How to transfer a car title in Connecticut
For private sellers and buyers in Connecticut. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Connecticut, the seller signs the back of the title and gives it to the buyer with a bill of sale, then takes the plates off and cancels the registration. The buyer registers the car with form H-13B and pays the $25 title fee and 6.35% sales tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Connecticut?
Seller
- Fill in and sign the back of the title, and give it to the buyer with a bill of sale (Form H-31).
- If the owners are joined by "or", one signature is enough. If they are joined by "and", both owners sign.
- Keep a copy of the signed title and the bill of sale.
- Take the plates off and cancel the registration. Until you do, the town can still bill you property tax on the car.
- Keep your insurance until the registration is canceled.
Buyer
- Register the car and apply for a new title with Form H-13B.
- Pay sales tax of 6.35%, or 7.75% if the car costs more than $50,000. It is based on the NADA average trade-in value or the bill of sale price, whichever is higher.
- No sales tax is due on a car from an immediate family member, if it was in their name for at least 60 days.
- If the car was registered in Connecticut before, get an emissions test within 30 days of registering it.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles before you go: portal.ct.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Connecticut?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over.
Fill in and sign the back of the title and give it to the buyer.
Step 2 · Seller
Give the buyer a bill of sale.
Use Form H-31, or write your own with both names and addresses, the car details, the price, the date and your signature.
Step 3 · Seller
Keep copies.
Keep a copy of the signed title and the bill of sale.
Step 4 · Seller
Take the plates off and cancel the registration.
Keep your insurance until the registration is canceled.
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles asks for a bill of sale when a car is sold. portal.ct.gov checked
Connecticut bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Connecticut?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the signed title and a bill of sale.
The seller signs the back of the title.
portal.ct.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Register the car and apply for the title.
Fill out Form H-13B, including the price.
H-13B · Application for Registration and Titleportal.ct.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Pay the sales tax.
6.35%, or 7.75% over $50,000, on the higher of the NADA value and the bill of sale price.
portal.ct.gov checkedStep 4 · Buyer
Get an emissions test if needed.
If the car was registered in Connecticut before, test it within 30 days of registering.
portal.ct.gov checked
After CT DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name. See Processing in the At a glance box for how long that takes.
Connecticut guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Connecticut?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $25 | Buyer | portal.ct.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | 6.35% (7.75% over $50,000) | Buyer | portal.ct.gov Checked |
| Duplicate title fee, if the seller lost the title (if it applies) | $25 | Buyer | portal.ct.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $25 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Connecticut are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (H-6B).
Common questions
Do both owners have to sign?
If the names on the title are joined by "and", yes. If they are joined by "or", one signature is enough.
portal.ct.gov checked
How is the sales tax worked out?
On the NADA average trade-in value or the bill of sale price, whichever is higher.
portal.ct.gov checked
Is there a deadline for the buyer?
We have not confirmed one yet, so ask the CT DMV.
Why cancel the registration?
Until you do, the town can still bill you property tax on the car.
portal.ct.gov checked
Sources for this page
- portal.ct.gov/dmv/
resources/ Checkeddmv-fees - portal.ct.gov/dmv/
vehicle-services/ Checkedproof-of-vehicle-ownership - portal.ct.gov/dmv/
vehicle-services/ Checkedsales-tax-registrations - portal.ct.gov/dmv/
vehicle-services/ Checkedsell-vehicle - portal.ct.gov/dmv/
vehicle-services/ Checkedtransfer-vehicle-ownership - portal.ct.gov/dmv/
vehicle-services/ Checkedvehicle-title-service - portal.ct.gov/dmv/
vehicle-services/ Checkedvehicle-title-service/ sell-vehicle-no-title
About this page
This page summarizes official Connecticut sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.