Removing a Deceased Owner from a Colorado Title

Who Should Complete This Process?

• Any person who is a current resident of Adams County; and
• Any person who is a listed owner of the vehicle, a personal representative, or successor.
  • The joint owner, personal representative, or successor must provide secure and verifiable identification (SVID).
    • See DR 2841 for examples of acceptable SVID.

What is Required to Complete this Process?

Those who meet the above criteria will need to bring the following documents to any Adams County Motor Vehicle location:

• Most Current Title to the Vehicle – Copies are not Acceptable
  • If there is a lien on the front of the title, the lien must be released by the lien holder. The lien holder will print the lien holder's name, and an agent will sign and date.
    • If the lien is to stay active, the lienholder must write "Lien still active" in the lien release section of the title.
  • A separate lien release can also be accepted and must include the following:
    • Must be on company letterhead (not required if the lien holder is an individual
    • Vehicle year, make, and VIN
    • Titled owner's name(s)
    • Agent Signature
    • Signed under penalty of perjury in the second degree or notarized
    • Date the lien was released
• When “JTWROS” is NOT on the Face of the Title or There is Only One Deceased Owner
  • When the face of the title does not show "JTWROS," or is in the name of one owner, and that person is deceased, the most current title is required, with one of the following:
    • A copy of the court Informal Probate/Appointment; or
    • A copy of Letters of Testamentary from the courts; or
    • A DR 2712 - Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property to Small Estates Proceeding; and
      • A copy of the Death Certificate; or
        • Verification of a Colorado Death Record issued by the state.

*The DR 2712 - Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property to Small Estates Proceeding can be used when the deceased owner's estate was under $82,000. The affidavit must have the year, make, and VIN of the vehicle. The affidavit must always be notarized.

• When “JTWROS” is on the Face of the Title
  • When the face of the title does show “JTWROS,” and one of the owners is deceased, the most current title is required, with the following:
    • Copy of the Death Certificate; or
    • Verification of a Colorado Death Record issued by the state
• DR 2421 - Statement of One in the Same (when applicable)
  • List all variations of your name.
• DR 2444 - Statement of Fact (when applicable)
• Fees
  • The fee for the title transaction is $7.20.

The DR forms mentioned are available on the state's website. Please visit dmv.colorado.gov/forms-number-order.