In cases where an applicant applying for title is unable to provide acceptable ownership documents, the posting of a surety bond will be required before a title is issued.

Colorado uses different bonding procedures to establish ownership of a vehicle.

• The regular bonding procedure outlined by checklist DR 2922 Title or Salvage Title  Established by Surety Bond is for use when there is a   VIN error in the last six characters of the VIN, a misaligned title or lost ownership document pursuant to C.R.S. 42-6-115.

• The mechanic and storage lien bond procedure outlined by checklist DR 2711 Title or Salvage Title Established by Mechanics and Storage Lien, is used when a vehicle has been left for service or storage and there has been no contact with the person who left the vehicle for more than 30 days. An oral or written agreement was made between the parties (see Mechanic Storage Lien) pursuant to C.R.S. 38-20-116.

• Older vehicle in Lieu of Bond procedure outlined by checklist DR 2462 In Lieu of Bond for Motor Vehicles 25 Years or Older, eliminated the bond requirement for vehicles twenty-five years or older, pursuant to C.R.S. 42- 6-115(b)  (see Older Vehicle In Lieu of Bond Procedure).

• The Small Trailer procedure in lieu of bond (see Trailer).

• Manufactured Home in lieu of bond procedure outlined by checklist DR 2463 In Lieu of Bond for Manufactured Home 25 Years Old or Older, eliminated the bond requirement for manufactured homes twenty-five years or older pursuant to C.R.S. 38-29-119 (2) (b)  (see Manufactured Homes).

The Following Steps Are Required To Complete The Bonding Procedure

1. DR 2704 Colorado Certified VIN Inspection

This is an inspection to verify the year, make, body and identification number of the vehicle. This form must be completed by a Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (P.O.S.T.) certified individual trained to perform such inspections. There is a fee for this inspection.

EXCEPTION: A Manufactured home may be inspected by one of the following and does not require a Colorado certified VIN inspection:

• County Assessor

• Colorado Manufactured Home Dealer

• Colorado Law Enforcement Officer

• County Clerk and Recorder

Note: When purchased from a Colorado dealer without proper documents, please contact the Auto Industry Division at 

303-205-5604 to file a complaint and inquire on the status of the dealer’s bond.

Note: A VIN inspection that is older than one year from the acceptance date will not be accepted.

Out-of-state verifications of Vehicle Identification Numbers will not be accepted for the bonding procedure. The vehicle must be physically located in Colorado during the bonding process.

The DR 2704 must be completely filled out including plate information. If no plates are on the vehicle, N/A should be indicated.

2. Record Search forms to be completed:

• DR 2489A Requestor Release and Affidavit of Intended Use

• Prior to applying for title:

  • DR 2489A Requestor Release and Affidavit of Intended Use and copy of appropriate VIN inspection must be mailed with the appropriate fee to:
    DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES,
    VEHICLE SERVICES SECTION
    PO BOX 173350,   DENVER, CO 80217-3350

• A copy of the DR 2489A will be returned to the applicant after the record search is completed with a copy of the record search attached. These forms must be submitted with the bond application.

• When no Colorado Record is found. For bond applications dated after April 1, 2024, customers must order a national search using the DR 2489A. 

Note: A search that is more than one year old will not be accepted.

This is a Colorado ONLY record search to reflect the current records in Colorado. It will show the owner of record, and any active liens that are filed on the vehicle.

See Motor Vehicle Record Search for further requirements.

Possible Search Results:

• No record in Colorado (National Search must be completed and lienholder or owner notified)

• Colorado Record found

  • Shows owner of record

  • Active liens (if applicable)

  • Lien not filed in Colorado

  • Suspense record found — a search must be completed in the state as indicated on the suspense record.

Notice to all addresses:

The applicant must attempt to contact by certified mail (return receipt requested) the owner(s) and lienholder(s) of record as indicated on the record search. The letter must include:

• The description of the vehicle (year, make, and VIN).

• A statement of intent to title the vehicle.

• Request for confirmation that they have no interest in the vehicle.

• Applicants contact information.

• A copy of the letter(s) and certified mail return receipt(s) must be included with the title application.

• A green PS3811 card or envelope/ letter marked undeliverable is acceptable.

• Electronic proof of delivery (FedEx, USPS, UPS) is also acceptable.

3. Active Liens

If the title search shows that there is an active lien, a lien release or release of interest from the lienholder must be submitted.

The lien release or release of interest must be on company letterhead (not required if individual) and include:

• Vehicle description (year, make and VIN)

• Titled owner’s name(s)

• Agent’s signature

• Signed under penalty of perjury in the second degree

• Date lien released

Lienholder not available — filed in Colorado

If an attempt is made to secure a lien release and the lienholder is not available, the following procedures must be used:

• A certified or registered letter must be sent to the lienholder’s last known address and be returned as undeliverable. Include this letter with the application.

