How to Sell a Boat Privately in Connecticut (2026)
| Titling agency | Connecticut DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.35% (Sales tax applies to private party sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | H-106 |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Connecticut — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Connecticut requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Connecticut DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Connecticut uses H-106.
- 4Gather documentation — current Connecticut registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Connecticut dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Connecticut registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Connecticut DMV — buyer must register within 60 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Connecticut DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Connecticut lien release procedure
- Obtain Form H-106 from the Connecticut DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs H-106 releasing the lien.
- Submit H-106 with the existing title and title application at a CT DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean title.
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Start My Connecticut Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Connecticut
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Connecticut?▾
Yes. Connecticut requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Connecticut DMV.
What is the Connecticut boat title transfer deadline?▾
Connecticut requires the buyer to transfer registration within 60 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Connecticut?▾
Connecticut charges 6.35% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies to private party sales The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Connecticut DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Connecticut boat bill of sale?▾
Connecticut does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Connecticut?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Connecticut DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6.35% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 60 days of the sale date.
Source: Connecticut DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07