What is the Connecticut title transfer process?
Car Title Transfer Process
2. The buyer completes the vehicle title transfer process at the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The buyer registers the vehicle and applies for new license plates at the same time.
The first step (meeting between the seller and the buyer) is the most important. The second step is merely a formality.
- As the seller, you’ll formalize the entire transaction when you transfer the title of the car by signing the title over to the buyer. You’ll remove the plates and be done with the vehicle.
- As the buyer in a private party car sale, you become the legal owner of the car as soon as the seller transfers the title to your name. You’ll finalize with your local DMV office to get registration and title in your name. You’ll also get new license plates and car insurance.
How do I fill out the title transfer form?
Sign the Title Correctly
- Mistakes make the document invalid.
- Do not erase anything or use white-out.
- Only use black or blue ink. Any other color will void the title.
- Write neatly.
- Only use legal birth names.
Front of The Title
Here is the process for filling out the front of a Connecticut title.
1. The lien holder will release the lien by filling out the red field marked “1,” shown below.
Back of The Title
1. The seller enters the exact odometer reading in the red field, marked “1”.
2. In the blue field marked “2,” the buyer prints their last, first, and middle name, the purchase date, street address, city, state, and zip code, and then prints and signs their name.
3. In the field “marked 3,” the seller prints their name, enters the date of sale and signs their name.
Congrats! You’ve filled out the title in Connecticut. Pretty simple, right?
Finalize ownership transfer with Connecticut DMV
Finalize Ownership Transfer with Connecticut DMV
In the state of Connecticut, registration and vehicle titling are done at the same time. When purchasing a used car, you will need to provide your local Connecticut DMV office with additional paperwork, including:
- Completed application for Connecticut registration and title (Form H-13B)
- CT vehicle title signed by the previous owner (seller)
- Proof of ownership
- A lien release form (if applicable)
- Proof of a valid Connecticut auto insurance policy
- Title transfer fee: $25
- Valid proof of identification (drivers license or ID card)
When you purchase a car from a private party, you will be required to complete the title transfer within 30 business days. If you don’t meet that deadline, you will have to pay a fee of $50.
Provide Personal Documents
- Proof of Connecticut residency
- Valid driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
Your proof of insurance must meet Connecticut’s minimum insurance requirements. This means having a valid liability policy that includes bodily injury liability for $25,000 per person, property damage liability for $50,000 per accident, and personal injury protection (PIP) for $25,000 per person. This is commonly referred to as “25/50/25” coverage.
These are the minimum requirements, but you can add more to your policy, like comprehensive and/or collision coverage, or increase your liability coverage.
Finalize ownership transfer with MVD
Finalize Ownership Transfer with MVD
You will need to submit the following documents to your local MVD office:
- An application for motor vehicle title and registration (form MV-608).
- Proof of ownership
- Bill of sale
- The transferred certificate of title
- Lien release (if applicable)
- Identification (driver’s license or other government ID)
- Payment for the 4.5% South Dakota car sales tax
To avoid any fees or penalties, make sure you register the car right after transferring the title.
Is a Connecticut smog check required?
Connecticut Emissions Testing
- Requirements: all Connecticut cars are required to undergo emissions testing every two years. This includes both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, as well as hybrid cars.
- Schedule: based on the last digit of your license plate number. You can find specific testing deadlines on the CT DMV website.
- Locations: there are emissions testing locations throughout the state, and you can find your local DMV on the DMV website as well. Some locations are appointment-only, so be sure to check before you go.
- Fees: the emissions inspection fee costs $20 for most vehicles, but some larger commercial vehicles may be subject to higher fees.
If you are a new resident of Connecticut, you must pass an emissions test before registering your vehicle with the CT DMV.
Certain vehicles are exempt from emissions testing in Connecticut. Exempted vehicles include the following:
- Fully electric vehicles
- Cars that weigh more than 10,001 pounds
- Cars that have a composite title
- Cars made in 1992 model year or earlier
Is a bill of sale required?
Consider a Bill of Sale
By documenting the mileage, purchase price, and condition of the vehicle, the bill of sale provides legal protection for both the buyer and the seller, in case either wants to contest the transaction in the future.
