What You Need to Do to Transfer a Title in Colorado

In Colorado, you transfer a vehicle title by submitting an process for a Colorado Certificate of Title (Form DR 2007) to the Division of Motor Vehicles, along with the current title, proof of ownership, and payment. The DMV processes the transfer and issues a new title in the new owner's name. Most transfers take two to four weeks, though you can request expedited processing for an additional fee.

The process differs depending on whether you're buying from a private seller, a dealership, or inheriting a vehicle. If you're buying from a dealer, they often handle the paperwork. If you're buying privately, you and the seller complete the transaction together, then you submit the documents to the DMV yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form DR 2007 (process for a Colorado Certificate of Title) to the DMV within 10 days of purchase to avoid penalties.
  • The current title, signed by the seller in the correct section, is required — a bill of sale alone is not enough.
  • You can submit your transfer in person at any DMV office, by mail to the Denver DMV office, or through an authorized third-party agent.
  • Colorado charges a title transfer fee (currently $20 for a standard transfer) plus any applicable taxes or registration fees if you're registering at the same time.
  • If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must request a duplicate title before the transfer can happen.

Documents Required for a Colorado Title Transfer

The seller must provide the original title signed in the assignment section (the back of the title). If the title is in two names, both owners must sign unless one is listed as "or" rather than "and" — in that case, only one signature is needed. The title must be signed in blue or black ink; pencil is not accepted.

You will also need proof of ownership, which is typically the bill of sale. Colorado does not have a required bill of sale form, but the document should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller. If you're buying from a dealership, they provide their own paperwork.

If the vehicle has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), the lienholder's name appears on the title. The lienholder must sign the title or provide a separate lien release document. The seller cannot transfer a title with an active lien without the lienholder's permission and signature.

How to Submit Your Transfer process

Complete Form DR 2007 with your information, the vehicle details, and the seller's information. You can read the form from the Colorado DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Print it and sign it in the buyer section.

Submit the completed form, the signed title, the bill of sale, and your payment to one of three places: in person at any Colorado DMV office, by mail to the Motor Vehicle Section in Denver, or through an authorized third-party agent (such as a title service or some insurance agencies). If you mail your documents, include a check or money order for the title transfer fee.

The DMV will not process your transfer if required signatures are missing, if the title is damaged beyond readability, or if the seller's signature does not match the name on the title. If any documents are rejected, the DMV will contact you with a list of corrections needed.

Timeline and Processing Fees

Standard title transfers take two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your complete process. If you submit in person, you may receive a temporary title receipt that day. The permanent title arrives by mail.

The title transfer fee in Colorado is $20. If you are also registering the vehicle at the same time, you will owe registration fees as well, which vary by vehicle weight and type. If you request expedited processing, the fee is higher — check the current fee schedule on the Colorado DMV website, as fees change periodically.

If you need the title faster, some third-party agents offer same-day or next-day service for an additional charge. These agents submit your paperwork directly to the DMV on your behalf.

Special Situations: Inherited Vehicles and Out-of-State Titles

If you inherited a vehicle, you will need the original title plus a certified copy of the death certificate and proof that you are the legal heir (usually a will or court document). Some Colorado counties require an affidavit of heirship instead. Contact your local DMV office to confirm what documents your county accepts.

If you are transferring a title from another state, you must first obtain a Colorado title. Submit the out-of-state title, proof of ownership, and Form DR 2007 to the DMV. Colorado will issue a new title in your name. If the out-of-state title is not available or is lost, you may need to request a duplicate from the state where you purchased the vehicle before Colorado will issue a title.

If the vehicle was purchased from a private seller in another state and the title is already in your name, you still need to transfer it to Colorado within 10 days of moving to the state or purchasing the vehicle in Colorado.

What Happens If You Miss the 10-Day important date

Colorado law requires you to transfer a title within 10 days of purchase. If you miss this important date, you may face a late fee (currently $25) added to your title transfer fee. The DMV may also deny registration until the title is transferred.

If you are significantly past the important date and the vehicle is already registered in another state, contact your local DMV office before submitting your process. They can advise whether you need additional documentation or whether penalties explore in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller's name does not match the name on the title?

No. The person signing the title must be the person listed as the owner on the title. If the seller's name does not match, they must first correct the title with the DMV or provide legal documentation (such as a marriage certificate or court order) showing the name change. The DMV will not process a transfer with a signature mismatch.

What if the title is lost or damaged?

The seller must request a duplicate title from the Colorado DMV before the transfer can happen. They submit Form DR 2007 with a check for the duplicate title fee (currently $20) and proof of ownership. Once they receive the duplicate, they sign it and send it to you for the transfer. This adds one to two weeks to the process.

Do I need to register the vehicle at the same time I transfer the title?

No, but you must do both within 10 days of purchase. You can transfer the title first and register later, or do both at once. If you do both together, submit Form DR 2007 and the registration form (Form DR 2001) at the same time with payment for both fees.

Can I transfer a title online in Colorado?

No. Colorado does not offer online title transfers. You must submit your process in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third-party agent. Some agents offer online portals where you upload documents, but they then submit the physical paperwork to the DMV on your behalf.

What if the vehicle has two owners and they are not transferring it together?

If the title lists two owners connected by "and", both must sign the title for any transfer. If the title lists two owners connected by "or", only one owner needs to sign. If one owner wants to transfer their share to the other, they must contact the DMV to split the title first, which requires both owners' signatures and a separate process.