Your car’s title proves your ownership of the vehicle, and it’s required for a number of different things. You won’t be able to sell the car without a title, and you can’t trade it in either. If you move out of Colorado, you’ll need to register your car using the title, and new Colorado residents will need a title to register in the state.
Titles are essential documents, but they’re fragile and can be easily damaged. Water, smoke and fire can leave them completely illegible and useless. They can also be lost, or even stolen in a worst-case scenario. Where does that leave you? Actually, you can get a duplicate title from the state of Colorado pretty easily, but you’ll need to follow some specific steps.
Unlike other states in the country, the only way to get a duplicate title from Colorado is to go in person to the DMV. You’ll also need to bring some specific paperwork with you when you go.
Information Required to Obtain a Replacement Title
You’ll need to bring the following with you to the DMV office to obtain a replacement title:
- The VIN of your car
- The license plate number of your car
- Your identification (if the car was purchased after mid-2006)
No other documents are needed unless you are an out of state resident. In this case, you’ll need to complete Form DR 2539A (Duplicate Title Request and Receipt) and mail it in, along with some other information. You also need to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the DMV can send you the duplicate title. Finally, make sure you have a form of verifiable ID copied and added to the papers. Mail your paperwork to:
Colorado Department of Revenue
DMV – Titles Section
Denver, CO 80217
Note: If you don’t own your vehicle outright, it means there’s a lienholder involved somewhere. Only lienholders and owners can apply for a duplicate title in Colorado. You’ll need to obtain a notarized lien release from the lienholder before you can obtain a replacement title.
For more information, see the Colorado DMV website.
