Free Connecticut Car Bill of Sale

Connecticut prices its car tax in two tiers: 6.35% on most vehicles, jumping to 7.75% once the price crosses $50,000 — a luxury line that matters on late-model trucks and SUVs more often than buyers expect. The state's own Form H-31 documents the sale (a bill of sale is always required to register), the buyer must register at the CT DMV before driving — Connecticut sets no fixed day count, but the seller's registration ends at the sale — and emissions testing runs biennially for vehicles more than four model years old (no safety inspection exists for routine transfers). Connecticut also levies annual municipal property tax on vehicles, so the purchase price is only the first conversation with the tax collector.

Connecticut Requirements: Connecticut sets no fixed day count for a private buyer: the car cannot be driven or parked on a highway until it is registered in the buyer's name. 6.35% 6.35% (7.75% over $50,000).

Seller Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Buyer Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Car Details

Year *

Make *

Model *

VIN *

Color *

Mileage *

License Plate

Odometer reading is accurate to the best of my knowledge

Lien Holder (if applicable)

Sale Information

Sale Price ($) *

Payment Method *

Date of Sale *

County of Sale (if known)

Applicable Taxes Paid By

Condition & Warranty

Sold AS-IS (no warranty)

Warranty Details (if applicable)

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First time selling a car privately? Our complete guide covers how to verify the buyer, which payment methods are safe, what paperwork the DMV actually needs, and the odometer disclosure mistake that can make a transaction legally void. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →

Connecticut Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form

H-31

Bill of Sale

Agency

CT DMV

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles

Primary ID Field

VIN

Sales Tax

6.35%

Title Required

Yes

Connecticut sets no fixed day count for a private-sale buyer, but the car cannot be driven or parked on a highway until it is registered in the buyer's name. The seller completes and signs the back of the Connecticut title and gives it to the buyer with a bill of sale.

Inspection

Required

Sales Tax Details

Connecticut charges a flat 6.35% sales and use tax on vehicles priced $50,000 or less. Vehicles over $50,000 are taxed at 7.75%.

Inspection Requirements

Connecticut requires an emissions test every two years for vehicles 4+ model years old registered in CT (model year 2001 and older are exempt). Safety inspection is not required at sale.

Connecticut Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

Complete H-31 with VIN, year, make, model, odometer, sale price, buyer/seller info.
Seller signs the title assignment and odometer disclosure.
Buyer submits H-31 + signed title to CT DMV to register the car before driving it.
Buyer pays 6.35% (or 7.75% if $50k+) sales tax + title fee ($25) + registration.
Emissions test required at next registration for 4+ year old vehicles.

Common Pitfalls

Forgetting the 7.75% tier — applies on any vehicle priced over $50,000.
Driving before the car is registered in your name — the seller's registration ends when ownership transfers.
Not checking CT's emissions schedule — first test due at 4 years old, then every 2 years.
Odometer disclosure required on all vehicles of model year 2011 or newer.
Dropping your car insurance the day you sell. Connecticut DMV says to keep liability coverage while the registration is active, so cancel the registration first and the insurance second.

Pro Tip

CT car: Form H-31 (or your own bill of sale) + register before driving + 6.35% tax (7.75% over $50k).

Connecticut Car Bill of Sale — FAQs

What is Connecticut Form H-31?

H-31 is the official Connecticut DMV bill of sale form. A bill of sale is always required with proof of ownership to register the vehicle; you may use H-31 or draft your own with the required details.

What is Connecticut's car sales tax rate?

Connecticut charges 6.35% on vehicles priced $50,000 or less and 7.75% on vehicles over $50,000. The higher rate applies to the entire purchase price once it crosses that threshold.

I lost the bill of sale for my car. Can Connecticut DMV give me a copy?

Yes, if it was filed with a registration. Fill out the Title Copy Records Request (Form J-23T): sections 2 and 3 or 4, plus the requester section with your phone number. Send copies of two forms of ID and the $20 fee. Include a copy of the original registration that shows its issue date, so the DMV can start the search. The copy arrives in about four to six weeks.

Who signs and keeps the Connecticut Form H-31?

The seller fills in H-31, signs it, and hands it to the buyer, keeping a copy. The seller signs under penalty of false statement. The buyer then presents it at registration along with the title and Form H-13B. If you write your own instead, the DMV's bill of sale page also lists the odometer reading and the buyer's signature, so add both to be safe.

How can I drive a car I just bought to its inspection in Connecticut?

Get a temporary registration. It is for owners who need a safety inspection or emissions test before the permanent registration. It is by appointment only and costs $21 for every 10 days for a passenger car. Bring the former owner's title with the assignment filled in, the bill of sale (H-31), Form H-13B, your Connecticut insurance ID card, and your ID. Sales tax on the purchase is collected at the same visit.

Which cars skip the Connecticut emissions test?

The DMV exempts cars under four model years old and model year 2001 or older. Also exempt: vehicles of 10,001 pounds GVWR or more, fully electric cars (not hybrids), and motorcycles. If the car does need a test, it costs $20 at a test center. No appointment is needed.