Car owners wondering how to perform an out of state car title transfer in Colorado must note that they will be required to submit the necessary items to the motor vehicle office in their county of residence. The steps in the process to transfer an out of state car title and the corresponding transfer requirements are similar to those that apply to the standard in-state title transfer procedure.

When processing a request for the transfer of an out of state car title, the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may require the payment of the standard car registration fees as well. Learn more about the out of state car title transfer process in CO is by reading the sections below.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Colorado?

Prior to applying for a cross state car title transfer in Colorado, vehicle owners should learn more about the process of transferring an out of state car title in order to register and operate their out-of-state vehicle as soon as possible. The procedure to re-title a car in another state’s DMV’s database results in the issuance of a new title certificate that will replace the out-of-state car title. Failure to complete a cross state vehicle title transfer will impede the process of registering the vehicle with the state DMV.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Colorado?

If you need information on when getting an out of state car title transfer is necessary in Colorado, take note that this unique titling procedure must be completed on each occasion an out-of-state vehicle is brought within the state. Therefore, in addition to transferring an out of state vehicle title after moving within Colorado, you will also be required to complete the title transfer process if you have purchased a nonresident vehicle.

It is also important to remember that a title transfer only takes place if a title was already issued by the previous state. Therefore, if you purchase a new vehicle from an out-of-state dealership, you may be able to title and register it for the first time by submitting its certificate of origin.

Note: New state residents must apply for a Colorado title and registration within 90 days of establishing state residency.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Colorado

The documents needed for an out of state title transfer in Colorado are similar to the documentation necessary for an in-state title transfer. When submitting the necessary out of state car title transfer information, you will also be required to meet the documentation requirements for a new registration. The standard out of state title transfer paperwork that must be submitted to title and register a nonresident vehicle is outlined in the following list:

  • The out-of-state title and current registration card
  • A completed title application
  • A VIN verification
  • A passed emissions test certificate, if required
  • Proof of a valid car insurance policy
  • An official identification document, such as a driving license

If you are completing the process of transferring an out of state car title in CO under certain unique circumstances, you may be required to submit additional paperwork.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Colorado as a New Resident

Completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in Colorado is a process that contains several steps and involves turning in your forms and official documents to a state DMV office. Remember that finalizing the out of state title transfer in person is currently the only available application method, since the CO DMV does not offer the option to complete an out of state title transfer online.

Therefore, in order to finalize the new state resident car title transfer process, you will be required to submit your documentation through your local motor vehicle site. The state DMV will process your request to title and register a nonresident vehicle as soon as it authenticates the submitted paperwork and fee payments. Your new title will be mailed to the address on file for you within four to six weeks.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Colorado After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

The process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car in Colorado is very similar to the one that must be completed by new state residents, since the state DMV must convert an out-of-state title in both cases. However, since the out of state title transfer after buying a car results in the transfer of ownership of the purchased motor vehicle from one owner to another, applicants may be required to submit additional paperwork. Therefore, in addition to a properly reassigned title and the paperwork outlined above, you may also be required to submit a bill of sale and an odometer disclosure document.

In most cases, vehicle owners complete the in person out of state title transfer after selling a car or after buying a vehicle. However, the out of state car title transfer must also be completed under different circumstances. For instance, inherited or gifted vehicles must also be properly titled and registered after entering the state. In such circumstances, applicants may be required to present additional paperwork to prove that they are the rightful owners of the vehicles in question.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Colorado

Arranging payment for the cross state car title transfer fees in Colorado is a mandatory step in the process of transferring a title. Keep in mind that the total price of cross state car title transfers in CO will vary depending on the type, weight and age of the vehicle.

Furthermore, the cost of transferring an out of state car title may vary depending on the applicant’s county of residence, as each county sets their own title and registration prices.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.