A person who causes to be altered or forged a certificate of title issued by the director pursuant to this part 1, or a written transfer of a title, or any other notation placed on the title by the director or under the director's authority concerning a mortgage or lien or who uses or attempts to use any such certificate to transfer the vehicle, knowing it to be altered or forged, commits a class 6 felony and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-401, C.R.S.