• A bond must be posted for the amount of the lien or for twice the appraised value of the vehicle, whichever is greater.

4. Establish the reasonable value by either of the following:

• Appraisal from a Licensed Colorado Dealer.

  • Any licensed Colorado automobile dealer may give an appraisal. It must:

    • Be on dealer’s letterhead

      • If the Colorado dealer does not have letterhead, they must sign the appraisal under penalty of perjury or it must be notarized.

    • Describe the vehicle by VIN, year, and make.

    • Be signed and dated by the dealer’s agent.

    • State the dealership’s license number.

  • Appraisal must be for the current condition of the vehicle.

• Appraised value from a current Kelley Blue Book or N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide.

  • The specific model being appraised must be identified (i.e., highlighted). Applicant may use the retail value listed in the current Kelley Blue Book or N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide for light truck or passenger vehicles, with a statement indicating this is the applicant’s choice.

• Appraised value established from Kelley Blue Book website, with statement indicating this is the applicant’s choice.

• Manufactured Home values must be established using twice the actual value according to the County Assessor’s records C.R.S. 38-29-119(2)(a).

5. Surety Bond

The applicant must purchase a surety bond for twice the appraised value of the vehicle. If the appraisal is showing both the retail and wholesale values, use the greater amount as the established value. This is a one-time, non-refundable bond that allows the State of Colorado to issue a title when proper proof of ownership is not provided.

• Dealerships establishing title in their name may post a surety bond for twice the reasonable value of the vehicle.

• For manufactured homes surety bond must be for twice the actual value according to the County Assessor’s records.

• A bond cannot be issued showing DBA, a corrected bond or rider is required showing correct owner.

• Title will be issued in the principal’s name(s) as shown on the surety bond. No changes or additions can be made without a bond rider.

• The bond must identify the vehicle by year, make and VIN.

• Signature of the principal on the surety bond must be signed the same   as the bond issuance. If Bond is in a company name, principal area must show company name as well as agent’s signature.

• Notary / bond company representative signature is required.

Notes: If the Colorado dealer does not have letterhead they must sign the appraisal under penalty of perjury or it must be notarized. A dealership may do its own appraisal when bonding for title in their name. This appraisal may be for the reasonable value of the vehicle. 

6. Alternative to Surety Bond

Applicant furnishes evidence of a savings account, deposit, or certificate of deposit.

42-7-301 (6), C.R.S., may be satisfied by a savings account or deposit in or a certificate of deposit issued by a state or national bank doing business in this state or by a savings account or deposit in or a certificate of deposit issued by a state or federal savings and loan association doing business in this state. Such savings account, deposit, or certificate of deposit shall be in the amount specified by statute, if any, and shall be assigned to the appropriate state agency for the use of the people of the state of Colorado. The aggregate liability of the bank or savings and loan association shall in no event exceed the amount of the deposit. For the purposes of the sections referred to in this section, “bond” includes the savings account, deposit, or certificate of deposit authorized by this section.

Note: The savings account is not the customer’s personal savings account. 

Note: The Authentication of Taxes Paid for a Manufactured Home is required when following the Bond Procedure.

7. DR 2394 Bond Statement Guide

A detailed statement from the applicant outlining the reason for bonding to establish title. The statement must be signed, dated and shall include the following information:

• Why bonding for ownership is required, why there is no title for the vehicle or why the title is not accessible.

• What attempts were made to contact the owner of record to ensure they have no interest in the vehicle.

• From whom purchased, when purchased, and the amount paid.

• Description of the vehicle by year, make, and VIN.

• Whether or not there are no liens against the vehicle.

• Whether or not the vehicle is roadworthy.

• Manufactured Home — statement must include if the manufactured home is or is not on permanent foundation.

Note: A bond rider may be used to correct any errors or make any changes to the original surety bond.

Older Vehicle In Lieu Of Bond Procedure

The Older Vehicle in Lieu of Bond procedure established under C.R.S. 42-6-115 (3)(b) eliminated the requirement to obtain an appraisal and purchase a bond for vehicles twenty-five years or older when the ownership documentation is not available for the issuance of a new title. The DR 2462 In Lieu of Bond for a Motor Vehicle 25 Years Old or Older Checklist is available as a reference at DMV.Colorado.gov. The regular bonding procedure must be completed in addition to the following requirements:

• A bill of sale, within twenty-four months of sale at the time of application.

• DR 2394 Older Vehicle in Lieu of Bond Affidavit.

Note: If the bill of sale is over twenty- four months old  then a bond is required.