Colorado Bill of Sale Forms — DR 2173 & DR 2116 Explained
The bill of sale the Colorado DMV names for private sales is DR 2173 (Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale) — it can also carry the federally required odometer disclosure when the secure version is used. DR 2116 is a narrower form: the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale for Purged Colorado Record, used only when a Colorado title is lost and the state's record has been purged. For a normal private sale, the DMV points to DR 2173 or a written equivalent.
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State rules change. We check these requirements against official state sources, but details can go out of date. Confirm with your state's motor vehicle agency before you rely on them. If you notice anything wrong or outdated, email support@billofsale.app.
About These Forms
Covers: Colorado Bill of Sale Forms — DR 2173 & DR 2116 Explained
Agency: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Purpose: Documents a private vehicle sale; verifies the purchase price for the 2.9% state sales/use tax plus county taxes at the county motor vehicle office.
When required: A bill of sale is required when the sale price is not listed on the title, and the buyer must carry a signed bill of sale (with year, make, VIN, time and date of sale, and both signatures) to drive the vehicle under Colorado's 36-hour no-plate rule (available for a private purchase made on a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or when the county office is closed). Buyers have 60 days to title and register; late fees run $25 per month up to $100.
Two Colorado forms: DR 2173 and DR 2116
DR 2173 is Colorado's Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale. Its secure version can also hold the federal odometer statement. You buy it from a vendor; it is not a free download. The DMV names five vendors: the Colorado Auto Dealers Association, the Colorado Independent Automobile Dealers Association, A-B & C Enterprises, Colorado Automobile/Powersports Support Services, and BML Dealer Supplies and Title Service.
DR 2116 is the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale for Purged Colorado Record (edition 09/12/24), a free DMV form. It fits one situation: a vehicle titled in Colorado and still in Colorado, whose title is lost and whose state record has been purged.
When Colorado needs a bill of sale
- If the title is filled in correctly, including the price and date, the DMV does not need a bill of sale for the transfer. It still calls one best practice.
- A bill of sale is required when the sale price is not on the title.
- Under the 36-hour rule you may drive home without plates. Carry a signed bill of sale with the year, make, VIN, time and date of sale and both signatures, plus proof of insurance.
- The DMV says a bill of sale should include both parties' names and details, the price, the make, model and year, and the date of sale.
- The odometer can be disclosed on the title or on a secure DR 2173. It is required for model year 2011 and newer vehicles for their first 20 years, except vehicles over 16,000 lbs and trailers.
Using DR 2116 for a purged record
- The form lets the owner sell the vehicle or re-establish ownership. It confirms the title is lost and the record purged, the vehicle is free of liens, and it has not been titled or registered in another state since.
- It lists the VIN, year, make, body style, date and amount of sale, the title number if known, and the buyer (or current owner). The sellers sign under penalty of perjury in the second degree.
- Step 1: get the VIN checked on form DR 2698. An emissions station, a licensed dealer, a police officer or a county office can do it. You can skip this if you show a current Colorado registration.
- Step 2: show proof of ownership. That can be an original Colorado registration or renewal card, a copy of the title, or a county note in DRIVES. With none of these, you title it through a surety bond (DR 2922), or DR 2462 for vehicles 25 years or older.
- Step 3: apply at the county motor vehicle office where you live, with secure ID (DR 2841). The form lists a $7.20 title fee.
Checklists for both sides
- Seller: sign and print your name on the back of the title exactly as it appears on the front; every owner named must sign.
- Seller: if the vehicle is more than 7 model years old and the buyer lives in an emissions county, give the buyer a new passing emissions certificate. A branded vehicle also needs the DR 2710 disclosure.
- Buyer: check that the VIN on the title matches the vehicle. Then look the vehicle up in the Motor Vehicle Verification System, in NMVTIS (for a fee) and with the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
- Buyer: get Colorado insurance before you drive. Then take the signed title, the bill of sale, your ID and proof of insurance to your county office. You pay the sales tax there and get plates.
Colorado Vehicle Sale Requirements
What to Include in a Colorado Bill of Sale
A complete bill of sale usually includes:
- Seller name and address
- Buyer name and address
- Year, make, model
- VIN
- Odometer reading (model year 2011+ vehicles, first 20 years)
- Sale price
- Date (and time) of sale
- Both signatures
Official Source
Check the Colorado DMV for the current form, or use our free generator above to pre-fill a Colorado bill of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Colorado DR 2173 and DR 2116?
Does Colorado require a bill of sale for vehicle sales?
Where can I get the secure DR 2173 form?
What is Colorado's sales tax rate on private car sales?
What does a Colorado seller have to do after the sale?
How long do I have to register a car bought privately in Colorado?
Sources we checked
- DR 2116 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale for Purged Colorado Record (09/12/24), Colorado DMV (read 2026-09-26)
- Forms in number order, Colorado DMV (read 2026-09-26)
- Private sale: buying or selling a vehicle, Colorado DMV (read 2026-09-25)
Colorado Templates by Vehicle
Colorado Bill of Sale Hub
All Colorado requirements: notarization, transfer deadlines, tax rates, and additional forms.
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