Free Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale (2026)
A Colorado vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that serves as a formal receipt for the private sale of a motor vehicle. It records the essential terms of the transaction, including the buyer and seller details, vehicle identification number (VIN), purchase price, and the date of sale. While the signed certificate of title officially transfers ownership, a bill of sale provides critical proof of the purchase price for local sales tax calculations and protects the seller from future liability.
In Colorado, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not strictly require a bill of sale to transfer a title if the purchase price is explicitly recorded on the back of the title. However, if the title lacks a designated purchase price field, a bill of sale is legally required. Furthermore, Colorado law does not require a private party bill of sale to be notarized. A standard, fully completed bill of sale is accepted by county motor vehicle offices across the state.
Colorado Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Colorado. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell a Vehicle and Use a Bill of Sale in Colorado
Step 1: Negotiate the terms and agree on a final purchase price. Accept a secure payment method such as a cashier's check or a direct bank transfer.
Step 2: Complete the vehicle bill of sale by clearly recording the VIN, make, model, year, and exact purchase price. Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the document.
Step 3: Fill out the Odometer Disclosure Statement. If the title does not include a designated section for this, you must use a separate disclosure form for any vehicle under 20 years old.
Step 4: The seller must sign over the Certificate of Title and remove the license plates. In Colorado, license plates belong to the seller and must not be left on the vehicle.
Step 5: Within 5 days, the seller must report the transfer to the DMV by filing a Release of Liability. The buyer has 60 days to register the vehicle at their county motor vehicle office, bringing the title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, secure verifiable identification, and a passing emissions certificate if required by their county.
Frequently Asked Questions: Colorado Vehicle Bill of Sale
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Colorado?
Yes, you will need a bill of sale if the Certificate of Title does not have a designated field to record the purchase price. Even if the title includes this field, completing a bill of sale is highly recommended to protect the seller from liability and provide the buyer with a clear tax receipt.
Does a Colorado vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Colorado law does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The signatures of both the buyer and the seller are legally sufficient to execute the document.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Colorado?
Yes. The Colorado DMV accepts generic or handwritten bills of sale as long as they contain the necessary information: the names and addresses of both parties, vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year), purchase price, date of sale, and signatures.
Are private vehicle sales in Colorado considered 'as-is'?
Yes. Private party vehicle sales in Colorado are considered 'as-is' transactions. Colorado's Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles purchased from licensed dealerships. Buyers are strongly encouraged to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic prior to purchasing.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Colorado?
Sales tax in Colorado is calculated based on the final purchase price listed on the bill of sale or the certificate of title. The total tax rate depends on the buyer's county and city of residence, typically ranging from a 2.9% state base rate up to over 8% when local taxes are combined.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Colorado DMV?
To successfully register and title the vehicle, the buyer must bring the appropriately signed Certificate of Title, a completed Bill of Sale (if the title lacks a purchase price), Proof of Colorado Insurance, Secure and Verifiable Identification (like a driver's license), and payment for taxes and fees. If the buyer resides in an emissions-controlled county, a passing emissions certificate is also required.