To register a vehicle in Colorado, you must visit your county motor vehicle office. Denver residents have 60 days to register a vehicle purchased from a private party at a Denver Motor Vehicle branch. If you do not live in Denver, visit the Colorado DMV website to find your nearest office.
Before buying a car from a private seller, carefully inspect the front of the original title to ensure no lienholders are listed and that the seller has signed it correctly.
To minimize wait times and ensure same-day service, gather the following documents:
- New owner’s identification (secure and verifiable) or a power of attorney. If the registrant is not the titled owner, they must present a fully notarized Form DR2175 and their own identification.
- Vehicle title. The title must be properly endorsed by the previous owner. The seller must keep their license plates, per Colorado State Law. If the plates remain on the vehicle when transferred to the new owner, the seller may be liable for traffic tickets and other legal issues associated with those plates. If you forget to remove the plates, report them lost or stolen. The buyer must endorse the title and receive a signed and dated bill of sale including your name, purchase price, VIN and year/make of the vehicle.
- Bill of Sale. A Bill of Sale is encouraged but not required unless there is a change to the purchase price or date of purchase listed on the title.
- Emissions inspection certificate. When you buy a car from a private party, inherit a vehicle within the family, or receive a vehicle as a gift, you must obtain a new emissions inspection, even if a current inspection report is valid. There are some exceptions to this rule. Visit Air Care Colorado for details and to find an emissions testing location.
- Odometer reading. If you’re titling and registering a vehicle in your name, you must provide the current and accurate odometer reading. Vehicles older than 10 years are exempt from odometer readings.
- Proof of auto insurance. Insurance card, copy of your insurance policy or letter from your insurance company on company letterhead including vehicle description with the following information: year, make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN), effective date and expiration date of the policy.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification. A VIN verification is required if the seller has an out-of-state title or the vehicle was purchased outside of Colorado. A VIN inspector must complete the Vehicle Identification Number Verification Form (DR 2698 from the Colorado Department of Revenue). The Denver DMV will perform a VIN verification for a fee of $20 per vehicle.
- License plates. When buying a vehicle from a private party, the seller must keep their license plates, per Colorado State Law. Learn more about obtaining temporary tags or operating a vehicle prior to registration. You can apply for temporary tags to legally operate the vehicle.
- Payment. Learn about title and registration fees so you arrive at our office prepared. See also fees for special and personalized license plates.
For heavy trucks weighing 4501 lbs to 10,000 lbs purchased out-of-state, you’ll need a weight certificate, a copy of the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin/Certificate (MSO), Colorado title, out-of-state title or DMV Vintelligence listing with the correct weight. A weight certificate will be required for trucks that have been modified over 300 pounds.
Note: Your new Colorado title will be mailed 4-6 weeks after vehicle registration.
