Whether you’re in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, or the mountains, selling your car in Colorado involves specific steps to ensure the process is legal and hassle-free. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Sell a Car in Colorado – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you sell, collect the following:
- Colorado Certificate of Title: This must be in your name and signed by both parties. It must also include the odometer reading.
- Valid Identification: A Colorado driver’s license or state-issued ID is recommended.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old.
- Bill of Sale (DR 2173): Not required but recommended for documentation.
- Lien Release (if applicable): If the vehicle had a lien, obtain a lien release from your lender.
Colorado DMV Forms You May Need
Useful forms include:
- Form DR 2173 – Bill of Sale (optional but recommended)
- Form DR 2395 – Application for Duplicate Title (if your title is lost)
- Form DR 2445 – Statement of Transfer (for gifting or exemptions)
All forms can be found at the Colorado DMV website.
Sell Your Car in Colorado — Fast & Easy
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Getting your car ready can impact how fast it sells and how much you get. A clean, well-kept vehicle makes a better first impression and draws more interest.
Not everyone has the time or resources to clean, fix, or prepare a vehicle. If you’re in a hurry to sell or don’t want to deal with the extra effort, you can always sell your car as-is. Contact us, and we’ll make you an offer. No prep work is required.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
To set a fair price, do the following:
- Use Our Free Online Appraisal Tool: Get an offer in under 2 minutes.
- Check KBB, Edmunds, or NADA: Factor in condition, mileage, and location.
- Look at Listings in Local Areas: Compare pricing in Aurora, Boulder, Pueblo, Greeley, and Grand Junction.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Colorado sellers generally have three main options:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fast & Convenient): Skip the stress and get a fair, fast offer. We handle all the paperwork.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Good for buying another vehicle, but offers may be lower.
- Private Sale: Could earn more, but requires time, paperwork, and managing buyers.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we make it fast, fair, and safe.
Step 5: Get Paid
Don’t risk scams or delays. We offer secure same-day payment and manage the title and paperwork for you.
It’s simple, professional, and transparent.
What Affects Car Values in Colorado? Local Market Insights to Know
Colorado’s climate and geography influence buyer demand:
- All-wheel drive (AWD) and 4WD vehicles are highly sought-after in snowy and mountainous areas.
- Hybrids and fuel-efficient cars are common in urban zones like Denver and Boulder.
- Condition matters: Rust-free vehicles and those with snow tires or cold-weather features can command more value.
- Cities like Denver and Boulder show higher demand for fuel-efficient sedans, hybrids, and plug-in vehicles. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V (which offer hybrid trims) are particularly popular, and Colorado’s combined battery electric and plug-in hybrid market share is among the nation’s highest (BEVs accounted for nearly 25% of registrations in late 2024/early 2025). These vehicles maintain strong resale value due to fuel savings and urban
- The average used car price nationally is $25,512 as of July 2025, reflecting mild but continued easing since earlier in the year as inventories improve. In Colorado, a rebound in new vehicle registrations and strong local demand for trucks, SUVs, hybrids, and EVs have helped used car values remain relatively stable even as some price declines occur in less in-demand segments
Understanding local trends helps you price more accurately.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Colorado?
Ken Ganley Buying Center takes the stress out of selling. From instant quotes to guaranteed payments, we handle it all.
Start your free appraisal or call 330-427-3656.
We buy vehicles from across Colorado and make the process fast and easy.
Need help selling your car in Colorado? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title in Colorado?
No. Notarization is not required to transfer vehicle ownership in Colorado.
Do I keep my license plates after selling my car?
Yes. Plates stay with the seller and should be removed before the vehicle is handed over.
Can I sell my car without a title?
No. You must apply for a replacement using Form DR 2395 if the title is lost.
Is a bill of sale required in Colorado?
No, but it’s recommended for your personal records. Use Form DR 2173.
Who pays the sales tax in Colorado?
The buyer pays sales tax when registering the vehicle with the DMV.