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
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
Get your car’s true value
trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups
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 when selling my car in Colorado?
No, notarization is not required to transfer vehicle ownership in Colorado for most private party sales. However, both the buyer and seller must properly sign the Colorado Certificate of Title. The signature must match the name exactly as it appears on the title using black or blue ink.
Can I sell my car without a title in Colorado?
No, a title is required to sell a vehicle in Colorado. If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a replacement using Form DR 2395 before completing the sale. You can apply online through myDMV.colorado.gov or visit your local county motor vehicle office.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Colorado?
No, a bill of sale is not required by Colorado law, but it’s highly recommended for documentation and your personal records. Use Form DR 2173 if you choose to create one. The bill of sale should include vehicle details, purchase price, date of sale, and signatures from both parties.
What happens to my license plates after I sell my car?
Colorado license plates stay with the seller and must be removed before the vehicle is handed over to the buyer. License plate numbers are tied to the owner, not the vehicle. You can transfer plates to another vehicle you own or keep them. Leaving plates on can make you liable for traffic violations committed by the new owner.
Do I need to notify the DMV when I sell my car in Colorado?
Yes, within 5 days of completing the sale, you should report the transfer of ownership either online via myDMV.colorado.gov (using “Report Release of Liability” under Vehicle Services) or at your county motor vehicle office. This protects you from liability for violations that occur after the sale.
What about emissions testing requirements when selling in Colorado?
If your vehicle is 7 years old or older and located in an emissions area (Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson counties, and portions of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld counties), you must provide the buyer with an unused passing emissions test. The test must be from AirCare Colorado and cannot have been used previously for registration renewal.
Can the buyer drive my car immediately after purchase in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado law allows buyers to operate the vehicle for up to 36 hours after purchase without registration, but only under specific conditions: the purchase was from a non-dealer, it occurred on weekends/holidays or between 5pm-8am, and they’re driving directly from the seller’s location to their intended storage location or to register the vehicle.
Who pays the sales tax when I sell my car in Colorado?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax when they register the vehicle with the Colorado DMV. Sales tax is calculated based on the purchase price and must be paid during the title transfer and registration process, typically within 30 days of purchase to avoid late fees.