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 no special form is required — you may draft your own with the details the DMV lists. Connecticut sets no fixed number of days for the buyer, but the seller's registration ends at the sale, so the buyer registers with Form H-13B before driving — 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 (including civil union partners), parents and children, and siblings (including through adoption) are exempt from CT sales tax if the vehicle was registered in the family member's name for at least 60 days and was taxed on its last sale; delinquent tax restrictions apply. A vehicle received as a gift is also exempt with a Motor Vehicle or Vessel Gift Declaration (AU-463) signed by the donor.
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 of model year 2011 or newer)
- Buyer files Form H-13B (Application for Registration and Certificate of Title) at a CT DMV office before driving the vehicle
- 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
- Driving before registering — the seller's registration ends at the sale, and the vehicle cannot be driven or parked on a highway until it is registered to the buyer
- Assuming low-price sales avoid tax — Connecticut taxes the higher of the bill of sale price or the NADA average trade-in value
- Assuming a family transfer is tax-exempt without checking the conditions — the vehicle must have been registered in the family member's name for at least 60 days and taxed on its last sale
- 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-13B to register and title your vehicle at CT DMV before you drive it. Budget for 6.35% sales tax (7.75% over $50,000), municipal emissions testing, and recurring local property tax.