Selling a car privately in Colorado
In a Colorado private sale, the title itself does most of the work: it carries the odometer disclosure and the buyer/price assignment, and it must be filled out cleanly; no cross-outs or white-out. Colorado also provides a standard bill of sale (Form DR 2173), which the buyer needs (or the price on the title) to calculate sales tax when they register.
The buyer has 60 days to title and register the vehicle and pays sales/use tax at registration. Colorado plates stay with the seller; remove them and handle transfer or return per your county's rules. Buyers in Front Range counties will also need an emissions test to register, which is worth mentioning to out-of-area buyers up front.
The checklist
- 1
Sign the title and complete the odometer disclosure (Colorado)
Colorado titles include the odometer disclosure. Complete the buyer, price, and odometer fields carefully; no cross-outs.
- 2
Provide a bill of sale (DR 2173)
Colorado provides a standard bill of sale form (DR 2173). The buyer needs it (or the price on the title) to pay sales tax.
- 3
Handle lien payoff before transfer
If a lien is on the title, coordinate payoff with the lender so a clear title or lien release accompanies the sale.
- 4
Remove your license plates
Colorado plates stay with the seller. Remove them and return or transfer them per county rules.
- 5
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 6
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 7
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 8
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 9
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 10
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 11
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 12
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 13
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your Colorado sale packet
ConfidentCar builds this checklist into your packet automatically, alongside condition, disclosures, photos, records, and one shareable buyer-ready link.
Start your free beta packetColorado private sale FAQ
Does a Colorado title need to be notarized?
Most current Colorado titles do not require notarization; but check the seller signature line on your specific title. If it calls for a notary, do not sign until you are in front of one.
Who pays sales tax in a Colorado private sale?
The buyer, when they register the vehicle with their county. The DR 2173 bill of sale (or the price recorded on the title) is what the county uses to calculate it.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado plates belong to the seller. Remove them before the buyer leaves and ask your county motor vehicle office about transferring or returning them.
Is an emissions test the seller's responsibility in Colorado?
Emissions testing in Colorado is tied to registration in Front Range counties, so it is normally the buyer's step. That said, a recent passing test is a strong selling point worth including in your packet.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 11, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.