• Marking “X” for a seller/lienholder legal signature is acceptable with the signatures of two witnesses. “X” is only acceptable when seller is physically handicapped or illiterate. A DR 2444 Statement of Fact is required from one of the witnesses stating reason for signature using “X”.

• If the seller is mentally impaired, Letters of Conservatorship are required. 

• If the seller is incapable, Letters of Guardianship are required. (See Letters of Guardianship, Court Orders)

• Common nicknames are acceptable and do not need a DR 2421 Statement of One and the Same. (Bob for Robert, Mike for Michael, etc.)

UNACCEPTABLE

Some examples of a seller's printed name that will only be acceptable with a DR 2444 Statement of Fact or a DR 2421 Statement of One and the Same from the seller are as follows:

OTHER EXAMPLES: Dr., MD, Rev., Major, Lt, etc.

Secure and Verifiable Identification is needed on all new title transactions. If the buyer's printed name on the Secure and Verifiable Identification and the new title application do not match, the DR 2421 Statement of One and the Same must be submitted (except for common nicknames), regardless of odometer disclosure concerns. The vehicle will be titled as assigned on the ownership document.

Assignment of Title in Legal Name

When assigning a title to a new owner, the title should be completed with the buyer's printed name as assigned.

• Please note that it is preferable to have the buyer's printed name match the legal name of the buyer(s).

• A DR 2421 Statement of One and the Same is required if the buyer's printed name on the title assignment differs from how it appears on the Secure and Verifiable Identification.

• If the buyer’s name on the Secure and Verifiable Identification and the new title application do not match due to a change of name, proof of legal name change is required.  The vehicle will be titled as assigned on the ownership document. 

• Applications for title in the name of a trust (See Trusts), or a business must have the full legal name of the entity.

Assignment of Title in Two Names

When a title is in two names both owners’ signatures are required for transfer.

• When the names read Mary and John Smith, each person must sign their own name. “Mary Smith — John Smith”

• When one joint owner elects to convey his interest to a third party, the signatures of both owners are required.

EXAMPLE: Mary and Robert Jones own a vehicle. Mary elects to convey her interest to Robert Jones. Robert Jones elects to add Tom Brown. The names of Robert Jones and Tom Brown appear as new owners. Mary and Robert Jones must both sign off the title.

When both owners want to add a third name to the title, both must sign.

• Owners have the option of signing the title themselves or give power of attorney. (See Power of Attorney)

• If two owners appear on the title and one gives Power of Attorney    to the other, only the signature of the appointee is required with the Power of Attorney attached.

Exceptions to Both Signatures:

When one joint owner assigns his interest in the vehicle to the other joint owner, only the signature of the person assigning his interest is required. The new title must be in the name of the remaining individual, exactly as it appeared on the previous title.

EXAMPLE: Mary and Robert Jones own a vehicle. Mary assigns her interest to Robert. Robert Jones is shown as the new owner and Mary Jones’ signature appears as the assignee.

When one owner or joint owner is unavailable or refuses to sign off the title, a court order is required (See Court Orders) or Assignment of Title Involving Divorce. (See Assignment of Title Involving Divorce)

Ownership on some out-of-state titles is shown with different conjunctions, and, or, and/or. Therefore, all signatures may not be required for title transfer. Refer to R.L. Polk, N.A.D.A, or Peck’s reference manuals for specific instructions.

Assignment of Title Adding or Deleting A Name

Adding Name(s)

When a title/MSO is assigned to one owner and no liens are to be filed on the new title, the assigned owner may request to add a name by:

• Signing the Application for Colorado Title prior to title transfer; or

• Completing a DR 2444 Statement of Fact

• When a title has already been issued and/or printed and the owner(s) request to add additional names to the title, the assignment of title must be completed by the titled owner(s).

  • The titled owner must sign as seller and reassign title in their name and in the additional owner(s) name(s).

• When title/ MSO is assigned to one owner and a lien is filed, additional owners may not be added unless new lien paperwork is submitted.

Deleting Name(s)

For an MSO, the dealer (seller) must void the incorrect assignment by putting a single line or an X through the assignment and complete the next assignment.  A DR 2444 Statement of Fact, or notarized statement indicating the error must be attached.

