Where to apply for a Colorado Title

Applications for title must be made within sixty (60) days from the date of purchase in the County Motor Vehicle Office, C.R.S 42-6-110.

Colorado law provides that vehicles owned by Colorado residents must be titled and registered in the county of the owners’ principal or primary home address as determined by voter registration. In the case of a vehicle owned by a business, the address from which such vehicle is principally operated and maintained would be used, C.R.S 42-6-139.

If neither of the above situations apply, the vehicle should be titled and registered in the county where it is permanently operated and maintained.

Titling Documents

Colorado title applications may consist of the following documentation, see specific section of manual for situational requirements:

• Ownership Documents — MSO/MCO, Colorado title, out-of-state title or current registration.

• DR 2395 Application for Title and/or Registration.

• DR 2574 Application for a Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (generated by the county, with vL003 letter).

• DR 2407 Dealers Bill of Sale (secure)

• DR 2698 non certified Verification of a Vehicle Identification Number.

• DR 2698 Colorado Dealer’s Statement Concerning an Out-of-State Vehicle.

• See exceptions below  move exceptions here. 

• DR 2704 Colorado Certified VIN Inspection (done by a P.O.S.T. certified officer).

• Odometer Disclosure must be completed on a conforming title or a secure odometer disclosure form (See Odometer requirements).

• Secure and verifiable identification is required to issue new title, duplicate title, new registration, new temporary registration and new placards (See Secure and Verifiable Identification).

• DR 0024 Sales or Use Tax Receipt (County Function).

Trucks weighing between 4,501 and 10,000 pounds and are being registered for the first time in Colorado, must be accompanied by one of the following documents to certify the weight CRS 42-3-304 (17)(a):

• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).

• A Valid title which specifies the weight on an in state or out of state title.

• A correct weight from Vintellegence.

• A certified weight slip if the truck has been modified by more than 300 pounds.

Ownership Documents- Out of State Titles

• Out-of-State Titles

• Out-of-State Registrations

  • For examples of out-of-state titles and registrations, refer to the specific state’s website, titling reference materials such as the NADA, Polk, or Peck books.

Application for Title

Customer form:

The DR 2395 Application for Title and/or Registration is the Department of Revenue form that applicants may fill out manually or complete online and print. This form has two parts including:

• Application for Title and/or Registration (page 1).

• Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship Acknowledgement of Intent (page 2).

The vL003 Application for Colorado Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle is the laser printed form generated by DRIVES

Acceptable usage of the DR 2407 Dealer’s Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle:

MSO - first assignment must be made on the MSO and any subsequent assignments can be made on the DR 2407. The  DR 2407  Dealer’s Bill of Sale is acceptable as the acknowledgement and disclosure of the odometer reading.

• Colorado titles issued prior to November 17, 1992.

• Out-of-state titles as long as they do not prohibit separate reassignments.

• Purged Bill of Sale (See Purged Bill of Sale)

• Tow Bill of Sale (See Tow Bill of Sale)

• Current out-of-state registration from a non-titling state.

• Used to acknowledge the odometer reading when the title is not available for the buyer to sign. Assignment must be completed on the title.

• Can only be used to transfer road worthy vehicles.

Unacceptable usage for DR 2407 Dealer’s Bill of Sale:

• Salvage receipts/titles 

• Colorado titles issued on or after November 17, 1992

• Restricted Out-of-State titles “no additional reassignments”

• Government Bill of Sale (Colorado dealers only)

• This does not replace requirements on out of state titles (signatures and boxes not checked)

C.R.S 42-6-119 (3)(a) That the dealer, by the execution of such affidavit, warrants to the  purchaser and all persons who claim through the named purchaser that, at the time of the sale, transfer, and delivery by the dealer, the vehicle described was free and clear of all liens and mortgages except as might appear in the certificate of title; (b) That the vehicle is not a stolen vehicle; and (c) That such dealer had good, sure, and adequate title to, and full right and authority to sell and transfer, the vehicle.

Colorado Dealer's Statement Concerning an Out-of-State Vehicle

When an out-of-state title or registration is assigned to the Colorado dealer, a DR 2698 Colorado Dealer’s Statement Concerning an Out-of-State Vehicle must be completed by the first Colorado dealer who transfers the out-of-state title, pursuant to C.R.S 42- 6-119(3)(a,b,c). If first dealer obtains title in their name, a DR 2698 Colorado Dealer’s Statement Concerning an Out-of-State Vehicle is not required.

Verifications of Vehicle Identification Number (regular)

The DR 2698 Verification of Vehicle Identification Number must be completed for (not required if currently registered in another county of the State of Colorado):

• Vehicles titled in another state or country

  • Unless the applicant is able to show proof that they purchased the vehicle as new (MCO, MSO, Purchase receipt from a dealer).

