Free Colorado Bill of Sale Template

A Colorado bill of sale records the transfer of ownership from a seller to a buyer for high-value property. It serves as proof of the transaction and includes:

• Names and contact information of both parties
• Description of the item sold (including serial/VIN/HIN if applicable)
• Purchase price and payment method
• Date and time of sale
• Signatures of buyer and seller

You can use it to sell or transfer:

• Vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers
• Boats and watercraft
• Firearms
• Personal items and equipment

While a title transfer is often enough, a bill of sale is required in specific situations and strongly recommended to protect both parties from disputes.

A bill of sale is required or recommended in these common situations:

• Purchasing a vehicle after business hours and needing to drive it before registration
• When the title does not have space for a purchase price
• Registering a boat or a kit trailer
• Completing a private firearm transfer to a family member
• Creating a record for personal property sales for tax or legal purposes

Even when not mandatory, it’s wise to have one — especially for high-value or out-of-state items.

Not usually. Most transactions do not require notarization, but there are exceptions:

• Motorcycles: Older Colorado titles may require notarization
• Vehicles, Boats, Trailers: Notarization is optional but can strengthen the document’s validity.
• Firearms: Not required by state law, but notarizing or using witness signatures can add legal protection.

If you’re unsure, check with your local County Clerk and Recorder’s office.

Vehicles

• New owners must register within 60 days of purchase; new residents have 90 days.
• Required documents often include: bill of sale, signed title, proof of insurance, VIN verification (if out-of-state), and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 16,000 lbs and newer than 2011.
• Minimum insurance coverage: $25,000 bodily injury (per person), $50,000 (per accident), $15,000 property damage.

Boats

• All sail-powered and motor-powered boats must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
• Temporary use with only a bill of sale is allowed for 30 days.
• Fees range from $35.25 to $75.25, depending on vessel length.
• Canoes, kayaks, and vessels registered elsewhere for under 60 days are exempt.

Trailers

• Registration and titling are required within 60 days of purchase.
• Fees vary by county and are based on age, weight, taxable value, and plate type.
• Out-of-state trailers need VIN verification before titling.

Firearms

• Minimum purchase age: 18 for all firearms.
• Private and dealer sales require background checks (with family exceptions).
• Open carry is allowed without a permit; concealed carry requires a county-issued permit.
• No firearm registration system exists in Colorado.

Motorcycles

• A bill of sale is required for registration.
• Registration must be completed within 30 days, with proof of insurance and title transfer.
• Motorcycle endorsement must be added to your driver’s license before riding on public roads.