Out-Of-State Vehicle Title Transfer In Colorado

Car owners wondering how to perform an out-of-state car title transfer in Colorado should be aware that they must submit the required documents to the motor vehicle office in their county of residence. The steps for transferring an out-of-state car title and the corresponding transfer requirements are similar to those for transferring an in-state title. The state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may require payment of standard car registration fees when processing a request for the transfer of an out-of-state car title. The sections below will teach you more about Colorado's out-of-state car title transfer process.

Cross-State Title Transfer

Vehicle owners should learn more about transferring an out-of-state car title before applying for a cross-state car title transfer in Colorado to register and operate their out-of-state vehicle as soon as possible. Re-titling a vehicle in another state's DMV database results in issuing a new title certificate that replaces the out-of-state car title. Failure to complete a cross-state vehicle title transfer will impede the registration process with the state DMV. If you need to know when an out-of-state car title transfer is required in Colorado, keep in mind that this unique titling procedure must be completed each time an out-of-state vehicle is brought into the state. As a result, in addition to transferring an out-of-state vehicle title after moving to Colorado, you must also complete the title transfer process if you purchased a nonresident vehicle. It is also important to note that a title transfer occurs only if the previous state previously issued a title. As a result, if you buy a new vehicle from a dealership outside of your state, you may be able to title and register it for the first time by submitting its certificate of origin.

Requirements For Out-Of-State Title Transfer

A VIN inspection report from Colorado law enforcement is required for all out-of-state surrendered documents. The following documents are required to register and title a vehicle from another state:
  • If you only surrender an Out-of-state Registration, you will only receive a Colorado registration. You will not be issued a Colorado driver's license.
    • Current registration is sufficient.
    • If the registration is less than 6 months old, it is acceptable.
    • If there is no ownership transfer, a title copy is acceptable.
    • Some states issue a document that combines the title and registration. It will be accepted if you submit this document to our office before expiration.
    • Your out-of-state title is still valid for ownership transfer. If the out-of-state title is lost or destroyed, you must contact the state where it was issued to obtain a replacement title.
  • You will be issued a Colorado title and registration if you surrender your out-of-state title. An out-of-state title must be surrendered to receive a Colorado title.
    • We strongly advise surrendering your out-of-state title when registering your vehicle.
    • After you surrender your out-of-state title, a Colorado title will be mailed to you in about 8 weeks.
  • Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) Inspection
    • A Colorado licensed dealer, a Colorado licensed emission station, or a Colorado law enforcement officer can perform VIN inspections.
  • Insurance Documentation
    • To register your vehicle in Colorado, you must show proof of insurance.
    • It is acceptable to have an out-of-state policy.
  • Establishment of Colorado Residency
    • DR2504 Colorado Residency Establishment Form
  • Smog Certification And Vehicle Inspection
    • Vehicle owners in Colorado are required to take their vehicles in for regular vehicle inspections, which can be completed at the CO DMV. In California, emissions tests are included in vehicle inspections to ensure that vehicles on the road are not emitting high levels of smog. Before your vehicle's registration can be renewed, it must pass a smog test.
    • The requirements for a smog inspection vary depending on your vehicle's fuel type, model, and year.

The Transfer Process

Completing an out-of-state title transfer as a new state resident in Colorado is a multi-step process that involves submitting forms and official documents to a state DMV office. Remember that the CO DMV does not offer the option to complete an out-of-state title transfer online; finalizing the transfer in person is currently the only available application method. As a result, to complete the new state resident car title transfer process, you must submit your documentation to your local motor vehicle site. When the state DMV authenticates the submitted paperwork and fee payments, it will process your request to title and register a nonresident vehicle. Within four to six weeks, your new title will be mailed to the address on file for you. On expired registrations, new purchases not registered within 60 days of purchase, and vehicles registered 90 days after residency is established, a late fee of $25 per month up to $100 is required.