Welcome to the central information hub for managing private and public tows, requesting title searches, and accessing the Colorado DRIVES system.
DRIVES System Access and Training
The Colorado DRIVES system holds state driver and vehicle registration records. To access this data, tow carriers and law enforcement must maintain an active account.
- Annual Registration: You must complete and submit an End User License Agreement (EULA) on an annual basis to maintain system access. The End User License Agreement (EULA) provides the terms and conditions for accessing DMV systems and designates the primary administrator (point of contact) for your agency, who will grant access to other representatives. If you are the only user, you will be the administrator by default.
- How to Register: Register on our Third-Party Access (3PA) Registration page here.
- The first-time password is MVPrecords
- Training: New users should review the Abandoned Vehicles 2025 materials here. For system issues, contact dor_vehicleportal@state.co.us.
Tow Operator Hub
Guidelines for managing impounds, notifications, and vehicle disposal.
A tow is "Private" if the vehicle owner consents; if consent is absent (e.g., ordered by law enforcement), it is a "Public" Tow.
For non-consensual tows, notify local law enforcement of the vehicle's location within 30 minutes of hook-up.
- Search the Colorado DRIVES database within 10 days of the tow.
- National Search Rule: If the Colorado search returns "No Record Found," you are legally required to perform a National Motor Vehicle database Search using form DR 2489A.
- Please note: It is highly recommended to perform a National Database search in the event the Colorado record search returns a permit or temporary registration; the Colorado record search results reflect that the title is held out of state or transferred out of state.
- Payment:
- National searches cost $2.25 each.
- Restrictions: Search requests cannot be emailed with a credit card number.
- You can submit your request and payment through:
- Your account in the DRIVES DMV Partner Portal (RECOMMENDED)
- If you cannot use the portal, two other options are available at our Westgate Location (3265 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Ste. 3A, Lakewood, CO) :
- Appointment: You can make a Vehicle Services appointment for “Other Non-County Title & Reg Services”. These appointments are 30 min; you can search as many records as that time frame allows.
- Drop Off/Pick Up: You can also use the drop off/pick up option at Westgate without an appointment. You will be called when your requests have been processed and are ready for pickup. They will be processed in the order they are received.
- Mailed-in applications have the longest turnaround time and will arrive via USPS. They will be processed in the order they are received. No refunds shall be given for rejected searches.
- Mail to: Colorado Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Section - Back Office Cashiering, P.O. Box 173350, Denver, CO 80217-3350
- Multiple Record Requests:
- Pages 3-6 are required for each record search request.
- A check for $2.25 for each record search request is required.
- One page 7 can include all of the requests.
- One page 8 can be included for all searches if going to the same return address.
Notify the owner and any lienholders via certified mail, return receipt requested, within 10 days of the tow. By law, you cannot charge more than $75 for sending this notice.
Search Result Recipients: The Colorado Motor Vehicle and National Record Search results should not be sent to the owner of record or the buyer of the vehicle. The No Records Found search results document should accompany the required DR 2008 or DR 2008a.
Vehicles can be sold or disposed of between 30 and 60 calendar days from the notification postmark date, or from the date the record search was completed if no record was found.
If sending the vehicle to a scrap yard, write "JUNK", “PARTS ONLY”, “SCRAP” or "CRUSH" on the DR 2173 Bill of Sale and submit it by mail to the Department of Revenue.
- Please mail to the following address:
Colorado Department of Revenue Vehicle Services Section - Back Office Cashiering
P.O. Box 173350
Denver, CO 80217-3350
Colorado law requires a VIN verification (DR 2698) for vehicles. VIN verifications may not be completed by the tow operator, a dealership owned by the Tow Company (including co-owners), anyone affiliated with the vehicle, or anyone with a conflict of interest in the vehicle.
Odometer disclosures are required pursuant to 49 CFR 580.17. Locked doors do not exempt the operator from odometer disclosure rules; you must make a key. If obtaining a key is impossible, you must provide documented proof of your effort and submit a DR 2444 Statement of Fact estimating the mileage as "Not Actual". Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles 20 years old or newer, beginning with the 2011 model year. Odometer disclosures must be completed using a secure form (the DR 2173). The odometer indicator (Actual, Not Actual, or Exempt) will be carried forward from the previous jurisdiction, even in instances in which a different indicator reading is disclosed on the secure form. Vehicles with a model year of 2010 or older are eligible to be exempt.
Law Enforcement Hub
Guidelines for peace officers, dispatchers, and records clerks coordinating public safety impounds.
