Colorado asks for something most states don't: the time of sale. If the buyer drives the car home before registering it, the signed bill of sale has to show the date and the time.
What it is
This is a general bill of sale for a car, light truck or van sold in Colorado. The DMV calls a bill of sale best practice for a private sale, and says it is required when the sale price isn't listed on the title. Colorado's own form is the DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale. This page makes a general record with the same kind of details, but it is not that form, so the mileage should also go on the title. It does not replace the title.
What to include
- The date of the sale and the city or county in Colorado where it took place.
- The full legal names and addresses of the seller and the buyer, written the way they appear on each person's ID.
- The year, make, model, body style and color of the car, so there is no doubt about which vehicle changed hands.
- The full 17-character VIN, copied from the title and checked against the plate on the dashboard or door frame.
- The odometer reading on the day of the sale and whether it shows the actual mileage.
- The sale price, how it was paid and whether it was paid in full on the day.
- Whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty, and whether any loan or lien is still owed on it.
- Signatures and dates from both people, plus a notary block if your county or the buyer asks for one.
How to fill it in
- Check that the seller's name matches the title.
- Enter the sale date and the time of sale.
- Enter the price.
- Fill in both people's details.
- Enter the year, make and VIN. The DMV names these three for a buyer who drives home before registering.
- Enter the odometer reading and check the helper, then write the same mileage on the title.
- Choose as is or a warranty, and answer the lien question.
- Check the preview, download the file, print two copies and sign both.
- On the back of the title, sign and print your name in the Seller section, and make sure the price and date are there unless the bill of sale goes with it.
- The buyer carries the signed bill of sale and proof of insurance.
Common mistakes
- Leaving off the time of sale.
- Leaving the price off the title without including a bill of sale.
- Skipping the odometer reading on the title.
- Signing the title without printing your name in the Seller section.
- The buyer driving off without proof of insurance and the signed bill of sale.
Selling something else?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Colorado?
If the title is completed correctly, a bill of sale isn't needed to transfer it. The DMV calls one best practice, and it is required if the sale price isn't listed on the title.
Why does Colorado ask for the time of sale?
The DMV says a buyer driving the vehicle must carry a signed bill of sale that shows the date and time of sale, with the year, make and VIN, plus proof of insurance.
What is Form DR 2173?
It is the DMV's Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale. The DMV says the federal odometer disclosure can be completed on the secure DR 2173 form. This page's document is a general record, not that form.
Where does the odometer reading go?
On the title, or on a DR 2173. Write it on the title as well as on this document.
What goes on the back of the title?
The seller signs and prints their name in the Seller section. The date of sale and purchase price must be on the back of the title unless a separate bill of sale is included.
Official sources
Last reviewed October 5, 2026
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Quicklet provides general document templates, not legal advice. Laws vary by location.