El Paso County Motor Vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions




(1) I received a white postcard (Title Complete Notice) in the mail. What should I do?

(2) I lost my title or I accidentally altered my title. What should I do?

(3) How do I bond for title?

(4) How do I title and register a homemade trailer?

(5) 3rd Party Sale

(6) Purged Bill of Sale

(7) How do I transfer Personalized Plates?

(8) My temporary tag has/is about to expire. What do I do?

(9) I purchased a vehicle from a police auction or from a tow company. What do I do?

(10) I bought a vehicle from an individual 6-12 months ago and never received the title from the seller but I have a Bill of Sale. What do I do?

(11) I have been awarded a vehicle by court order but the second party has not signed off on the title. What do I do?

(12) What are the ways to renew my registration?

(13) I am moving to Colorado from out of state. What do I do?

(14) I need to drop and/or add a name to the title. What do I do?

(15) The VIN is missing from my vehicle or 2 vehicles have been put together to make a new vehicle. What do I do?

(16) I am a military non-resident. How do I apply for the non-resident affidavit?

(17) I have a title in a deceased owner’s name. What do I do?

(18) How do I get a Lien Release?

(19) I want to apply for specialty plates. What do I do?

(20) What are the Hours – When is the best time to come into the office?

(21) I didn’t receive a renewal postcard in the mail. How can I renew?

(22) I want to get a copy of my driving record. Can I get it from El Paso County?



(1) I received a white postcard (Title Complete Notice) in the mail. What should I do?
If a new vehicle has been purchased and financed, the dealership or financial organization submits the title work to the Motor Vehicle office. The white post card notifies the vehicle owner(s) that the title work has been processed. Plates can now be purchased and/or transferred.

To plate the vehicle the owner(s) needs current insurance proof. One owner must come into the office to show secure and verifiable IDENTIFICATION. If the owner can not come into the office they may complete a DMV Power of Attorney (DR2175) appointing someone else to process the transaction on their behalf. If transferring plates, the registration for the previous vehicle is required. Our office accepts cash or checks only. You may contact the office at (719) 520-6240 to find out what the fees will be.
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(2) I lost my title or I accidentally altered my title. What should I do?
If the original title has been lost or is considered void by alteration, you may apply for a duplicate Colorado title.

A duplicate title may be applied for on Colorado titles only. The owner, agent by Power of Attorney (DR2175), or legal lien holder may apply for the duplicate title by signing an application form (DR2539A). The lien release must be completed and notarized with vehicle description and original agent signature. This will allow owner to apply for duplicate title. A duplicate title is an exact copy of the original title and the lien holder information will be shown. The owner will need to have the agent at the financial organization release their interest on the face of the title. Secure and Verifiable Identification is required if the purchase date was 7/1/07 or later. The fee for a duplicate title is $8.20. Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(3) How do I bond for title?
Bond title is applied for if vehicle is purchased without a legal title, title was voided, the seller cannot be reached, or if the vehicle Identification number differs in the last six digits and correction cannot be made.

A certified VIN inspection by the Colorado State Patrol office is required; the inspection fee is $20.00. Inspection cannot be more than one year old. The owner must request a Colorado title record search (DR2539) of each VIN. All out of state vehicles need a title and lien search from the state they are from in addition to the Colorado record search. The fee for Form DR 2539 fee is $2.20. Any active liens must be released. The owner must establish retail value by having a vehicle appraisal done by any licensed Colorado automobile dealer (must be on dealer letterhead, signed by the dealer and indicating the dealer number). The appraisal must be over $200.00. If the appraisal is less than $200.00, a salvage title is required. The appraisal can also come from a current Kelley Blue Book or N.A.D.A. used car guide with specific model being appraised. The appraisal cannot be over 45 days old.

