Free Colorado Car Bill of Sale
The Colorado DMV's bill of sale form is DR 2173, and a written equivalent also works. The state base rate is 2.9%, but local taxes bring the real rate to 7–9% in metro Denver. Title transfers in 60 days at the county office.
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Colorado Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Colorado state sales tax is 2.9%, but county and city taxes stack on top — metro Denver buyers often pay 8–9% total. Tax is assessed on sale price.
Inspection Requirements
Colorado requires an emissions test (AIR Care Colorado) for most gasoline vehicles more than seven model years old registered in the Front Range program area (all or parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties). On a sale, the seller must provide the buyer a passing test.
Colorado Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete a bill of sale (DR 2173 or a written equivalent) with VIN, year, make, model, odometer, sale price, buyer/seller names and addresses.
- Seller signs the back of the title (if a lender holds an electronic title, pay off the loan first so a paper title is issued).
- Buyer brings the signed title + ID to the county office within 60 days, plus the bill of sale (required if the sale price is not on the title).
- Buyer pays sales tax (base 2.9% + local) + title fee (~$7.20) + registration fees.
- Emissions test required at registration for metro Denver vehicles.
Common Pitfalls
- Underestimating total tax — always quote the full local rate, not just the 2.9% state base.
- Missing the 60-day title transfer window (late fee applies).
- Not checking for a lien: if a lender holds the title electronically, the loan must be paid off and the lien released before the seller gets a paper title to sign.
- Skipping emissions: buyer will fail registration if the car is over 7 years old in a covered county.
Pro Tip
CO car: bill of sale (DR 2173 or a written equivalent) + 60-day transfer + 2.9% base tax (check local add-ons) + lien payoff first if a lender holds the title.