The title, signed exactly right
The original Colorado certificate of title is the core document. Copies do not count. Colorado DMV and county guidance agree on the details:
- Every owner listed on the front signs in the seller section on the back. If two owners are joined by "and," both sign.
- Print and sign your name exactly as it appears on the front. "James A Smith" should not sign as "Jim Smith."
- Fill in the purchase date and price where the title asks for them.
- Odometer: starting with model year 2011, the odometer reading is required on transfers for the first 20 years of the vehicle's life. Older vehicles are exempt.
Do not sign the title until you have agreed on the deal and know who the buyer is. A title signed in blank is an invitation to trouble. The City and County of Denver's title transfer page walks through each box.
Photo ID
Have a current government photo ID for whoever is signing as the seller. Colorado uses the phrase "secure and verifiable identification" for title work, and buyers of vehicles for recycling keep a record of who sold them the car.
A lien release, if there was ever a loan
If a lender is listed on the front of the title, the lien needs to be released, either signed off on the title by the lienholder or on a separate lien release letter. If the loan is still open, see selling a car that still has a lien.
Power of attorney, if someone else is signing
If the owner cannot be there, Colorado has a vehicle-specific power of attorney form, DR 2175. The person signing for the owner brings it along with their own ID. If the owner has died, a power of attorney no longer works; see selling a car that belonged to someone who died.
A bill of sale
The Colorado DMV calls a bill of sale best practice even when the title is signed, and it is required if the sale price is not on the title. The state's form is DR 2173, Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale. A bill of sale should name the buyer and seller, the price, the date, the year, make, model, and VIN. Keep a copy.
Not paperwork, but bring it anyway
- Keys, even for a car that does not run. They help unlock the steering and the doors.
- The registration card, so you can move your plates to another vehicle later.
- A screwdriver for the plates. See what to do with plates, insurance, and registration.
Missing something on this list? Do not let that stop you from asking. Tell us what you have on the quote form or by phone and we will tell you what we need before pickup. No title at all has its own guide.