A surety bond must be purchased for twice the appraised value as shown on the appraisal. Minimum bond accepted is $400.00. A bond statement guide (DR2394) is needed stating why bonding is required, why there is no title for the vehicle, or what is wrong with the title. A list of attempts to contact the owner of record to insure they have no interest in the vehicle, from who and when the vehicle was purchased and the amount paid must be submitted. It must include the description of the vehicle by year, make, VIN, and indicate that there are no liens on the vehicle. It must also indicate if the vehicle is in roadworthy condition. The fee is $7.20 plus any sales tax that might be due. Our office accepts cash or checks only. In addition, Secure and Verifiable Identification is required.
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(4) How do I title and register a homemade trailer?
The individual that built the trailer will need to come into the office and complete form DR2409. Required information includes the owner's name(s), address, empty weight, length and width of the trailer. At least one owner will complete and sign the Statement of Assembly of a homemade trailer (DR2409) explaining if this was a kit trailer or if it was assembled with parts purchased by the owner. The value of the trailer is established by the owner. The fee for the trailer VIN is $3.50. Title fee is $7.20. Registration fee varies based on the individual trailer. Our office accepts cash or checks only. In addition, Secure and Verifiable Identification is required.
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(5) 3rd Party Sale
     Scenario 1: Owner “B” sells a vehicle to Owner “C” before obtaining a title in his name (title is in Owner “A” name).
Owner “B” must come to the Motor Vehicle Department and apply for title in his name. The properly endorsed title must be surrendered when Owner “C” comes in to apply for title. The $7.20 title fee and sales tax will be due. Our office accepts cash and checks only. In addition, Secure and Verifiable Identification is required.
     Scenario 2: Owner “B” sells a vehicle to Owner “C” before obtaining a title in his name (title is in Owner “A” name). Owner “B” signs in the dealer assignment area.
Owner “B” must come to the Motor Vehicle Department and apply for title in his name. The properly endorsed title must be surrendered when Owner “C” comes in to apply for title. Owner “B” must complete a Statement of Fact indicating that he signed the title in the dealer assignment area in error. The $7.20 title fee and sales tax will be due. Our office accepts cash and checks only. In addition, Secure and Verifiable Identification is required.
     Scenario 3: Owner “B” sells a vehicle to Owner “C” before obtaining a title in his name (title is in Owner “A” name). Owner “C” comes into the Motor Vehicle Department.
Owner “C” must go back to Owner “B” and tell him that the title must be put in his name first. Owner “B” must come to the Motor Vehicle Department and apply for title in his name or assign Power of Attorney Form (DR2175) to Owner “C” to act on his behalf. The properly endorsed title must be surrendered when Owner “C” comes in to apply for title. The $7.20 title fee and sales tax will be due. Our office accepts cash and checks only. In addition, Secure and Verifiable Identification is required.
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(6) Purged Bill of Sale
A purged bill of sale (DR2116) is used when the Colorado title has been lost and state title records have been purged.

To transfer ownership, the buyer must bring in a completed DR2116 signed by the seller(s) of the vehicle, a VIN Verification (DR2395), proof of ownership and odometer reading if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. A $7.20 title fee and any applicable sales tax will be due. Our office accepts cash or checks only. In addition, Secure and Verifiable Identification is required.

To reestablish ownership, the owner must bring in a completed DR2116, with the notation “To re-establish ownership” in the sold to area of the bill of sale, a VIN Verification (DR2395), proof of ownership and odometer reading if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. A $7.20 title fee and any applicable sales tax will be due. Our office accepts cash or checks only. In addition, Secure and Verifiable Identification is required.
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(7) How do I transfer Personalized Plates?
In order to transfer to personalized plates, at least one owner will need to come in with the current registration, current proof of insurance and Secure and Verifiable Identification. A credit will be applied on the remaining license and/or ownership tax towards a full year’s registration fee for the new personalized plates. A new year tab and registration will be issued. Fees will vary depending on vehicle that is being plated and applicable credit. Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(8) My temporary tag has/is about to expire. What do I do?
If the title work has not been remitted, you will be advised to contact the dealership to find out where their paperwork is located.

The office will issue one additional permit, for up to 30 days with proof of insurance, proof of sales tax being collected by the dealer and Secure and Verifiable Identification. There is a $6.22 fee for the permit. Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(9) I purchased a vehicle from a police auction or from a tow company. What do I do?
The buyer must provide a completed Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale (DR2173), VIN verification (DR2395), either a Private or Public Tow information Request (DR2008 or DR2008A ), Secure and Verifiable Identification and current proof of insurance. A $7.20 title fee and any applicable sales tax will be due. Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(10) I bought a vehicle from an individual 6-12 months ago and never received the title from the seller but I have a Bill of Sale. What do I do?
The buyer will need to complete a Title information request (DR2539) plus a Requester’s release and affidavit for intended use (DR2489) and hand carry or mail these documents to the State of Colorado. There is a $2.20 fee for a history search. Our office accepts cash or checks only.

