Selling or junking a car in Colorado

How do I sign over a car title in Colorado?

The seller signs and prints their name in the Seller section on the back of the original Colorado title, exactly as the name appears on the front, and gives it to the buyer. Write the exact mileage on the title or on a DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale. Beginning with model year 2011, odometer disclosure is required for every transfer for the vehicle's first 20 years. DMV recommends also giving the buyer a bill of sale (DR 2173 or a written equivalent) with the price, date, VIN, year, make, model and both parties' names and signatures.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Colorado?

A vehicle with a retail fair market value under $200 cannot be titled. It may be sold only for junking, scrapping or dismantling, on a DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale clearly marked 'NO TITLE', with a copy sent to the DMV Vehicle Services Section. For other vehicles, get a duplicate title before selling.

How do I get a duplicate title in Colorado?

Form DR 2539A (Duplicate Title/Lien Request). The fee is $8.20. Apply online through myDMV if you have a Colorado address; otherwise mail the DR 2539A. The vehicle must have a current Colorado title in your name, be located in Colorado, and have no active lien unless the lienholder is the one requesting. ID is required.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Colorado?

Within 5 days of the sale, use 'Report Release of Liability' on myDMV (mydmv.colorado.gov) to tell the state you no longer own the vehicle.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Colorado?

Plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle. Never let the buyer drive away with your plates, or you could be liable for later fines or tolls.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Colorado?

When a vehicle is destroyed, dismantled or changed so it is no longer a motor vehicle, the owner must surrender the title to the DMV or notify DMV on its form. DMV then classifies the vehicle as junk and cancels the title once any lienholders consent (C.R.S. 42-6-136). A junk vehicle can never be titled again in Colorado, even if another state would allow it.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Colorado?

A vehicle is abandoned if left on private property 24 hours or longer without the owner's or lessee's consent (or a period set by local ordinance). The tow operator must check with law enforcement within 30 minutes of pickup and request a DMV record search (DR 2008A) within 24 hours to 10 days. Owners and lienholders must be notified within 5 days of receiving the search results. Vehicles not claimed within 30 days of the notice can be sold. Vehicles appraised at $350 or less must be sold as junk or parts only on a DR 2173 marked 'Junk', 'Parts Only' or 'No Title'.

Official sources

1. Colorado DMV: Private Sale – Buying or Selling a Vehicle
2. Colorado DMV DR 2539A Duplicate Title/Lien Request
3. Colorado DMV DR 2542 (no title for vehicles under $200)
4. Colorado DMV DR 2773 Abandonment of Motor Vehicles – Private Tow Checklist
5. Colorado DMV: Vehicle Title General Information (junk vehicles)
6. Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 42 (§42-6-136)

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you sell.