Free Colorado Trailer Bill of Sale Template

A Colorado trailer bill of sale records a private trailer sale between two people. Colorado runs titling through county offices rather than a central counter, so the document travels with the buyer to their own county.

It depends on the title. The state says that if all the information is completed correctly on the title, a bill of sale is not needed for the title transfer. A bill of sale is required, though, if the sale price is not listed on the title.

Colorado still calls a bill of sale best practice on every private sale, and there is a practical reason. The purchase price drives the tax you pay at titling, so a document that states it plainly saves an argument at the counter.

Two Colorado quirks catch people out, and neither has an equivalent in most states.

The secure form must be bought

Colorado publishes DR 2173, the Secure Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale, but the state notes it must be purchased and cannot be downloaded. A written equivalent is acceptable for the sale itself, which is why most private parties use their own document.

Plates belong to the owner

In Colorado, plates stay with the owner rather than the vehicle. The state warns sellers never to let a buyer drive away with their plates, because the seller can be liable for later fines or tolls.

Two different clocks

The seller has five days to report the release of liability through myDMV. The buyer then has 60 days from the purchase date to title and register before late fees apply.

Where you go

County motor vehicle offices handle most title and registration transactions, and you must use the office for the county where you live. Counties set their own hours, local taxes, and fees, so costs vary from one county to the next.

Identification

Bring Secure and Verifiable Identification, form DR 2841, along with the signed title, the bill of sale, and proof of insurance.

The odometer wrinkle

Colorado notes that a bill of sale can carry the federally required odometer disclosure, but only where it is done on the secure DR 2173. That is the practical reason the secure version exists at all, and the reason some buyers pay for one rather than writing their own.

Where else you can transact

Registration services also run online through myDMV, in the myColorado app, and at MV Express Kiosks where your county takes part in the kiosk programme. Titling, though, often still needs an in-person visit.

Work in this order, because the seller’s step and the buyer’s step run on different deadlines.

1. Complete the bill of sale with the price, date, VIN, year, make, and both parties’ names and signatures.
2. Have the seller endorse the title and enter the purchase price and date.
3. Seller removes the plates and reports the release of liability on myDMV within five days.
4. Buyer takes the title, bill of sale, Secure and Verifiable Identification, and proof of insurance to their county motor vehicle office.
5. Pay sales tax and fees, and complete the titling within 60 days of purchase.

New residents run on a different clock. Colorado requires title and registration within 90 days of becoming a resident, rather than the 60 days that applies after a purchase.

Rates and fees are set locally as well as by the state and change from time to time, so confirm current amounts with your county motor vehicle office before you go.

Cover the trailer’s year, make, and VIN, the purchase price, the date of sale, and the full names, addresses, and signatures of both parties.

Both parties should keep a copy. The seller’s copy matters here, because the release of liability is reported separately and the bill of sale is the backup if a dispute arises later.