Once the history search comes back, the buyer can contact the owner of record to request a duplicate title (see # 2 above), or start procedures for MV Bond (see # 3 above).
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(11) I have been awarded a vehicle by court order but the second party has not signed off on the title. What do I do?
The person awarded the vehicle must bring in the title and court order indicating that the 2nd party is not required to sign the title or a court order appointing the clerk of the court to sign the title for the 2nd party. If the court order provides for the clerk of the court to sign off, the person awarded the vehicle must take the title to the clerk of the court for a signature before the transfer of title can occur. There is a $7.20 title fee. Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(12) What are the ways to renew my registration?
     A: Internet Renewal – NOTE: you may not be claiming military non-residency, you may not have an address change, your plates must be in the renewal or the grace month, proof of insurance must be posted to the motor vehicle system. You cannot renew free plates, military plates, or diesel powered vehicles on line. To renew online, go to www.colorado.gov/renewplates and follow the prompts to complete the renewal. There is a 2.25% plus $0.75 fee for using a credit card. There is a $1.00 fee for using an e-check. The tabs will be sent in the mail to the address on the renewal card.

     B: Drop off box - You may bring in your current renewal card, proof of insurance (if required), a diesel emissions test (if required) and a check to any DMV and place them in an envelope and place it in the renewal drop box.

     C: In office - You can bring in your current renewal card, an old Colorado registration, or your plate number, along with proof of insurance (if required), a diesel emission test (if required) and wait in line for your number to be called.

     D: Mail – the owner may mail in the current renewal card, with proof of insurance (if required), a diesel emissions test (if required) and a check for the renewal amount and the tabs will be sent through the mail to the address on the renewal card or, if changed, the new address listed on the renewal card being sent in.
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(13) I am moving to Colorado from out of state. What do I do?
The owner or agent, if using a Power of Attorney (DR2175), must bring in a current out of state registration (not expired over 6 months) or the out of state title, a completed VIN verification (DR2395), a weight slip if applicable (for trucks between 4,501 and 10,000 lbs), proof of insurance and secure and verifiable identification. To estimate ownership tax click here (Ownership Tax Table). Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(14) I need to drop and/or add a name to the title. What do I do?
The owner must bring in the title, with the owner(s) hand printed name and signature in the sellers area. The new owner(s) name will be hand printed in the buyer’s area of the title. A completed VIN inspection (DR2395) is required if the title is from out of state. If there is a lien on the vehicle the lien-holder must complete this transaction, unless the lien is released on the face of the title. There is a $7.20 fee. Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(15) The VIN is missing from my vehicle or 2 vehicles have been put together to make a new vehicle. What do I do?
The owner will need to bring in a certified VIN inspection (DR2704 available from the Colorado State Patrol), a record search (DR2539) for every VIN that is listed on the inspection, any ownership documents for the vehicle, any invoices, receipts or bills of sale for the vehicle, a photo of the front and back of the vehicle, a completed Colorado Assigned Vehicle Identification Number Declaration of Facts (DR2426), and an application for assigned vehicle identification number (DR2408). Secure and Verifiable Identification and current proof of insurance will also be required.

The application fee is $3.50. All documents are remitted to the State for approval. When approved, the State will contact the local Colorado State Patrol office to affix the new Colorado VIN to the vehicle and give the owner all documents previously remitted.

The owner will use these documents to apply for a new Colorado title, with the new VIN number. A $7.20 title fee, plus any applicable sales taxes will be due. Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(16) I am a military non-resident. How do I apply for the non-resident affidavit?
If the owner or co-owner of the vehicle is an active duty military member assigned to a unit in Colorado, or was assigned to a unit in Colorado from which they were then assigned to an unaccompanied or remote assignment, the active duty member or lawful agent with power of attorney and a copy of the active duty member’s orders can complete the affidavit of non-residency. A non-resident affidavit is required to be completed for each vehicle being registered and must be renewed every year. A current military identification card must be presented with the non-resident affidavit. The license plate fee, a $7.20 title fee and any applicable sales tax will be due. Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(17) I have a title in a deceased owner’s name. What do I do?
If a Colorado title is in multiple owner names and one owner is deceased, there are 2 different ways of determining how to sign off the title to remove the deceased owner’s name.
  1. If the notation JTWROS is on the title, a copy of the death certificate for the deceased owner is required. The surviving owner will hand print and sign their name in the seller’s area of the title. The new buyer (or surviving owner, if no sale) will then hand print their name(s) in the buyer’s area of the title and sign their signature. If a sale, the odometer reading and odometer indicator will need to be completed if the vehicle is less then 10 calendar years old.
     
