[CO] Can you get your license plates back after gifting a car to someone who never registered it?

CO Legal (General)

Liz

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Since the car title is still in your name, you are legally recognized as the owner of the vehicle. This means you have the right to reclaim your property, including the license plates. You could contact the DMV to request to cancel the registration, but without proof of the gift, they may not agree to remove your liability. Under Colorado law, when an owner transfers title to a vehicle, the registration expires and the number plates issued to that owner cannot be transferred to another vehicle (C.R.S. § 42-3-115). The person receiving a signed title is expected to apply for a new certificate of title within sixty days (C.R.S. § 42-6-110). Colorado also has a voluntary program that lets an owner report a transfer of ownership to the DMV, which can protect the prior owner from liability for later use of the vehicle (C.R.S. § 42-6-109).

Colorado Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

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Last year I gifted a car to my brother-in-law. I went to take my license plates off and he pleaded with me to let him use them. He said he'd get plates in a week. Fast forward a year and he refuses to give me my plates. He ran a toll and lied about it, and continues to refuse to give me my plates back. What do I do in this situation?

Lexi, Chatbot

I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you're having with your brother-in-law regarding the car and the license plates. Can you tell me if there was any written agreement or documentation when you gifted the car?

The written agreement was on notebook paper, but it's not notarized. I didn't agree for him to take my plates.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you had any communication with him recently about getting the plates back, and if so, what was his response?

Yes, he refuses and gives me an attitude about it.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your license plates issue.

No.

Liz

Hi there! Welcome to our service. My name is Liz and I've been an attorney for more than a decade, and I am here to assist with your legal concerns. Just so you are aware, our service is a legal information-only site. No attorney-client relationship is formed from our conversation. So I can best help, is the car still titled in your name?

Yes, he has the title, but it's still in my name.

Liz

Do you know where he keeps the vehicle?

In his garage below his apartment.

Liz

Got it, thanks. Have you considered or taken any legal actions to retrieve your license plates, such as contacting the DMV or law enforcement?

I haven't yet at this point. I've thought about reporting them stolen to the police, but my wife says that her sister (my brother-in-law's wife) will create problems for her if I do. Would contacting the DMV in Colorado be a better solution? I live in Missouri now, but the plates and title are from Colorado and the plates are expired at this point.

Liz

The only proof I have is a piece of notebook paper that we both signed. Is that sufficient?

Liz

Was it witnessed?

Yes, by my wife.

Liz

Your wife could provide an affidavit regarding the sale.

Thank you. So even though I signed the title, I can still reclaim the car if I choose?

Liz

He didn't file the title or register it, so technically, it's still legally considered yours.

Liz

I hope I was able to help! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Liz

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