For a title with multiple dealer reassignments, the dealer must void the incorrect dealer reassignment by putting an X through the assignment and complete the next reassignment. A DR 2444 Statement of Fact, or notarized statement indicating the error must be attached. 

Deleting name(s) from the “Assignment by Owner” is unacceptable. A duplicate title is required.

Assignment of Title in Error

Private Party Transfers

When a seller(s) signs in error on the purchaser’s line, they must:

• Sign correctly on the seller’s line

• Draw one line through the incorrect signature

• Print the name of the person to whom the vehicle is assigned above the error. Do not scribble through the incorrect name.

• A statement of fact is required, to include the following:

  • The description of the vehicle

  • To whom the vehicle was sold

  • A statement that the seller(s) signed on the wrong line in error

  • All sellers must sign under penalty of perjury

UNACCEPTABLE

An assignment made in error, other than the above acceptable situation, requires a duplicate title. (See Duplicate Title)

Title Alterations

The following approved alteration guidelines are NOT in conflict with C.R.S. 42-6-143

Odometer Disclosure Guidelines

**Note** Odometer Disclosure must be completed on either the title or a secure form in their entirety.

Title with a Lien

Private Party to Dealer

**Note** Odometer Disclosure must be completed on either the title or a secure form in their entirety.

Colorado Dealer to Private Party

MSO (Colorado dealer on face of MSO) to Leasing Company

Lease Buyout

Special Title Applications

Assignment of Title in a Firm Name

Title Being Established

A Colorado title may be issued showing both a business name and an individual name(s).

EXAMPLE: A title in the name of John Jones MD. PC. (Medical doctor, professional corporation) requires:

• The title must be applied for in the county in which the corporation is located or an EVTR Service Provider.

• If MD. PC. appears on the title, MD. PC. must be shown on the registration. 

• If limited partnership (LTD) appears on assignment, it is acceptable only IF they are registered as a partnership with the Secretary of State. 

• Letter of authorization, Corporate Resolution to Borrow/Grant Collateral Letter giving permission to agent and agent’s secure and verifiable identification is required.

• Id type of business is not listed in the name a one in the same is required

Title Being Transferred

EXAMPLE: A title in the name of John Smith’s Storage Company and John Smith requires:

• John Smith’s signature to release his interest in the vehicle and someone other than John Smith must sign for John Smith’s Storage Company; or

• If John Smith is the sole owner of the company, he must complete a DR 2444 Statement of Fact that he is the sole owner of the company. Only one signature for John Smith is required for both the individual and the company.

Death before Transfer of Title

When a title is assigned to an individual who dies before application is made for a Colorado title, the personal representative or successor may take title in their name without taking title in the deceased name first. The following documents are required:

• A Colorado title assigned to the deceased, and any other pertinent paperwork required for titling (See Applying for Title); and

• A copy of Informal Probate/Appointment; or

• A copy of Letters of Testamentary; or

• An original DR 2712 Small Estates Affidavit and official copy of Colorado Death Certificate Verification of a Colorado Death Record or an out-of-state death certificate (copy acceptable); or

• A copy of an ‘Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property Pursuant   to Small Estate Proceeding’ and official copy of Colorado Death Certificate, Verification of a Colorado Death Record, or an out-of-state death certificate. (copy acceptable)

The ‘Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property Pursuant to Small Estate Proceeding’ must be compliant with §15-12-1201, C.R.S.

Assignment of Title Dba (Doing Business As)

Colorado titles are not issued showing DBA. However, if shown on an out-of-state MSO or out-of-state title, one signature of seller is acceptable. Some examples are as follows:

Licensed Colorado Dealer

When the MSO indicates the distributing dealer in the DBA name, the sign off should be completed using the dealerships name as indicated on their dealer license.

If the MSO/title is assigned to Pete Sneakers DBA Sneaky Pete’s Auto Sales, Pete Sneakers must take title in his individual name and the dealership’s name (DBA will not be shown on title).

In order for Sneaky Pete’s Auto Sales to apply for a Dealer Resale title without his individual name on an MSO, or the reassignment area on a title with multiple assignments, the dealer must void the incorrect assignment by putting an “X” through the assignment and complete the next assignment. A DR 2444 Statement of Fact, or notarized statement indicating the error, must be attached.

