Certified Mail required

Return receipt required

Colorado

Colorado Private-Tow Owner and Lienholder Notice Requirements

After receiving the completed vehicle-record search, a Colorado private-tow operator must notify owners and lienholders within five calendar days by first-class and certified mail with return receipt requested.

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Verified answer

Both first-class and Certified Mail with return receipt are required.

Trigger

A nonconsensually towed private-property vehicle or vehicle abandoned at the tow operator’s storage facility remains unclaimed.

Sender

The tow operator

Recipient

Each owner and lienholder returned by the Colorado and national record searches

Timing

Within five calendar days after receipt of the completed record search.

Mailing method

First-class mail and Certified Mail, return receipt requested.

Jurisdiction

Colorado; verified 2026-08-01

Notice record

Contents and records to confirm

Identify the tow operator, PUC permit, storage address, tow date and location, and law-enforcement check.
Include the vehicle year, make, model, color, VIN, plate, and report number.
Warn that an unclaimed vehicle may be disposed of after the statutory period.

Bulk-ready workflow

Operational checklist

Start a five-calendar-day exception timer when the completed search arrives.
Create separate first-class and certified records for every owner and lienholder.
Retain proof of notification for three years and attach later disposition records.

Where KiteCourier fits

Excellent recurring fit for tow operators that need bulk recipient preparation, deadline queues, tracking, receipts, and three-year proof storage.

Product constraint

KiteCourier’s standard send does not currently automate the separate first-class copy, so the operator must complete and retain that part of the workflow.

Alternatives and exceptions

A Certified Mail route may coexist with other valid delivery methods or extra steps.

Exceptions and qualifications

A national record search is required when Colorado has no record.
Public tows use a separate process and checklist.

Source record

Verify the current authority

Primary authority

Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles

Colorado DMV Form DR 2773: Private Tow Requirements Checklist

Current agency checklist for the five-day, dual-mail, return-receipt, content, and retention rules.

Supporting source

Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles

Colorado Tow Carrier and Abandoned Vehicle Information

Provides the current forms and distinguishes private and public tow processes.

Reviewed 2026-08-01 by KiteCourier research. This guide summarizes the cited sources; it is not legal advice and does not determine whether a rule applies to a particular matter. Rules, forms, fees, and agency guidance can change.

Related requirement guides

Required

Texas vehicle storage first notice

Certified or registered mail with return receipt is required for the conventional mailed notice.

Permitted

California post-repossession disposition notice

Certified Mail is accepted, but personal service and first-class mail are also allowed.

Permitted

California preliminary construction notice

Certified Mail is an accepted method, not the only permitted method.

Turn the final notice into a complete proof record.

Send one letter or a batch. KiteCourier handles printing, USPS handoff, tracking, return receipts, and organized evidence storage.

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