Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Connecticut? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Connecticut transfers ownership through the signed title and the Registration and Title Application (Form H-13B), and it actually requires a Bill of Sale (Form H-31) to register the vehicle — so the document does double duty, locking in the price and the exact handover date while showing the seller is no longer responsible for tolls, tickets, or accidents once the keys change hands.
Connecticut requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut requires a Bill of Sale (Form H-31, or an equivalent) along with proof of ownership to register a used vehicle. It documents the price and sale date and is part of the standard registration paperwork at the DMV.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. Connecticut does not require a motor vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. You can notarize it voluntarily for extra proof, but it is not needed to register the vehicle.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer should register and transfer ownership at the DMV promptly — generally within 30 days of a private-party purchase. Filing late can add a penalty of roughly $50. Note that vehicles 20 or more model years old don't get a Connecticut title.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Connecticut charges 6.35% sales and use tax (7.75% on vehicles over $50,000), paid by the buyer at the DMV. For private-party sales it's based on the greater of the bill-of-sale price or the NADA average trade-in value.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Connecticut town where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files Form H-13B with the bill of sale at the DMV.
Ready to create your Connecticut bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Connecticut bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Connecticutbuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the Connecticut DMV. Confirm the details with the Connecticut DMV.
Connecticut bill of sale FAQ
Does a Connecticut motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Connecticut does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The DMV needs the signed title, a bill of sale, and Form H-13B to register the vehicle — notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut requires a Bill of Sale (Form H-31 or equivalent) with proof of ownership to register a used vehicle. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in Connecticut?
At the Connecticut DMV. The buyer brings the signed title, a completed Form H-13B, the bill of sale, proof of insurance, and payment for the registration fee and sales tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Connecticut?
Register the vehicle promptly — generally within 30 days of a private-party purchase. Waiting can add a late penalty of about $50, so don't put it off.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Connecticut?
6.35% — or 7.75% on vehicles over $50,000 — calculated on the greater of the bill-of-sale price or the NADA average trade-in value. The buyer pays it at the DMV. This is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Connecticut?
Yes — Connecticut accepts a bill of sale that has the key details, and you can use its Form H-31 or an equivalent. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the DMV.
Is this Connecticut bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.