Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Colorado? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Colorado transfers ownership through the signed title and the Application for Title and/or Registration (DR 2395), but a bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tolls, tickets, or accidents once the keys change hands.
Colorado requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Colorado?
Sometimes. If the sale price is filled in on the title, a separate bill of sale isn't needed. If the price isn't on the title, Colorado requires a bill of sale (Form DR 2173) — and it's strongly recommended either way to prove the price and sale date.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. Colorado does not require a motor vehicle bill of sale to be notarized for a standard private-party sale. Notarization is only needed in special cases, such as some out-of-state titles, certain gifts, or a power of attorney.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must apply for title and registration (Form DR 2395) at the county motor vehicle office within 60 days of the sale. Filing late adds a $25-per-month penalty, capped at $100.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Colorado charges 2.9% state sales tax on the purchase price, plus any county, city, and special-district taxes. The buyer pays it at the county motor vehicle office when titling and registering.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Colorado county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files Form DR 2395 at the county motor vehicle office within 60 days.
Ready to create your Colorado bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Colorado bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Coloradobuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than your county motor vehicle office (Clerk and Recorder). Confirm the details with your county motor vehicle office (Clerk and Recorder).
Colorado bill of sale FAQ
Does a Colorado motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Colorado does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized for a standard private sale. The legal transfer happens through the signed title and Form DR 2395 at your county motor vehicle office — notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Colorado?
Only if the sale price isn't listed on the title — then Colorado requires a bill of sale (Form DR 2173). Even when it's optional it's strongly recommended, because it proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Where do I transfer the title in Colorado?
At your county motor vehicle office, run by the county Clerk and Recorder — not a state DMV counter. The buyer brings the signed title, a completed Form DR 2395, proof of insurance, and payment for the title fee and sales tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Colorado?
The buyer has 60 days from the date of sale to title and register the vehicle at the county motor vehicle office. After that, Colorado charges a $25-per-month late fee up to $100, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Colorado?
The state rate is 2.9% of the purchase price, plus any county, city, and special-district taxes that apply where you live. The buyer pays it at the county motor vehicle office when titling. This is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Colorado?
Yes — Colorado accepts a handwritten bill of sale as long as it has the key details, though the state also offers Form DR 2173. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the county office.
Is this Colorado bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.