Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Colorado?
Answer a few questions about how your vehicle is titled to see whether a transfer-on-death designation applies for avoiding probate on a vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Colorado allows a transfer of title upon death designated beneficiary (beneficiary designation form) on a vehicle title.Colo. Rev. Stat. 42-6-110.5Verified Aug 25, 2026View source It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.
Colorado allows a transfer of title upon death designated beneficiary (beneficiary designation form) on motor vehicle, motorcycle, motor home, and trailer. Covers any "vehicle" for which the Division issues a certificate of title (motor vehicle, motorcycle, motor home, trailer, or other titled item).Colo. Rev. Stat. 42-6-110.5Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
Add the designation through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Revenue (title transfers are processed through county motor vehicle offices) using State of Colorado Transfer of Title Upon Death Designated Beneficiary Form (Form DR 2009). Notarization is not required.Colo. Rev. Stat. 42-6-110.5Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
Yes. Colorado allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle transfer of title upon death designated beneficiary (beneficiary designation form).Colo. Rev. Stat. 42-6-110.5Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Colorado: Sell the vehicle with proper assignment and delivery of the certificate of title to another person., Properly execute a subsequent beneficiary designation form (DR 2009) that designates a new beneficiary..Colo. Rev. Stat. 42-6-110.5Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Revenue (title transfers are processed through county motor vehicle offices) by submitting: Completed DR 2009 Transfer of Title Upon Death Designated Beneficiary form, Death certificate of the owner (or of the last surviving joint owner) as proof of death, DR 2395 Application for Title and/or Registration, Payment of the application-for-certificate-of-title fee (C.R.S. 42-6-137(1)). A vehicle designation covers only that vehicle — to keep a home, accounts, and everything else out of probate in one document, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.
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