Free Connecticut Vehicle Bill of Sale
A Connecticut vehicle bill of sale documents the transfer of a car or truck between private parties and supports the buyer's registration and 6.35% sales tax payment at the CT DMV. Connecticut publishes its own Form H-31 bill of sale, but any written document with VIN, price, date and signatures of both parties is accepted. Buyers must transfer title within 60 days using Form H-13 to avoid penalties, and should be aware Connecticut also bills annual local property tax on registered vehicles.
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Connecticut Vehicle Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Connecticut sales/use tax is 6.35% on most vehicles. Luxury vehicles sold for more than $50,000 are taxed at 7.75%. Tax is collected by CT DMV at registration.
Exemption: Transfers between spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren are exempt from CT sales tax. Use CERT-106 to claim the family exemption.
Inspection Requirements
Connecticut has no statewide safety inspection. However, most CT towns require biennial emissions testing for vehicles model year 1986 and newer. Out-of-state vehicles must also pass a VIN verification at registration.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by Connecticut DMV — not the same agency that handles cars in Connecticut. Plan for separate filings.
Connecticut Vehicle Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete Form H-31 (CT Bill of Sale) or an equivalent written bill of sale with VIN, year, make, model, sale price and date
- Have the seller sign and date the assignment on the back of the Connecticut Certificate of Title
- Complete the federal odometer disclosure on the title (required for vehicles less than 20 model years old)
- Buyer files Form H-13 (Application for Registration and Certificate of Title) at a CT DMV office within 60 days
- Pay 6.35% CT sales tax (7.75% if the vehicle sold for more than $50,000) plus title and registration fees
- Provide proof of CT minimum liability insurance (25/50/25) before plates can be issued
- Complete emissions testing within 30 days of registration if your town requires it
Common Pitfalls
- Missing the 60-day title transfer deadline triggers late fees and can require additional DMV paperwork
- Assuming low-price sales avoid tax — DMV uses NADA clean retail value if the declared price looks unreasonably low
- Forgetting to file CERT-106 for family transfers, which causes DMV to charge full 6.35% sales tax
- Overlooking the 7.75% luxury rate on vehicles over $50,000 (and motorhomes/boats over $100,000)
- Not budgeting for annual municipal property tax, which is billed by the town based on October 1 ownership
- Buying a vehicle from a town that requires emissions without checking testing status — the buyer inherits the obligation
Pro Tip
Use Form H-31 (or an equivalent written bill of sale) and Form H-13 to register and title your vehicle at CT DMV within 60 days. Budget for 6.35% sales tax (7.75% over $50,000), municipal emissions testing, and recurring local property tax.