Colorado Bill of Sale Requirements & Free Form
Colorado does not always demand a separate bill of sale for a private vehicle sale, but the state DMV calls one best practice. This page covers when a bill of sale is needed in Colorado and how the title transfer works.
Colorado requirements
- If the certificate of title is completed correctly, a bill of sale is not strictly needed for the transfer, but the Colorado DMV calls it best practice and requires one when the sale price is not listed on the title.
- Colorado's official form is the DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale, a secure form purchased through approved vendors; a general written bill of sale like ours serves as the written equivalent for ordinary private sale records.
- Odometer disclosure is required for model year 2011 and newer vehicles for the first 20 years of the vehicle's life; if it is made on a bill of sale rather than the title, it must be on the secure DR 2173 form.
- The buyer has 60 days from the purchase date to title and register the vehicle at the county motor vehicle office; late fees of 25 dollars per month, up to 100 dollars, apply after that.
- Notarization is not required for a standard Colorado vehicle bill of sale.
- Sellers should report the sale within 5 days using the release of liability service on myDMV.
Frequently asked questions
Can the buyer drive the car home without plates in Colorado?
The DMV allows up to 36 hours of driving from the seller's location to the buyer's home or a registration office, provided the buyer carries a signed bill of sale identifying the vehicle by year, make, and VIN with the time and date of sale, plus proof of insurance.
Where do I transfer a vehicle title in Colorado?
Title transfers are handled at your county motor vehicle office. Bring the properly endorsed title, a bill of sale if the price is not on the title, secure and verifiable identification, and proof of insurance. You have 60 days from purchase before late fees start.