Colorado Aircraft Bill of Sale Overview
In Colorado, an aircraft bill of sale is required by the FAA to transfer aircraft registration from the seller to the buyer. The bill of sale must comply with FAA AC Form 8050-2 standards and include the aircraft's N-number, manufacturer, model, serial number, and the original signatures of both parties.
State sales tax of 2.9% applies. Aircraft used primarily outside Colorado may qualify for exemptions. Beyond the FAA requirements, Colorado has its own tax obligations that aircraft buyers must satisfy. The Colorado Division of Aeronautics oversees aviation matters at the state level, while the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City handles all registration transfers.
Whether you're purchasing a single-engine piston, multi-engine aircraft, helicopter, or experimental homebuilt in Colorado, our template covers both FAA filing requirements and CO state tax documentation needs. A properly completed bill of sale protects both parties and streamlines the registration transfer process.
2.9%+
Sales Tax
Required
FAA Registration
Not required
State Registration
Generally none
Property Tax
FAA & Colorado Requirements
Aircraft sales in Colorado must satisfy both federal FAA registration requirements and state tax obligations. Here's what you need for a complete and compliant transaction:
Important: Original Signatures Required by FAA
The FAA requires original ink signatures on the bill of sale and registration application. Photocopies, faxes, and electronic signatures are not accepted. The seller's name must exactly match the current FAA registration certificate. Mail original documents to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch, P.O. Box 25504, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Bill of Sale: AC Form 8050-2 or equivalent with aircraft N-number, manufacturer, model, serial number, and original signature matching the FAA registration
- Aircraft Logbooks: Complete airframe, engine, and propeller maintenance records including AD compliance
- Airworthiness Certificate: The Standard Airworthiness Certificate (Form 8100-2) stays with the aircraft
- Lien Disclosure: Written confirmation that the aircraft is free of liens, or arrangements to satisfy existing liens at closing
What the Buyer Must Do
- Submit FAA Registration: File AC Form 8050-1 (Application for Aircraft Registration) with original bill of sale and $5 fee
- Citizenship Evidence: Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible entity status as required by FAA
- Pay Colorado Taxes: File and pay CO sales/use tax at 2.9% state rate plus applicable local taxes
- Obtain Insurance: Secure hull and liability insurance before taking possession of the aircraft
How to Fill Out a Colorado Aircraft Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Colorado aircraft bill of sale. Our template ensures compliance with both FAA requirements and CO state obligations.
Identify the Aircraft
Enter the aircraft's N-number (FAA registration number), manufacturer, model designation, and serial number from the aircraft data plate. Verify this information matches the FAA registry at registry.faa.gov. Include the year built, total airframe hours, and number of engines.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the current FAA registration certificate and their Colorado mailing address. If the aircraft is owned by an LLC, corporation, or trust, include the entity name and the authorized signer's name and title.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new FAA registration certificate and their current Colorado address. The buyer's name and address will be used on the AC Form 8050-1 application and determines CO tax jurisdiction.
Record Sale Price and Terms
State the purchase price in both numerals and words. Specify what is included: airframe, engine(s), propeller(s), avionics, spare parts, and accessories. Note the payment method and any contingencies such as pre-purchase inspection results. The stated price determines Colorado sales tax obligations.
Document Airworthiness Status
Record the airworthiness certificate type (Standard, Experimental, Light Sport), date of last annual inspection, total airframe hours, engine hours since major overhaul, and propeller hours. Note any outstanding Airworthiness Directives or required inspections.
Sign and Submit
Both parties must sign and date with original ink signatures. The FAA does not accept photocopies or electronic signatures. The buyer mails the original bill of sale, completed AC Form 8050-1, and $5 fee to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch. Keep copies for both parties and for CO state tax filing.
FAA Registration Process from Colorado
After completing the bill of sale, the buyer must register the aircraft with the FAA. The process is the same regardless of which state you're in — all documents go to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale with original signatures, exchange payment, and transfer aircraft keys and logbooks
Obtain Insurance
Secure hull and liability insurance from an aviation insurance provider before operating the aircraft
Submit FAA Documents
Mail original bill of sale, AC Form 8050-1, citizenship evidence, and $5 fee to FAA in Oklahoma City
Use Temporary Registration
The pink copy of AC Form 8050-1 serves as temporary registration valid for 90 days
Pay Colorado Taxes
File and pay CO sales/use tax at 2.9% state rate plus applicable local taxes
Receive Permanent Registration
FAA processes the registration and mails the permanent certificate — typically 6-8 weeks
Colorado Aircraft Tax Obligations & Fees
State sales tax of 2.9% applies. Aircraft used primarily outside Colorado may qualify for exemptions. Here's a breakdown of the taxes and fees you can expect when purchasing an aircraft in Colorado:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 2.9% of purchase price |
| Local Tax | 0-8% additional (varies widely) |
| FAA Registration Fee | $5 |
| Title Search (recommended) | $50-$150 |
| Escrow Service (optional) | $250-$500 |
| Pre-buy Inspection | $500-$2,000 |
Sample Colorado Aircraft Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Colorado-specific aircraft bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by the FAA and CO tax authorities.
STATE OF COLORADO
AIRCRAFT BILL OF SALE
For FAA Registration Transfer
SELLER (Registered Owner):
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Colorado Address]
BUYER (New Owner):
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Colorado Address]
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
N-Number: N[Reg #] Manufacturer: [Mfr]
Model: [Model] Serial No.: [S/N]
Year: [Year] Total Time: [Hours] hrs
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Colorado Aircraft Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about aircraft bills of sale, FAA registration, and Colorado tax requirements for aircraft purchases.
Official Colorado & FAA Resources
Use these official resources to verify requirements, access government forms, and complete your Colorado aircraft transaction.
FAA Aircraft Registration
Aircraft registry, registration forms, and N-number lookup
Colorado Division of Aeronautics
State aviation information and airport directory
FAA N-Number Lookup
Search the FAA registry by N-number to verify aircraft ownership
FAA AC Form 8050-2 (Bill of Sale)
Download the official FAA Aircraft Bill of Sale form
Other Colorado Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Colorado? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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Colorado Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale
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Colorado General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Colorado ATV Bill of Sale
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Colorado Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Colorado Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create your Colorado Aircraft Bill of Sale in under 5 minutes.
Answer a few questions and download a Colorado-compliant document, ready for the state agency.