- Independent Searches: To comply with privacy laws, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and tow operators must conduct completely separate database searches. LEAs cannot hand their database printouts to commercial tow operators. LEA’s can fax or email the National Database searches.
- National Triggers: The National Database search is required if Colorado records yield nothing or if the vehicle has out-of-state plates. LEAs cannot rely solely on NCIC or CCIC systems for national searches, as they lack mandated contact information.
- Fees: LEAs are exempt from paying for abandoned vehicle searches.
- LEAs must request a record search within 10 working days of a tow.
- Upon receiving the results, you have 10 working days to notify the owners/lienholders.
- Use first-class mail if the vehicle is stored at a tow yard. Use certified mail (return receipt requested) if the vehicle is not stored at a tow operator's yard.
To state the value on the DR 2173 Bill of Sale, use a licensed Colorado auto dealer's appraisal, or the current value from the Kelley Blue Book here or JD Powers ( N.A.D.A.) here, guide based on the vehicle's condition. If an abandoned motor vehicle’s appraised value is $350 or less, the sale shall be made only for the purposes of junking, scrapping or dismantling of the vehicle.
DR 2704 Forms: P.O.S.T. Certified Peace Officers/VIN Inspectors must contact the Colorado State Patrol at 303-239-4545 to get more DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection forms.
General Public and Property Owners Hub
Information for citizens navigating towed vehicles or property disputes.
- On a Public Street: Call the non-emergency line of your local law enforcement agency. They will tag the vehicle and arrange a tow if it is unmoved after 72 hours.
- On Private Property: Do not call the DMV or police unless you suspect the vehicle is stolen or contains hazardous materials. Contact a licensed tow company directly to remove it.
- Odometer Rules: If you buy an abandoned vehicle that is under 20 years old, ensure the title paperwork includes a physical odometer reading. If the tow operator cannot access the vehicle, ensure they provide you with a DR 2444 Statement of Fact.
- "Exempt" status: You are allowed to enter "Exempt" in the odometer field of the DR 2173 Bill of Sale if the vehicle is over 20 years old. This means the odometer reading will not be documented on your newly issued title.
- Surety Bonds: Surety Bonds are required for vehicles less than five years old when both the Colorado and National Record searches return No Record Found results.
- Appraised Value: If the appraised value of an abandoned motor vehicle sold is $350 or less, the sale shall only be made for the purpose of junking, scraping, or dismantling the vehicle. Thus, it could not receive a title for on-highway use; it is only to be used for parts and scrap.
Forms
Scanned copies and electronic signatures are legally accepted for all abandoned vehicle forms.
- DR 2008 and 2008A - Public/Private Tow Vehicle Information Requests
- DR 2698 - Verification of VIN
- DR 2173 - Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale (Odometer reading required)
- DR 2773 and 2774 - Tow Requirements Checklists
- DR 2489A - Requestor Release Affidavit
- Public Property Tow: A valid DR2008 Motor Vehicle Requestor Release Affidavit of Intended Us is required from either the Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) or the tow company.
- Private Property Tow: Tow Company must submit DR2008A Motor Vehicle Requestor Release Affidavit of Intended Use
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a National Database search is required for vehicles abandoned at repair shops.
Yes, a National Database search can be completed for expired out-of-state license plates.
Both law enforcement and tow operators have to send notifications in compliance with Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-1804, which mandates both entities perform searches and send certified mail.
No, only the Colorado Record search and the National Database search must be completed. No additional websites or searches need to be referenced.
Yes, when processing the paperwork to place a Mechanic's Lien on a vehicle abandoned at a repair shop, after the vehicle has been repaired, a national title search must be completed if a "No Record Found" search result is given.
The Colorado Motor Vehicle Record Search Results are not sent to the Owner of Record. It would be provided to the buyer/purchaser of the vehicle when the result indicates “No Record Found”. For abandoned vehicles, tow operators and law enforcement would retain search results for the required retention period.
If the odometer reading is on the Bill of Sale, but the title or NMVTIS report is exempt, the odometer reading is higher or lower, or the odometer indicator differs, a new BOS is not required. The new title is processed with an odometer reading in accordance with Federal Odometer guidelines.
If the owner consents to the tow, it is a Private Tow (law enforcement is not involved). If the owner does not consent, it is a Public Tow.
An odometer reading is still required. If obtaining a reading is impossible, you must submit a DR 2444 (Statement of Fact) explaining the issue, but the DR 2173 must still reflect the status (e.g., "Not Actual").