Connecticut Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Connecticut keeps things relatively straightforward when it comes to private vehicle sales. The state levies a flat 6.35% sales tax with no additional local or county taxes layered on top — a welcome simplicity compared to many other states. All vehicle title and registration transactions are handled through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, which operates branch offices throughout the state.
One aspect of vehicle ownership that catches many Connecticut residents off guard is the municipal property tax. Unlike most states, Connecticut towns assess an annual property tax on registered motor vehicles based on the vehicle's value. This tax is separate from the one-time sales tax and is billed directly by your municipality. The DMV will not renew your registration if outstanding property taxes remain unpaid — so this is worth understanding before you buy.
Connecticut also requires biennial emissions testing for most gasoline vehicles through its statewide inspection program. While the bill of sale itself doesn't need to reference emissions compliance, buyers should confirm the vehicle has a current test before completing the purchase, as it will be needed for registration.
6.35%
Flat state sales tax
ASAP
No set deadline
No
Notarization required
Biennial
Emissions testing
Connecticut DMV Requirements
The Connecticut DMV handles all title and registration matters centrally. Here is a complete rundown of what you'll need to gather for a private vehicle sale:
Important: Municipal Property Tax on Vehicles
Connecticut municipalities levy an annual property tax on motor vehicles. When you register a vehicle, your town will assess this tax based on the vehicle's value. Unpaid property taxes will prevent registration renewal. Budget for this recurring cost when planning your purchase.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: Complete the title assignment on the reverse side with the buyer's name, sale price, date, and odometer disclosure
- Bill of Sale: A written record documenting the transaction with full buyer/seller details, vehicle information, VIN, price, and signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal law requires a mileage declaration on the title for vehicles under 20 years old
- Emissions Certificate: A current passing emissions test if the vehicle is subject to Connecticut's biennial testing requirement
What the Buyer Needs at the DMV
- Signed Title: Properly assigned by the seller with all required fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both buyer and seller
- Valid Photo ID: Connecticut driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of Insurance: Connecticut requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000
- Payment: Title fee ($25), two-year registration ($120), and 6.35% sales tax
How to Fill Out a Connecticut Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow this step-by-step guide to complete your Connecticut vehicle bill of sale correctly. Every field matters — the DMV will cross-reference the bill of sale with the title assignment and tax declaration forms.
Record the Seller's Details
Enter the seller's full legal name as printed on the Connecticut title. Include their current mailing address and a daytime phone number. If two names appear on the title connected by "and," both individuals must participate in the sale and sign all documents. An "or" designation allows either party to act independently.
Record the Buyer's Details
Fill in the buyer's full legal name exactly as it will appear on the new Connecticut title. Include the buyer's complete address and contact number. The town of residence determines the mill rate for the annual motor vehicle property tax.
Specify the Vehicle
List the year, make, model, body style, and exterior color. Transcribe the complete 17-character VIN from the vehicle's dashboard placard or door jamb sticker, then verify it matches the title character for character. Record the current license plate number as well.
Document the Mileage
Write down the exact odometer reading at the time of sale and indicate whether it is accurate, has exceeded mechanical limits, or does not reflect actual mileage. This disclosure is required under federal NHTSA regulations. Exemptions apply to vehicles 20 model years or older and those with a GVWR exceeding 16,000 lbs.
Declare the Purchase Price
Enter the agreed-upon sale amount in both numerals and written words. Connecticut's DMV uses the declared price or the NADA average trade-in value (whichever is higher) to calculate the 6.35% sales tax. For vehicles gifted between family members, write "$0 — Gift" and note that an exemption may apply with form Q-1.
Execute and Distribute
Both buyer and seller sign and date the bill of sale. Print two originals — one for each party. Notarization is not required in Connecticut. The buyer should bring the bill of sale, signed title, and all other documents to a CT DMV branch promptly to complete the transfer.
Connecticut Title Transfer Process
After the sale is finalized, the buyer must visit a Connecticut DMV branch office to title and register the vehicle. Connecticut operates a centralized DMV system, so any branch office can process your transaction.
Close the Deal
Sign the bill of sale and title assignment, exchange payment and vehicle
Arrange Insurance
Secure Connecticut minimum liability coverage before your DMV visit
Confirm Emissions Compliance
Verify the vehicle has a current passing emissions test if required
Visit a Connecticut DMV Branch
Bring the signed title, bill of sale, photo ID, proof of insurance, and emissions certificate
Pay the Required Fees
Title fee ($25), two-year registration ($120), and 6.35% state sales tax
Connecticut Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Connecticut simplifies vehicle taxation with a single statewide rate and no local add-ons. However, the annual municipal property tax is an ongoing cost that many buyers overlook. Here are the fees you should plan for:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.35% of sale price (flat statewide) |
| Local / County Tax | None — 6.35% is all-inclusive |
| Title Fee | $25 |
| Registration Fee | $120 for 2 years |
| Municipal Property Tax | Annual — varies by town mill rate |
| Emissions Test | Free at designated stations |
| Duplicate Title | $25 |
Sample Connecticut Vehicle Bill of Sale
Take a look at our Connecticut-specific vehicle bill of sale template. The final document you generate will include every field the CT DMV expects to see.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Connecticut Address]
Town: [Town]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Connecticut Address]
Town: [Town]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Connecticut Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Get answers to the most common questions about buying and selling vehicles in Connecticut, from sales tax to emissions and property tax.
Official Connecticut Resources
These official links will help you confirm current fees, locate DMV branches, and access government forms for your Connecticut vehicle transaction.
Connecticut DMV
Title transfers, registration, and vehicle services
CT Emissions Testing Program
Station locations, exemptions, and testing schedule
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
Other Connecticut Bill of Sale Templates
Transferring something other than a car in Connecticut? We have state-specific templates for every common transaction type.
Connecticut Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Connecticut Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Connecticut Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Connecticut Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Connecticut General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Connecticut ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Connecticut Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Connecticut Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Connecticut Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few simple questions and download your Connecticut-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at every CT DMV branch.
No account required. Free to create and preview.