How to Sell a Car Privately in Connecticut
Selling your car yourself in Connecticut comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The seller completes and signs the reverse side of the certificate of title, gives it to the new owner, and keeps a copy of the title and bill of sale. portal.ct.gov
- A title is needed if the vehicle was bought in Connecticut and is newer than 20 model years, and older vehicles are treated as non-titled. portal.ct.gov
- With owners joined by 'or' one signature can transfer the vehicle, and with 'and' both owners must sign. portal.ct.gov
- A seller who has lost the title can sell to a Connecticut buyer only if the vehicle is titled in the seller's name, by completing Form H-6B and the Q-1 supplemental assignment for the buyer. portal.ct.gov
- The new title usually arrives about 30 days after the buyer registers, and the DMV does not issue electronic titles. portal.ct.gov
Bill of sale
- A bill of sale is given to the buyer along with the title, and the DMV says no special form is required. portal.ct.gov
- A self-written bill of sale lists the buyer's and seller's names and addresses, vehicle make, model, year, color and VIN, price, date, and the seller's signature. portal.ct.gov
- The DMV also says a bill of sale is always required along with proof of ownership to process a new registration for a non-titled vehicle. portal.ct.gov
License plates
- The seller removes the plates and cancels the registration with DMV, and if canceled online should print the receipt. portal.ct.gov
- Cancelling registration is free, and plates may be discarded at the owner's discretion. portal.ct.gov
- A seller who wants to keep the plates should request a suspension of liability from the insurer before the sale, and can place plates on hold with DMV instead of cancelling. portal.ct.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- Private-sale passenger vehicles and light trucks are taxed at 6.35 percent, or 7.75 percent for vehicles over $50,000, on the higher of the bill of sale price or the NADA average trade-in value. portal.ct.gov
- The buyer registers in person at the DMV by appointment with Form H-13B, ID, insurance card, proof of ownership and a bill of sale. portal.ct.gov
- The registration page lists a $190 registration fee, a $10 lien fee if applicable, and a $15 or $7.50 greenhouse gas fee. portal.ct.gov
Loans and liens
- A lien release letter must be on the lender's letterhead with the owner names and vehicle details, say the loan is paid in full or the lender has no interest, and be signed by an authorized agent. portal.ct.gov
- If a lienholder is on the title when the title is missing, the seller must give the buyer a lien release letter or the transaction will not be processed. portal.ct.gov
- A paid-off owner can keep the stamped paid title from the lender for a future sale. portal.ct.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- The seller must keep liability insurance while the registration is active, and should not cancel insurance until the registration has been canceled with DMV. portal.ct.gov
- Connecticut does not accept electronic titles or electronic lienholder records. portal.ct.gov
- Late emissions notices can go to the previous owner if the test deadline passed before the buyer bought the vehicle. portal.ct.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Connecticut?
A bill of sale is given to the buyer along with the title, and the DMV says no special form is required. A self-written bill of sale lists the buyer's and seller's names and addresses, vehicle make, model, year, color and VIN, price, date, and the seller's signature.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in Connecticut?
The seller removes the plates and cancels the registration with DMV, and if canceled online should print the receipt. Cancelling registration is free, and plates may be discarded at the owner's discretion.
Official Connecticut resources
- CT DMV: Sell your vehicle
- CT DMV: Get a vehicle bill of sale
- CT DMV: Cancel your registration and plates
- CT DMV: Proof of ownership requirements
- CT DMV: Sales tax on registrations
- CT DMV: Emissions testing overview
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.