through or sold to a Colorado dealer require a title; titling is optional for private-party sales.
Manufactured homes are titled through the County Clerk and Recorder unless permanently affixed to real estate (requires Certificate of Permanent Location).
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Titles are issued by the County Motor Vehicle Office in the county of residence, not the DMV directly.
Application for Title and/or Registration (DR 2395) is submitted in person or online via myDMV.
Fee: $7.20 (may vary by county). Dealer resale titles: $25.00.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title and bill of sale.
Non-title states: Current registration and bill of sale.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Ownership docs, NHTSA and CBP forms, and translation if needed.
How much does a title cost?
$7.20 for standard title; $8.20 for salvage/nonrepairable; $8.20 for duplicate title.
Manufactured home recording fees: $43.00.
Are electronic signatures and titles allowed?
Electronic signatures are accepted on most documents, including title transfers and odometer disclosures.
What’s the process for title transfer?
Assignment of title required; transfer must be completed within 60 days (dealers: 30 days).
Release of liability can be filed online to avoid post-sale liability.
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles.
Are there special titles or brands?
Bonded titles available for vehicles with insufficient documentation.
Brands: Flood, Nonrepairable, Rebuilt from Salvage, Salvage, Lemon Law Buyback (from 2027), and odometer brands.
Out-of-state “export only” or “junk” titles are not accepted.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate Title/Lien Request and Receipt (DR 2539A), $8.20 fee.
Amended titles and lien releases handled at county offices.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for vehicles newer than 2010.
VIN inspection required for rebuilt, bonded, or out-of-state vehicles.
What taxes apply to vehicles?
State Sales/Use Tax: 2.9% state rate plus city/county tax on full purchase price (rates vary by location).
Trade-in credits: Allowed for licensed vehicles.
Use tax: Due at registration for vehicles purchased out of state.
Specific Ownership Tax: Paid annually in lieu of property tax; based on year and value.
Passenger Mile Tax: $0.001 per passenger mile for vehicles carrying 15+ passengers (min $25).
Property Tax: Applies to titled manufactured homes as real property.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs. (IRS Form 2290).
How and when are taxes paid?
Paid at time of registration/title application at the County Motor Vehicle Office.
Use tax due at registration if not collected at purchase.
Are there exemptions?
New residents are exempt on vehicles acquired out of state prior to residency.
Exemptions for farm close-out sales, government, tribal, and certain heavy/alternative-fuel vehicles.
Credit allowed for taxes paid in another state (unless city is “home rule”).
Other fees:
Registration fees vary by vehicle type/weight; see fee estimator online.
Personalized plates: $68.06 issuance + $25 annual renewal.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Application for title submitted to county office with security agreement, title, and $40.00 lien fee.
Lien is perfected as of filing date.
ELT (Electronic Lien & Title) participation is optional but available.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lien must be released on the title within 15 days of satisfaction; separate release on company letterhead or notarized declaration is acceptable.
Assignment: Lienholder marks “Lien Assignment” and provides supporting docs.
Lien extension: $1.50 for successive 3-year periods (most liens valid 10 years).
How does repossession work in Colorado?
After 10 days’ default, lienholder sends Notice of Right to Cure; after 20 days, may repossess if peaceful.
Must notify law enforcement within one hour of repossession.
Repossessor must be bonded for $50,000 property damage.
For title transfer: Statement of Repossession (DR 2393) and original title required.
How are mechanic/storage liens handled?
For unclaimed vehicles, repair/storage shops may sell the vehicle after 30 days’ no contact or payment refusal.
Must complete titling checklist and may need a bond.
Other notes:
All parties may file/release liens electronically via ELT.
Lien records kept by Vehicle Services Program.
Department of Revenue
Section Name (Vehicle Services Program, Emissions, etc.)
3265 S Wadsworth Boulevard #3A, Lakewood, CO 80227
PO Box 173350, Denver, CO 80217-3350
303.205.5600 or 303.205.5940 TDD
Enforcement Agency:
Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles3265 S Wadsworth Blvd #3A, Lakewood, CO 80227
PO Box 173350, Denver, CO 80217-3350
Phone: 303.205.5600 or 303.205.5940 (TDD)
Colorado DMV Website
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Colorado State Patrol700 Kipling Street, Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: 303.239.4500
Key Regulations:
County Motor Vehicle Offices manage titling, registration, tax collection, lien recording, and repossession.
State Patrol enforces highway safety, theft, and vehicle law.
Insurance required: minimum $25,000/$50,000/$15,000.
Emissions inspection required in certain counties (Denver/Boulder/Front Range metro); exemptions apply.
Title records kept for 7 years; registration records for current year only.