FigureMyTax

Transferring a Car in Colorado Without Probate

Its own dedicated DMV form, its own dedicated process — separate from the general personal-property affidavit, though it uses the same dollar cap.

C.R.S. §15-12-1201 · DMV Form DR 2712

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · Reviewed 2026 · How we calculate

Quick answer: submit Form DR 2712, the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, through the Colorado DMV once 10 days have passed and the estate is at or under the small estate cap.

A dedicated form, a dedicated office

Worth knowing: while Form JDF 999 handles general personal property presented to banks and other holders, Colorado routes vehicle title transfers specifically through Form DR 2712 at the Department of Motor Vehicles — its own dedicated process, even though both draw on the same underlying small estate framework.

The same dollar cap applies

A vehicle is personal property like any other asset covered by Colorado's small estate framework — its value counts toward the same inflation-indexed cap ($88,000 for 2026 deaths) under C.R.S. 15-12-1201, alongside bank accounts and other belongings.

The 10-day wait applies here too

The same 10-day waiting period from the date of death applies before Form DR 2712 can be submitted, and the same requirement that no personal representative application be pending or granted.

If the estate needs full probate anyway

When the estate exceeds the small estate threshold or otherwise requires probate, the personal representative transfers the vehicle using Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration as proof of authority, rather than Form DR 2712.

Facing probate in Colorado?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Colorado attorney

The Colorado DMV processes Form DR 2712 statewide — Denver, El Paso, Arapahoe, Jefferson County, and everywhere else follow the same rules regardless of branch location.

Vehicle title transfer — frequently asked questions

What form transfers a car title after death in Colorado?

Form DR 2712, the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, submitted through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles specifically for vehicle title transfers.

Does the vehicle count toward Colorado's small estate cap?

Yes — a vehicle is personal property, so its value counts toward the same inflation-indexed cap ($88,000 for 2026 deaths) that covers bank accounts and other personal property under C.R.S. 15-12-1201.

Do I need both Form JDF 999 and Form DR 2712 for a vehicle in Colorado?

Typically just DR 2712 for the vehicle-specific transfer through the DMV, though Form JDF 999 may still be needed to collect other personal property from banks or other institutions.

What if the estate is too large for the affidavit route?

When the estate exceeds the small estate threshold or otherwise requires probate, the personal representative transfers the vehicle using Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration as proof of authority instead.

How do I transfer a car after death in Colorado without probate?

Submit Form DR 2712, the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, through the Colorado DMV once 10 days have passed and the estate is at or under the small estate cap.

Keep going

Colorado Small Estate Affidavit CheckerDoes this estate qualify? Colorado Small Estate: Limit & How-ToFiling Form JDF 999, step by step Do I Need Probate in Colorado?The full decision tree Estate Value CalculatorWhat actually counts toward the total

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Based on C.R.S. §15-12-1201 and Colorado DMV guidance. Fees and requirements can change; confirm current figures with the Colorado DMV or a licensed Colorado attorney before acting.