If you’re buying a used car in Connecticut, the document shows that the seller has freely passed ownership of the car to you.
As the seller, the bill of sale proves that you’re no longer associated with the vehicle. If the buyer gets into trouble with the vehicle after the sale, you can show that you should not be held liable.
We provide an official Connecticut bill of sale as part of our in-app transaction process. Both buyer and seller will be prompted to e-sign the document at the appropriate stage of the transaction, right within the PrivateAuto app. The bill of sale will always be available for you to refer to, right in your PrivateAuto app.
Here is some of the information the Connecticut bill of sale requires.
- Buyer and seller signatures, names and addresses
- Final sale price
- Description of the vehicle
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Odometer reading
For more on this important document, see our complete guide to the bill of sale in car transactions.
Connecticut license plates
Connecticut License Plates
See our state-by-state guide to license plate requirements if you’re considering buying a car in another state.
The Advantages of Buying a Car Through PrivateAuto
Whether you want to sell your used vehicle or you’re trying to find used cars for sale, we make the transaction happen.
Title Transfer in Connecticut FAQ
How to register a vehicle in Connecticut?
Registering the vehicle in Connecticut costs $120. To apply for a Connecticut license plate, you must have a valid CT vehicle registration card from the Connecticut DMV. To make things more efficient, you will be able to transfer ownership and register your vehicle at the same time.
You will need to submit the following documents to your local DMV office:
– A completed application for registration and certificate of title (Form H-13B)
– Current certificate of title and registration certificate
– Proof passed emissions testing or VIN inspection verification
– The bill of sale
– A valid Connecticut auto insurance policy
– Clean air act fee: $10
– A form of identification, such as a:
– Driver’s license
– Learner’s permit
– Real ID
– Non-driver ID
– Payment for Connecticut registration fee
– Payment for the Connecticut used car sales tax of 6.35% of the purchase price
Can I get a temporary registration in Connecticut?
If your vehicle’s registration has expired but it requires a safety inspection or emissions testing, you can buy some time with a temporary registration.
Temporary licenses can’t be renewed, so you have to pass your safety inspection or emissions test within 10 days of getting your temporary license.
Does Connecticut offer online registration renewal?
Connecticut drivers can renew their registration online.
Here is what you’ll need:
– The personal identification number (PIN) on your renewal notice, or
– First and last names as it appears on your license or ID card
– CT driver’s license or photo identification
– Date of birth
How to request a duplicate title in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, duplicate vehicle titles are only issued to the registered vehicle owners, so if a lien holder appears on the original title, you must get a lien release from the lender.
If you lose the title to your vehicle, you can order a replacement by mail or in person at your local CT DMV.
You will need the following documentation and items to complete the request for a duplicate CT title:
– Completed application for replacement title of title application (Form H-6B).
– Payment for the duplicate title fee of $25
– Valid photo identification
– Lien release (if required)
If you are mailing applications for duplicate vehicle titles, mail them to the following address:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Specialized Registry Services
60 State St.
Wethersfield, CT 06161
You should receive your duplicate title in the mail in about 90 days. The duplicate title will be mailed to the vehicle title owner and/or lien holder.
Can I gift a car to an immediate family member?
It’s possible to give a car as a gift to a family member. However, it’s crucial to complete a bill of sale to transfer ownership of the vehicle and eliminate any responsibility on your part. The bill of sale must be signed by both parties and include the following information:
– Purchase price of the vehicle
– Model and make of the car
– Odometer reading
– Vehicle identification number (VIN)
To release ownership when selling your vehicle, you must transfer the title and fill out the vessel gift declaration application. You can begin the CT vehicle title transfer process at your local CT DMV office.
If you are looking for more information, read our handy guide to transferring a vehicle title to a family member.
Where can I go to transfer a vehicle title in Connecticut?