Note: Party must sign off as seller with old name and as buyer with new name.

Legal Name Change

When a title is shown in a maiden or married name and the individual would like to change the title to their married or maiden name or transfer ownership, the following is acceptable:

Proof of legal name change is required.  If the individual's name change can be verified in DRIVES, the individual does not need to present the proof of legal name change again. (VSS 24-01)  Transactions processed by EVTR vendors are unable to verify the name change in DRIVES and will require proof of legal name change to be provided.

Note: The individual who has changed their name must print their previous name as it appears on the front of the title as seller and complete the buyer's side of the assignment with their new name.

Assignment of Titles Involving Divorce

Court Order Awarding Vehicle

Execute the court order as directed, no signatures are required. The Court Order must describe the vehicle by year, make, VIN. A copy is acceptable.

Court Order Divesting Interest in A Vehicle

When the divorce decree specifically states that one owner is awarded the vehicle, no signature is required from the person not awarded the vehicle. The divorce decree must describe the vehicle by year, make, VIN and accompany the application for title. A copy of the divorce decree is acceptable.

Court Order Authorizing Clerk of The Court in A Divorce

When one of the owners is not available or refuses to sign the title, the court may authorize the Clerk of the Court to sign or give power of attorney to transfer the title. The Court Order must describe the vehicle by year, make, VIN. A copy of the court order is acceptable.

Note: If the divorce decree states that the person not awarded the vehicle must sign over ownership or release interest in the vehicle, a signature from that person is required. 

Note:  Court Orders must describe vehicle by year, make and VIN, and must accompany application for title. A copy is acceptable.

(See Court Orders)

Assignment of Titles Involving tax exemption number

When a customer is using a tax exemption number, the name listed on the tax exemption number should match the name listed on the title. No additional names can be present on the title, in order to receive the tax exemption. 

Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit and Summary Administration Procedure for Small Estates

C.R.S. 15-12-1201 permits the transfer of ownership of a vehicle upon submission of a notarized affidavit by the successor in instances of an estate, less liens and encumbrances, that does not exceed an amount that is based on the Decedent's year of death (Y.O.D). Refer to this resource to determine the amounts for recent years. Under this procedure no court appearance is required. (See this section, Deceased Owner)

C.R.S. 15-12-1201 Collection of personal property by affidavit:

(1) Any time, ten or more days after the date of death of a decedent, any person indebted to the decedent or having possession of any personal property, including but not limited to funds on deposit at, or any contents of a safe deposit box at, any financial institution; tangible personal property; or an instrument evidencing a debt, obligation, stock, chose in action, or stock brand belonging to the decedent shall pay or deliver such property to a person claiming to be a successor of the decedent or acting on behalf of a successor of the decedent upon being presented an affidavit made by or on behalf of the successor stating:(a) The fair market value of property owned by the decedent and subject to disposition by will or intestate succession at the time of his or her death, wherever that property is located, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed twice the amount set forth in section 15-11-403, as adjusted by section 15-10-112;(b) At least ten days have elapsed since the death of the decedent;(c) No application or petition for the appointment of a personal representative is pending   or has been granted in any jurisdiction; and(d) Each person is entitled to payment  or delivery of the property as set forth in such affidavit.(1.5) An instrument or other property that is payable or deliverable to a decedent or to the estate of a decedent  is considered property of the decedent subject to subsection (1) of this section. A successor or person acting on behalf of a successor under subsection (1) of this section may endorse an instrument that is so payable and collect such amount.(2) A transfer agent of any security shall change the registered ownership on the books of a corporation from the decedent to the successor or successors upon the presentation of an affidavit as provided in subsection (1) of this section. (3) The public official having cognizance over the registered title of any personal property of the decedent shall change the registered ownership from the decedent to the successor or successors upon the presentation of an affidavit as provided in subsection (1) of this section.

Note: A photocopy of a Colorado Death Certificate or Verification of a Colorado Death Record may be presented as part of the process of transferring ownership of a vehicle titled in the name of a deceased person. The copy of the Death Certificate or Verification of a Colorado Death Record should be attached to the application. No additional stamps or signatures by the County Clerk staff or EVTR Service Provider are required.