• Vehicles with current registration from non-title states or country

  • Unless the applicant is able to show proof that they purchased the vehicle as new (MCO, MSO, Purchase receipt from a dealer).

• Vehicles transferred on a DR 2116 Re-Establishment of Ownership document and Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale for a Purged Colorado Record.

• Correction of vehicle description (See Title Corrections)

• Abandoned vehicles (See Abandoned Vehicles)

• Military Registration

• Vehicles with a current out-of-state registration (suspense)

  • Unless the applicant is able to show proof that they purchased the vehicle as new (MCO, MSO, Purchase receipt from a dealer). 

This form may be completed by a Colorado county clerk or designated employee, any Colorado law enforcement officer, licensed Colorado dealer, Colorado licensed Emission station, Air Care Colorado Station or Colorado licensed diesel inspection station C.R.S 42-3-105.

The verification of vehicle identification form must be completed without alterations. If the motor number appears as the identification number on the out-of-state document, it must be included on the inspection in addition to the Public VIN of the vehicle. The Colorado title will be issued showing the Public VIN.

DR 2698 Verification of Vehicle Identification Number is not acceptable if the completed form is more than one year old, from the date of application.

Exceptions

Colorado residents registering vehicles in Colorado which are presently located out-of-state, thus precluding them from obtaining a vehicle identification number inspection in Colorado are excluded. Some examples are:

• Military personnel stationed outside Colorado may have the verification completed by the commanding officer or the military police.

• Students attending out-of-state schools must have the VIN verification completed by a police agency located in the state where the vehicle is going to be driven. Police agency may use the DR 2698 form or the inspecting state’s form.

• Retired persons who live out-of-state for short periods of time must have VIN verification completed by a police agency located in the state where the vehicle is going to be driven. Police agency may use the DR 2698 form or the inspecting state’s form.

• Persons that are temporarily working out of state must provide a statement from the employer on company letterhead stating the approximate time that the owner of the vehicle will be working in that state to complete the job assignment. VIN verification must be completed by a police agency located in the state where the vehicle is going to be driven. Police agency may use the DR 2698 form or the inspecting state’s form.

If the applicant is able to show proof that they purchased the vehicle as new (MCO, MSO, Purchase receipt from a dealer) a VIN verification is not required.

Additional information required:

• A statement of fact indicating the status of the resident and the reason why an out-of- state VIN inspection is being submitted must accompany the VIN verification. The DR 2444 Statement of Fact OR a notarized statement must be submitted.

• All other requests will be handled on an individual case basis.  Please contact TSU for approval before accepting out-of-state inspections if they do not meet the aforementioned guidelines.

Colorado Certified VIN Inspection

An inspection of a VIN must be completed by a Peace Office Standards Training (P.O.S.T.) certified individual in the following instances:

• Vehicles requiring a surety bond to establish ownership (See Bonds)

• Vehicles that are homemade, rebuilt and/or reconstructed or built from kits (See Assigned VIN, Homemade Vehicle)

• Vehicles where the VIN has been removed/changed/altered/ obliterated and must obtain a Colorado assigned VIN (See Assigned VIN)

• Homemade trailers, trailers requiring an assigned trailer ID, kit trailers, In lieu of bond for trailers less than 2000 pounds, trailers from non- title states, and trailers from states that do not title or register trailers. (See Trailers)

• Salvage vehicles being made roadworthy (See Salvage)

• Private/Public Tow Bills (See Public Tow and Private Tow)

• Model year- less than five years when no record found

• If the motor number appears as the identification number on the out-of- state document, it must be included on the inspection, in addition to the Public VIN of the vehicle. The Colorado title will be issued showing the Public VIN.

• DR 2704 Certified VIN inspection is not acceptable if the completed form is over one year old, from the date of application.

Documents Required for Used Vehicles

Used Purchase from a Colorado Individual

The following documents are required:

• Certificate of title in the name of the seller properly assigned to the purchaser.

• Signed application for Colorado title such as a DR 2395 Application for Title and/or Registration, signed by purchaser or DR 2574 computer generated application for title.

• Odometer Disclosure on Colorado Certificate of Title, if conforming; or

• A separate secure odometer disclosure form. (See Odometer)

• Documentation of purchase price.

• Secure and Verifiable Identification is required to issue new title, duplicate title, new registration, new temporary registration and new placards. (See Secure and Verifiable Identification).

Used Purchase from A Colorado Licensed Dealer

The following documents are required:

• DR 2395 Application for Title and/or Registration is required.

• Colorado title properly assigned to the dealer and re-assigned properly to the purchaser.

  • Dealer’s bill of sale to the purchaser may be used only with a Colorado title issued prior to November 17, 1992; or

  • An out-of-state title properly assigned to the dealer and re-assigned to the purchaser. This includes tribal titles; or

  • A current registration from a registration only state, properly assigned to the dealer and properly reassigned to the purchaser.

• DR 2698 Verification of Vehicle Identification Number is required with all out-of-state titles.

