Colorado Car Bill of Sale: Form DR 2173 + Requirements
Colorado recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. The state publishes Form DR 2173 (Bill of Sale) as an optional template. Notarization is not required.
Is a bill of sale required in Colorado?
Recommended but not strictly required for title transfer. The signed title is the legal proof of ownership transfer; the bill of sale documents the transaction.
Notarization
Not required.
State-specific form
Form DR 2173 (Bill of Sale) is Colorado's optional template. Available at colorado.gov/revenue/dmv. Generic templates with the required fields are also acceptable.
The bill of sale should include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
Colorado state sales tax: 2.9% + local. Major metros:
- Denver: ~8.81% total
- Colorado Springs: ~8.20% total
- Aurora: ~8.00% total
- Boulder: ~8.85% total
The buyer pays at the county clerk and recorder's office at title transfer.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- Emissions testing: required in Front Range counties (Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, Jefferson) for cars over 7 years old
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
- Sold notice: file at mydmv.colorado.gov within 5 days
Where to file
The buyer files at the county clerk and recorder's office in their county of residence within 30 days of sale.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide and our Denver-specific guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in Colorado?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Does Colorado require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
What's the sales tax on a private car sale in Colorado?
State 2.9% + local. Denver total 8.81%; Colorado Springs ~8.20%.
What form do I use?
Form DR 2173 (Colorado Bill of Sale) or any generic template with the required fields.
Does Colorado require emissions testing?
In Front Range counties (Denver area), yes — for cars over 7 years old.
Where do I file the bill of sale?
At the county clerk and recorder's office, with the signed title. Within 30 days of sale.
What if I lost the title in Colorado?
Apply for a duplicate at the county clerk and recorder's office. $9.20 fee.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major known defects.
Selling a car in Colorado?
Generate a Denver-, Colorado Springs-, or Boulder-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.
For Denver specifically, see our selling in Denver guide.