Selling or buying a vehicle in Colorado? A bill of sale is required for all private party vehicle sales — and the seller has the option to report the transfer of ownership within 5 days to limit liability.
This free template is formatted for Colorado’s requirements and includes all fields needed for a complete private party vehicle transaction.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Colorado Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Colorado?
- Colorado-Specific Requirements
- Free Colorado Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Colorado
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Colorado Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Colorado motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
In Colorado, the bill of sale is required for all private party transactions and is submitted to the county motor vehicle office along with the signed title and other documents to complete the title transfer.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Colorado?
Yes — Colorado requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle purchases. The Colorado DMV states that “if you are purchasing a vehicle from or selling a vehicle to another private party, the buyer needs a Bill of Sale.”
Colorado’s standard bill of sale is Form DR 2116 (Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale for Purged Colorado Record). For secure title transfers, Colorado also uses Form DR 2173 (Secure Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale), which must be purchased from authorized vendors — it is not available as a free download.
This template covers all required information and can be used as a general bill of sale alongside your title transfer application.
Colorado-Specific Requirements
1. 60-Day Registration Deadline
The buyer has 60 days from the date of sale to apply for a new title and registration at their county motor vehicle office. Penalties apply after 60 days.
2. Where to Complete the Transfer
Title transfers in Colorado are handled at the county motor vehicle office (County Clerk and Recorder) in the county where the buyer resides — not a central state DMV office.
3. Seller: Report Release of Liability
Within 5 days of the sale, the seller has the option to report the transfer of ownership online at myDMV.colorado.gov (using “Report Release of Liability” under Vehicle Services) or at their county motor vehicle office.
This protects the seller from liability for parking tickets, violations, and other incidents after the sale date.
4. What the Buyer Must Bring
- Signed Colorado Certificate of Title (all owners must sign if more than one is listed)
- This Bill of Sale (Form DR 2116 or equivalent)
- Completed Application for Title and/or Registration (Form DR 2395)
- Proof of Colorado liability insurance
- Secure and Verifiable Identification (Form DR 2841)
- Emissions certificate (if required in your county)
- VIN verification (Form DR 2698, required for out-of-state vehicles)
- Payment for title fee ($7.20) and registration fees (vary by county and vehicle)
5. Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure must be completed on the Certificate of Title or on Form DR 2173 (Secure Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale). Both the reading and the accuracy indicator (actual, not actual, or exceeds mechanical limits) must be recorded.
6. Joint Ownership
If there is more than one owner on the title, all owners must print and sign their names as seller. Joint buyers must also complete the Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship Acknowledgement page on Form DR 2395.
7. Notarization
Colorado does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Free Colorado Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. If there is more than one owner, all must sign. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title. Complete the odometer disclosure — Colorado requires this on the title or on Form DR 2173.
Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4. Both parties sign Section 11.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Colorado
For the Seller
Complete the title assignment section, enter the purchase price and date, and sign. All owners listed on the title must sign.
Report the release of liability within 5 days at myDMV.colorado.gov or at your county motor vehicle office.
For the Buyer
Within 60 days of purchase, visit the county motor vehicle office in your county of residence with the signed title, this bill of sale, Form DR 2395, proof of insurance, valid ID, and payment for title and registration fees.
Lost Title
If the title is lost, apply for a duplicate through myDMV.colorado.gov or at your county motor vehicle office before proceeding with the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
60 days from the date of sale. Penalties apply after 60 days. The buyer must complete the title transfer at the county motor vehicle office in their county of residence.
Yes. Colorado requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle purchases. The standard form is DR 2116. The secure form DR 2173 (required for some title transfers) must be purchased from authorized vendors — it is not available as a free download.
At the county motor vehicle office (County Clerk and Recorder) in the buyer’s county of residence — not a central state DMV. Each county has its own office with its own hours and appointment procedures.
No. Colorado does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
The Colorado title fee is $7.20. Registration fees vary by county and vehicle type. Contact your county motor vehicle office for specific fee information.
Yes, as a general bill of sale alongside your title transfer application. Note that for some title transfers Colorado requires Form DR 2173 (Secure Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale), which must be purchased from authorized vendors. Check with your county motor vehicle office for your specific transaction.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Requirements vary by county. Contact your county motor vehicle office or the Colorado DMV at dmv.colorado.gov to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.