Colorado Vehicle Title Guide & FAQs

Colorado titles can trip people up. This guide shows you exactly where to sign, what mistakes to avoid, and what to handle after the sale so nothing gets kicked back.

Signing Your Colorado Vehicle Title

Colorado keeps things fairly simple when it comes to signing a vehicle title. Use a blue or black ink pen and sign your name exactly as it appears on the title. No shortcuts, no initials, and no creative spelling.

What Will Void a Colorado Title (Avoid These Mistakes)

  • Signing anywhere outside the seller section
  • A signature that doesn’t match your driver’s license
  • Cross-outs, erasing, or scribbling corrections
  • Using white-out or correction tape
  • Rips, tears, or damage to the title
  • Tracing over a signature
  • Using pencil or marker instead of ink

If any of these happen, the DMV will usually require a replacement title before the sale can move forward.


Selling a Car in Colorado With LetGoRide

No games or guessing. LetGoRide provides a fair offer based on a real evaluation of your car in Colorado and handles pickup anywhere in the U.S. whether it runs or not.

  • No dealership pressure or wasted time
  • Free pickup at your location
  • Offers reviewed by real evaluators, not bots

Where to Sign a Colorado Title

Turn the title over and look toward the upper-left corner on the back. You’ll see a section labeled “Seller’s Signature.” That’s where you sign.

Stick to that box only. Signing anywhere else can delay or cancel the transfer.


Vehicles With Multiple Owners

If more than one owner appears on the title, the wording between names determines who must sign:

  • AND – all owners must sign
  • / – all owners must sign
  • OR – all listed owners must sign in Colorado
  • AND/OR – all owners should sign to avoid issues

When selling in Colorado, it’s safest to assume everyone listed needs to sign.


If a Lienholder Is Listed on the Title

A lienholder means the loan must be cleared before the title can be transferred.

  • A lien release signature or stamp on the title, or
  • An original lien release document from the lender

Without a lien release, the DMV will not complete the transfer.


If the Vehicle Owner Is Deceased

Additional paperwork is required in these situations.

  • Joint ownership with survivorship requires a certified death certificate
  • Individual ownership requires legal authority, such as:
    • Executor or Administrator documentation
    • Surviving spouse paperwork
    • Next-of-kin authorization

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Colorado Title

If your title is lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable, Colorado allows you to request a replacement before selling.

  • In person: often processed the same day
  • By mail: typically takes 4 to 6 weeks

What you’ll need

  • Completed (DR2539A) form
  • Valid photo ID if applying in person
  • $8.20 fee by money order or cashier’s check
  • Submit to your local Colorado DMV office
  • Mail-in address:
    Colorado Department of Revenue
    Vehicle Services Unit – DMV Titles Section
    P.O. Box 173350
    Denver, CO 80217-3350

More details can be found on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.


After Selling Your Vehicle in Colorado

Once the sale is complete, there are just two final steps.

  • Remove your license plates before releasing the vehicle
  • Report the sale to the Colorado DMV within 30 days

How to Report the Sale

In Person

Visit a local Colorado DMV or county tag office with your Bill of Sale or Notice of Sale.

By Mail

Colorado Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
Driver Control Section, Room 164
P.O. Box 173350
Denver, CO 80217-3350

Online

Vehicle sales can also be reported through Colorado’s official online services portal.


Do I Keep My License Plates?

Yes. Colorado requires sellers to remove their license plates before releasing the vehicle. Contact your local DMV for instructions on transferring or returning plates.


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