Colorado Title Transfer Cost Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate the cost of transferring a vehicle title in Colorado. Fees are administered by Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles; the figures shown are the latest published amounts we could verify against the official source. County and dealer-specific charges are not included.
Always confirm your final amount with Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles before paying.
Estimate your Colorado title transfer cost
Enter the sale price to see an estimated total. Numbers update as you type. County and dealer-specific add-ons are not included — see What this excludes below.
Used only to remind you that your county may add local fees not shown here.
Colorado title transfer fee breakdown
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | $7.20 |
| Base registration fee | Check official source |
| State sales/use tax rate | 2.90% |
| Plate fee | Check official source |
| Weight / value-based components | Specific Ownership Tax is calculated from MSRP and vehicle age, plus weight-based road safety/bridge fees. |
Colorado charges a $7.20 title fee. State sales tax is 2.9%; counties and cities add their own taxes (combined rates can exceed 8%). Annual ownership tax replaces traditional registration fee components and varies by vehicle age/value.
View Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles fee schedule ↗What this calculator excludes
- County or city add-ons. Many Colorado jurisdictions tack on their own processing or local sales tax that this calculator does not account for.
- Late penalties. If you miss the title-transfer deadline, Colorado typically charges a late fee that grows over time.
- Lien recording fees. If your vehicle has a lienholder, expect a separate lien-notation fee.
- Dealer documentation fees. Buying from a dealer? Their “doc fee” is separate from any state title or registration fee.
- Emissions, smog, or safety inspections. Some Colorado counties require these before registration; the cost is paid to the inspection station, not the state.
Related Colorado resources
Official Colorado source
↗Colorado Division of Motor Vehiclesdmv.colorado.govFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Colorado?
The Colorado title transfer fee is $7.20, plus state sales/use tax (2.90%), registration fees, and any county or local add-ons. The calculator above gives an estimate; always verify the final amount with Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
Do I have to pay sales tax when I transfer a title in Colorado?
Colorado levies a state sales/use tax of approximately 2.90% on most vehicle purchases. Counties or cities may add their own tax on top. Some transfers (gifts between family members, inheritance, divorce) qualify for an exemption — check with Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles for the exact rules.
Can I avoid sales tax by listing a low sale price on the title in Colorado?
No. Most states (including Colorado) use a Standard Presumptive Value or fair-market value table when the declared price is unusually low, and intentionally under-reporting the price is tax fraud. List the actual amount paid.
What's the difference between the title fee and the registration fee?
The title fee pays for the new ownership document (the title certificate). The registration fee pays for your license plate and the right to drive on public roads for a registration period. They are separate charges and you'll typically pay both at the same visit when transferring a title for a vehicle you're going to drive.
Last reviewed: 2026-01-01 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice