Colorado Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trucks, Trailers, and Boat
Buying or selling a vehicle or vessel in Colorado may seem straightforward—until unexpected issues arise. Without a Colorado bill of sale, you risk legal disputes, difficulties with ownership transfer, or even being held responsible for the vehicle or vessel after the sale. Avoid these with our free, downloadable bill of sale template.
Colorado Bill of Sale Form
A bill of sale offers legal protection for buyers and sellers, ensuring the transaction is properly documented. Whether buying or selling, having a valid bill of sale helps prevent future disputes and provides peace of mind. Get one in seconds!
What is the Colorado Bill of Sale For?
The bill of sale is a written document that proves that the vehicle or vessel has changed ownership. Getting a bill of sale is useful when you purchase a used vehicle from a private owner and a reputable used car dealer.
In Colorado, a bill of sale is particularly helpful when the title is missing, the vehicle is being gifted, or additional proof of ownership is required for registration.
Know the Vehicle’s Past Before You Buy
A used car might look great on the outside, but are you sure about its history? Hidden damage, title issues, or rolled-back odometers are the things you cannot see from the outside. Don’t forget to get the vehicle history report for all the details and information.
What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle Report?
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
Instantly check for past accidents, mileage discrepancies, maintenance history, and potential fraud before purchasing.
In addition, sellers can display their vehicles’ original factory specifications and features with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.
Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What Should Be Written on the Colorado Bill of Sale?
A Colorado bill of sale should have included these details to ensure the sale is properly documented.
- Buyer and seller information: Full names, addresses, and signatures
- Vehicle Description: Make, model, year, VIN, colour, and body type
- Sale date: The exact date the ownership was transferred
- Purchase price: The amount paid for the vehicle, trailer, or boat
- Odometer reading: Required for vehicles under 10 years old
- Notarization (if needed): Some transactions may require a notarized Bill of Sale
Although Colorado doesn’t always require a bill of sale, it’s strongly advised, especially for private vehicle sales, as it creates a legal record and protects both parties.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Seller Needs a Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is an important document for buyers, ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership and protecting against potential issues. It helps buyers in the following ways:
Proof of Ownership
A bill of sale is written evidence that the vehicle, trailer, or boat was legally purchased. This is crucial if there are disputes or if the title is missing.
Helps with Vehicle Registration
When registering a newly purchased vehicle in Arkansas, a bill of sale may be required, especially if the previous owner did not properly document the sale.
Verification of Purchase Price
The bill of sale confirms the agreed sale price, which can be useful when paying taxes and fees based on the vehicle’s value.
Protection Against Fraud
By listing key details such as the VIN, make, model, and sale date, a bill of sale helps prevent fraudulent transactions and ensures buyers receive the correct vehicle.
Having a properly completed bill of sale gives buyers peace of mind, making registering the vehicle easier and avoiding potential legal complications.
What to Check Before Buying a Car!
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
How to Register a Vehicle in Colorado?
Once a vehicle is purchased, it must be registered with the Colorado DMV within 60 days. The process varies slightly depending on whether the vehicle was bought from a dealer or a private seller.
For private sales, buyers typically need:
- A properly signed vehicle title
- A completed Bill of Sale (if applicable)
- Emissions test results (for applicable counties)
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for registration fees
Registering a vehicle in Colorado is a necessary step after purchase. The process differs based on whether the vehicle was bought from a dealer or through a private sale.
Obtain the Necessary Documents
For private sales, ensure you have the following:
- A properly signed vehicle title
- A completed Bill of Sale (if required)
- Emissions test results (for applicable counties)
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for registration fees
Visit the DMV or Check with the Dealer
If you purchased from a dealer, they might handle registration. However, it’s best to confirm this during the purchase. For private sales, you must visit a Colorado DMV office or check online services for registration options.
Submit Payment and Complete the Registration
Pay the applicable fees based on your vehicle type, county, and registration duration. Once processed, you’ll receive your registration and license plates.
Vehicles purchased from a dealership usually have the registration handled by the dealer, but buyers should confirm this during the purchase. More details can be found on the Colorado DMV website.
How to Register a Vessel in Colorado?
Boats and other vessels must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The process is slightly different from vehicle registration, but most new boat owners will need:
- A completed Boat Registration Application
- A Bill of Sale or proof of purchase
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) inspection (if required)
- Payment for registration fees
Manually powered vessels or those registered in another state are exempt from registering the vessel in Colorado..
Prepare the Required Documents
To register your vessel, gather the following:
- A completed Boat Registration Application
- A Bill of Sale or proof of purchase
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) inspection (if required)
- Payment for registration fees
Submit the Registration Application
Visit a CPW office or an authorized agent to submit your boat registration application and required documents. Fees vary depending on the size and type of vessel.
Receive Registration and Decals
Once processed, you’ll receive a registration number and decals. These must be displayed on your boat while operating in Colorado waters.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a bill of sale is a legally binding document in Colorado that proves the transfer of ownership of personal property
Once a seller signs an “as-is” bill of sale, they can’t legally back out of the sale. The signed agreement is binding for both the buyer and the seller.
Colorado allows two types of bills of sale for vehicle transactions: a notarized version or one signed under penalty of perjury, both necessary for title transfer and temporary permits.