What Colorado requires on a bill of sale
Colorado does not have a single state-mandated bill of sale form. Instead, the state accepts any bill of sale document that includes the required information — you can write one yourself, use a template, or read forms from third-party sources. What matters is that the document contains the specific details the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) needs to process a title transfer.
The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, and model of the vehicle, the sale price, the date of sale, the seller's printed name and signature, and the buyer's printed name and signature. Both the seller and buyer should keep a copy for their records. If the vehicle has a lien or loan against it, that information should also appear on the bill of sale.
Colorado law does not require the bill of sale to be notarized, though having it notarized adds a layer of verification that can be helpful if questions arise later. The document does not need to be filed with the DMV separately — you submit it along with your title transfer paperwork when you register the vehicle in your name.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado accepts any bill of sale format as long as it includes the VIN, vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures from both buyer and seller.
- You do not need to use an official state form or have the bill of sale notarized, though notarization can provide extra protection.
- The bill of sale is submitted to the DMV along with the title transfer process, not filed separately beforehand.
- Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records, as it serves as proof of ownership transfer and purchase price.
Where to find a bill of sale template
The Colorado DMV website does not provide an official bill of sale form, but several resources offer templates that meet state requirements. The American Automobile Association (AAA), which many Colorado residents use, offers a bill of sale template on its website. Your local Colorado DMV office can also direct you to acceptable formats, and many title companies and auto dealers have their own versions.
Online legal document services and state-specific template websites often provide Colorado bills of sale at no cost. When you choose a template, verify that it includes all the required fields: VIN, vehicle year/make/model, sale price, date of transaction, odometer reading (which Colorado requires), and signature lines for both parties. Some templates also include space for the seller's odometer disclosure statement, which is a separate legal requirement in Colorado.
What happens if you sell a vehicle without a bill of sale
Selling a vehicle without a bill of sale in Colorado creates risk for both the seller and buyer. Without a written record of the transaction, the seller has no proof that they transferred ownership, which can complicate matters if the vehicle is later involved in an accident, parking violation, or other incident while still registered in the seller's name. The buyer has no documented proof of purchase, which can make registration and insurance more difficult.
The Colorado DMV will still process a title transfer without a bill of sale if you have the signed title certificate and the buyer completes the transfer section on the back of the title. However, the bill of sale serves as independent documentation of the sale terms and protects both parties. If a dispute arises about the sale price, condition of the vehicle, or timing of the transfer, a bill of sale is the primary evidence either party can reference.
Private party sales versus dealer sales
If you are buying from a private seller in Colorado, you are responsible for obtaining the bill of sale — the seller may not automatically provide one. Discuss the bill of sale with the seller before handing over payment, and make sure both of you sign it before the money changes hands. This protects you by documenting that you own the vehicle as of that date.
If you are buying from a Colorado dealership, the dealer will provide the bill of sale as part of the sales paperwork. Dealership bills of sale typically include additional information such as warranty details, trade-in allowances, and financing terms. Review the dealership's bill of sale carefully to may support all agreed-upon details are recorded accurately before you sign.
Odometer disclosure requirements on Colorado bills of sale
Colorado law requires that the bill of sale or a separate odometer disclosure statement include the vehicle's current mileage at the time of sale. This disclosure protects buyers from odometer fraud and is a federal requirement under the Truth in Mileage Act. The seller must certify the mileage reading, and the buyer should verify it matches what the odometer shows at the time of inspection.
If the odometer is broken or the seller cannot read it accurately, the bill of sale should note that fact. Some templates include an odometer disclosure section built in; others require you to complete a separate Colorado odometer disclosure form. Either approach satisfies the requirement as long as the mileage information is documented and signed by the seller.
Submitting your bill of sale to the Colorado DMV
You do not submit the bill of sale to the DMV before or separately from your title transfer. Instead, bring the original or a certified copy of the bill of sale along with the vehicle's title certificate, a completed process for Colorado Title (Form DR 2007), proof of insurance, and payment for title transfer fees when you visit a Colorado DMV office or mail your process.
The DMV will review the bill of sale as part of processing your title transfer to confirm that the sale information matches what appears on the title certificate. If there are discrepancies — such as a different sale price or date — the DMV may contact you or the seller for clarification. Keep your bill of sale with your vehicle records even after the title transfer is complete, as it serves as proof of when you purchased the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write my own bill of sale or do I have to use a specific form?
You can write your own bill of sale as long as it includes the VIN, vehicle year/make/model, sale price, date, odometer reading, and signatures from both buyer and seller. Colorado does not require a specific official form, so a handwritten or typed document that contains this information is acceptable to the DMV.
Do I need to get the bill of sale notarized in Colorado?
Notarization is not required by Colorado law, but it is optional and can provide extra verification of the signatures. If you choose to have it notarized, any notary public can do so. The DMV will accept a bill of sale whether or not it is notarized.
What if the seller and I disagree on the sale price listed on the bill of sale?
The bill of sale should reflect the actual amount paid for the vehicle. If you and the seller disagree, resolve it before signing — once both parties sign, the document is a record of what was agreed. If a dispute arises after signing, the bill of sale becomes evidence in any legal proceeding.
Can I register the vehicle in my name without a bill of sale?
You can transfer the title without a separate bill of sale if the seller signs the back of the title certificate. However, a bill of sale provides independent documentation of the sale and is recommended for your protection. The DMV prefers to see both documents when processing a transfer.
What should I do with my bill of sale after the title transfer is complete?
Keep your signed bill of sale with your vehicle records permanently. It serves as proof of when you purchased the vehicle, what you paid, and the condition of the odometer at the time of sale. This documentation can be useful for insurance claims, warranty disputes, or if you later sell the vehicle yourself.