  2. If the notation JTWROS is not on the Colorado title, the surviving owner must disclose if the deceased owner’s estate was more or less than $50,000. If more, Letter’s of Testamentary or Letters of Administration must be issued by the court, appointing a personal representative to sign off the title for the deceased owner. If less than $50,000, a notarized small estates affidavit (DR2712) completed in full by the affiant of the estate and a death certificate must accompany the title document.
To release the deceased owner’s interest (in either situation), the affiant will hand print the deceased owner’s name on the title in the seller’s area, then sign their name, placing “affiant” or “personal representative” next to their signature. The new buyer (or surviving owner, if no sale) will then hand print their name(s) in the buyer’s area of the title and sign their signature. If a sale, the odometer reading and odometer indicator will need to be completed if the vehicle is less then 10 calendar years old.

There is a $7.20 fee to apply for a new title. Registration fees and sales tax will be due if a sale has occurred. Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(18) How do I get a Lien Release?
An owner has a Colorado title in which they have paid off the lien. The owner needs to bring the title into our office, with the lien released on the face of the title by an agent for the lien holder.

There is a $7.20 fee to apply for a new title. Our office accepts cash or checks only.
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(19) I want to apply for specialty plates. What do I do?
An owner wants to purchase a specialty plate (Columbine, Alumni, etc.) or a military plate (Honorable discharge, naval reserve, etc.) for their vehicle.

     Specialty plate - first time application: The owner must bring in the proper certificate (Alumni plate, Kids first plate, etc.) to receive the plate. The owner or co-owner named on the vehicle registration must be on the certificate. The plate usually requires an additional, one time fee of $50.00 over and above the normal registration fee. Ownership tax will be due based on the year and value of the vehicle.

     Specialty plate - renewal: The owner will receive a renewal notice in the mail. The renewal can be done online, by mail, in person or placed in the drop off box (see # 12 above).

     Military plate - first time application: The owner, or co-owner named on the vehicle registration must bring in proof of their military service (DD214, military identification card, or discharge document) to receive the plate. The plate usually requires an additional, one time fee of $50.00 over and above the normal registration fee. Ownership tax will be due based on the year and value of the vehicle.

     Military plates - renewal: The owner will receive a renewal notice in the mail. The renewal can be done online, by mail, in person or placed in the drop off box (see # 12 above).
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(20) What are the Hours – When is the best time to come into the office?
We have three offices to serve the public:

     Centennial Hall office - 200 S. Cascade Ave. - Monday thru Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

     Powers office – SE corner of Powers and Airport - Monday thru Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

     Chapel Hills Mall office – North side next to JC Penney - Monday thru Friday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

The offices are usually busy on the first and last days of the week and the month. The quietest time is usually during mid week before 10:00 AM unless it is the last day of the month.
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(21) I didn’t receive a renewal postcard in the mail. How can I renew?
If you have moved and did not fill out a change of address form or notified our office in any way, the renewal card would have been mailed to the address on your last registration. The office occasionally hears that the cards have been lost in the mail (or mistakenly discarded by the owner). If this is the case, the easiest thing to do is to try the online renewal (see # 12 above). Even if you don’t complete the process, you will know what the amount will be. Send this amount along with the plate number to: Clerk & Recorder, P.O. Box 2007, Colorado Springs, CO 80901. You may also call (719) 520-6240 to inquire as to the amount, please have your old registration handy.
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(22) I want to get a copy of my driving record. Can I get it from El Paso County?
El Paso County is only able to renew Colorado Driver’s Licenses and ID cards and transfer out of state Driver’s Licenses. We cannot issue or renew Commercial Driver’s License’s; provide driving records; issue permits or first time licenses/ID’s; provide written or driving tests or renew licenses/ID’s for anyone under the age of 21.
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Clerk & Recorder
Robert C. "Bob" Balink
(719) 520-6216
(719) 520-6202
robertbalink@elpasoco.com

Location:
Centennial Hall Branch
200 S. Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
7:30am - 5:30pm
Monday - Thursday
(except holidays)

Phone Number:
(719) 520-6245

Fax Number:
(719) 520-6239

Dealer/Fleet
(719) 520-6356

Location:
Powers Branch
Southeast Corner Of
Powers Blvd & Airport Road
7:30am - 5:30pm
Monday - Thursday
(except holidays)

Phone Number:
(719) 520-7910

Fax Number:
(719) 520-7928

Location:
Chapel Hills Branch
Chapel Hills Mall
North Side
Next to JC Penney
7:30am - 5:30pm
Monday - Friday
(except holidays)

Phone Number:
(719) 520-6701

Fax Number:
(719) 262-0877

____________________

Automated Phone Number:
(719) 520-6240

Assistant Manager:
Cathy Driscoll
(719) 520-7769
cathydriscoll@elpasoco.com