  • DR 2698 Colorado Dealer’s Statement concerning an out-of-state vehicle is required from the first Colorado dealer with all out-of-state titles.

• Odometer disclosure on out-of-state title, if conforming

• A separate secure odometer disclosure form (See Odometer Disclosure)

• DR 2407 Dealer’s Bill of Sale (See Odometer Disclosure)

• Secure and Verifiable Identification is required to issue new title, duplicate title, new registration, new temporary registration and new placards. (See Odometer Disclosure)

• DR 0024 Sales or Use Tax Receipt

Note: Application for title must be made prior to expiration of the registration.  If the registration has expired, customer must bond for title.

Used Purchase from an Out-of-State Individual

The following documents are required:

• DR 2698 Verification of Vehicle Identification Number

• Signed application for Colorado Title

• An out-of-state title in the name of the seller properly assigned to the Colorado purchaser. This includes tribal titles; or

• Current out-of-state registration from a non-titling state in the name of the seller properly assigned to the Colorado purchaser, if no assignment area a notarized or signed under penalty of perjury bill of sale will also be required.

• Odometer disclosed on a conforming title or, if non-conforming title, a secured odometer disclosure form must be used. (See Odometer Disclosure)

• Secure and Verifiable identification is required to issue new title, duplicate title, new registration, new temporary registration, and new placards. (See Secure and Verifiable Identification)

• Documentation of purchase price.

Purchased from an Out-of-State Dealer

The following documents are required:

• An out-of-state title in the name of the seller properly assigned to the Colorado purchaser. This includes tribal titles; or

• Current out-of-state registration from a non-titling state in the name of the seller properly assigned to the Colorado purchaser.

• DR 2698 Verification of Vehicle Identification Number

• Dealer’s bill of sale (if required) must be from the state in which the dealer is licensed.

• A signed application for Colorado Title

• Odometer disclosed on a conforming title or, if non-conforming title, a separate secure odometer disclosure form must be used. (See Odometer Disclosure)

• Secure and Verifiable Identification is required to issue new title, duplicate title, new registration, new temporary registration, and new placards. (See Secure and Verifiable Identification)

• Documentation of purchase price.

Previous Title

Acceptable Body Styles

OHV may not be issued Salvage Titles per CRS 42-6-102 (17)(a)(ii). Colorado will carry forward all brands. Parks and Wildlife may classify “homemade” OHV’s as “salvage”. OHV’s may not be titled as salvaged, these should be titled as “homemade” – HMDE.

OHVs are by default exempt from odometer disclosure requirements.

Once an OHV is titled, it is required to remain titled for the life of the vehicle.

Assigned VINs by Colorado Parks and Wildlife will begin with COLOHV or CDPSN. In cases of non-conformity or duplication an assigned VIN will be issued by the Department.

The Temporary 60 Day Permit, usually on pink carbon paper, given by the Colorado State Parks is not acceptable as an ownership document.

Note: OHV will be branded with a banner stating “Off Highway Vehicle”, “OHV- Surplus Military Vehicle” or “Snowmobile”. If coming in on an OOS salvage title, the DR 2410 and DR 2704 are not required.

Tribal Titles

Native American Reservations are recognized under federal law as sovereign entities. Tribal titles are issued directly from a reservation within the states that have entered into a reciprocity agreement with the reservation. Based on this information, Colorado will accept titles issued by reservations from the following states:

• Iowa

• Texas

• Minnesota

• Washington

• North Dakota

• Wisconsin

• Oklahoma

Title Branding

Title Branding is effective for transactions on or after January 1, 2015, to give notice that a vehicle is subject to brands that may affect the vehicle’s value. The Department carries forward all brands assigned to a vehicle and the state originating the brand.

Non-Repairable title for the vehicle with the following:

• A statement that least two written attempts were made to obtain the certificate of ownership or other evidence of title.

  • May use the DR 2444 Statement of Fact

• The fee for a duplicate title

• The previous title will be AFF SLV or AFF NRP

• If the vehicle is newer than 10 years, odometer is required by completing the DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale form

Title Services Unit will add brand(s) from NMVTIS that may not appear on the surrendered out of state title printed at the State level with the exception of Rebuilt from Salvage due to the required DR2710 Branded Title Disclosure Statement from the customer.

DR 2710 Branded Title Disclosure Statement is only required on Rebuilt from Salvage vehicles and may include other brands. All transactions involving a Rebuilt from Salvage title require the DR 2710 Branded Title Disclosure Statement.

Exempt is not a brand.

If the odometer indicator is N on the Colorado title, nothing further needs to be done (no brand).

If XX state has a Not Actual mileage brand it will be carried forward with option 35 (Other), the free-flowing comment being “not actual miles”.

Odometer Tampered is a Colorado brand used when there is a rollback, or it is commented on a Certified VIN Inspection.