Here is a list of the most visited offices along with DMV hours:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles – Waterbury Office
2210 Thomaston Ave
Waterbury, CT 06704
(860) 263-5700
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (7:45 AM to 4 PM)
Thursday (9:15 AM to 5:30 PM)
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (closed)
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles – Bridgeport Office
95 Sylvan Ave
Bridgeport, CT 06606
(860) 263-5700
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (7:45 AM to 4 PM)
Thursday (9:15 AM to 5:30 PM)
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (closed)
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles – New Britain Office
85 N Mountain Road
New Britain, CT 06053
(860) 263-5700
CT Department of Motor Vehicles
7 Custom Dr
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
(860) 263-5700
Sunday and Monday (closed)
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (7:30 AM to 4 PM)
Thursday (9 AM to 5:30 PM)
Saturday (8 AM to 12:30 PM)
What is a supplemental assignment of ownership?
A supplemental assignment of ownership (Form Q1) is a document used when you’re selling your used car in Connecticut and the original assignment of ownership and bill of sale are incomplete or inaccurate.
This can happen if the original assignment does not include all of the necessary information, such as the purchase price, vehicle make and model, or odometer reading. In such cases, a supplemental assignment of ownership may be required to fill in the blanks and transfer ownership of the vehicle or vessel.
What is the process for transferring a vehicle's title in Connecticut, and what documents are required?
In Connecticut, registration and vehicle titling are done concurrently. When purchasing a used car, you will need to bring additional paperwork to your local Connecticut DMV office, including a completed application for Connecticut registration and title, proof of insurance, and payment for any applicable fees.
What is the Connecticut DMV Title Transfer Guide, and how can it help me transfer my vehicle's title?
The Connecticut DMV title transfer guide is a resource provided by the DMV that explains the process of transferring a vehicle’s title and registration. It may help you understand what forms you need to fill out, what documents you need to provide, and what fees you need to pay.
Can I transfer a title online in Connecticut?
In the state of Connecticut, it is not possible to transfer the title of your vehicle online. In order to finalize the title transfer process, you will need to visit a local DMV office.
What is Form H31, and who needs to complete it in Connecticut?
Form H-31, also known as the Connecticut Bill of Sale, is a document that is used to provide proof of purchase for a vehicle or vessel being sold in Connecticut. It is typically used during a private sale between a buyer and a seller. The form contains information about the vehicle or vessel being sold, such as its description, vehicle identification number (VIN), hull identification number (HIN), sale price, and other relevant details.
Both the buyer and the seller need to complete Form H-31 when a vehicle or vessel is being sold in Connecticut. The form serves as a legal document that can be used to transfer ownership of the vehicle or vessel from the seller to the buyer. Additionally, it may be required by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when the buyer is registering the newly purchased vehicle or vessel.
You can find Form H-31 on the Connecticut DMV website or at a local DMV office. You can also find it in the PrivateAuto app. If you’re doing a used car transaction in Connecticut through PrivateAuto, we provide the form for buyer and seller to complete.
What is the cost of titling a vehicle in Connecticut, and how are title fees calculated?
Title fees in Connecticut vary depending on the type of vehicle or vessel, but they are generally based on the vehicle’s weight and age.
Can I get a title replacement for my vehicle in Connecticut, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can get a replacement title for your vehicle in Connecticut. At the Connecticut DMV, you must fill out the necessary forms and pay the necessary fees.
What is the driving record requirement for title transfer in Connecticut, and how can I get my driving records?
To transfer a title in Connecticut, you must have a clean driving record, which means no unpaid motor vehicle tickets or judgments. You can get your driving record from the Connecticut DMV.
What is the process for registering a vehicle in Connecticut, and what documents do I need to provide?
To register a vehicle in Connecticut, you need to provide proof of ownership, a completed registration and title application form, and pay the registration fee. You may also need to provide proof of insurance and an emissions test certificate.
How much does a Connecticut title transfer cost?
The title transfer fee in Connecticut is $25. This fee is a one-time payment made by the buyer upon the transfer of vehicle ownership. It is always a good idea to check with the Connecticut DMV to confirm the correct fee for your specific situation.
Andy Lewis
Contributing Author
Andy Lewis is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at PrivateAuto, bringing over 30 years of expertise in the technology field to the forefront of the online marketplace….