Just Sold My Boat in Connecticut — What’s Next? (2026)
Need Connecticut bill of sale documentation?
If you haven’t generated a Connecticut-compliant bill of sale yet, do it now — your proof-of-sale window closes the moment the buyer leaves.
Start My Connecticut Boat Bill of Sale →Connecticut boat sale facts
| Titling agency | Connecticut DMV ↗ |
| Title transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Release of liability | File with Connecticut DMV within 5 days |
| Buyer’s sales / use tax | 6.35% (Sales tax applies to private party sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fee (buyer pays) | $25 |
| Boat identifier | HIN (Hull Identification Number) |
Your Connecticut boat post-sale checklist
- 1
Keep your signed Connecticut bill of sale
This is your proof that you sold the boat on the sale date. If the buyer gets a ticket, is in an accident, or fails to transfer the title within 60 days from the sale date, the Connecticut bill of sale shields you from liability. Keep both your copy and a scan for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with Connecticut DMV
Most Connecticut sellers file this online through Connecticut DMV within 5 days of the sale. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents become the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Connecticut requires the buyer to title the boat within 60 days — your release filing protects you if the buyer misses that deadline.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your boat insurance
Contact your insurer the same day you hand over the keys. Connecticut does not require you to maintain insurance on a vehicle you no longer own, but you must not cancel before the sale is complete. If you are replacing the boat with another, transfer the policy instead — many insurers offer a short grace period to bind coverage on the new vehicle.
- 4
Remove your registration decal and registration decal
In Connecticut, the registration decal stays with the seller, not the boat. Remove the decal before handover and return any current registration to the Connecticut boating authority. The buyer will register the vessel in their name and receive new decals.
- 5
Verify the 60-day title transfer window
Connecticut requires the buyer to retitle the boat at Connecticut DMV within 60 days of the sale date. If you have not received confirmation that the title has been transferred by day 65, contact Connecticut DMV with your bill of sale and release-of-liability filing number to confirm the change of ownership.
- 6
Confirm your Connecticut tax obligations (seller's side)
Connecticut charges 6.35% sales/use tax on private-party boat sales — the buyer pays this at Connecticut DMV when titling. Sales tax applies to private party sales. Sellers generally do not owe Connecticut sales tax, but if the boat sold for more than your original purchase price you may owe federal capital gains tax. Consult a tax advisor.
- 7
Watch for liens or loan payoff confirmation
If you had a loan on the boat, confirm the lender received the buyer's payoff and has released the lien on the Connecticut title before you deliver the title. Connecticut uses H-106 as the lien release form — your lender will file this with Connecticut DMV to clear the title record.
Boat-specific note
Boats use a Hull Identification Number (HIN) instead of a VIN — confirm the HIN on the transom matches the title and bill of sale. If the vessel is U.S. Coast Guard documented (5+ net tons, typically 26ft+), file an abstract-of-title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions — Connecticut
How long do I have to file a release of liability in Connecticut?▾
Connecticut sellers should file a release of liability with Connecticut DMV within 5 days of the sale. Most Connecticut sellers can file this online directly through Connecticut DMV. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents fall on the buyer.
What is the Connecticut title transfer deadline for a boat?▾
Connecticut requires the buyer to title the boat within 60 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Do I owe Connecticut sales tax on the boat I just sold?▾
Connecticut charges 6.35% sales/use tax on private-party boat sales. Sales tax applies to private party sales. The buyer typically pays this at Connecticut DMV when titling — sellers generally owe no Connecticut sales tax on the proceeds. You may owe federal capital gains if you sold for more than the original purchase price.
Does Connecticut require a notary on the boat bill of sale?▾
No. Connecticut does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' full names, addresses, signatures, and the date is sufficient for Connecticut DMV.
How does the buyer register the boat in Connecticut?▾
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Connecticut DMV, pays the title fee (~$25) plus 6.35% sales/use tax, and receives a new Connecticut title in their name. Transfer must be completed within 60 days of the sale date.
What is U.S. Coast Guard documentation and do I need to file anything with the USCG?▾
USCG documentation is a federal title for vessels 5+ net tons (typically 26ft+) used in commerce or international waters. Recreational boats under 26 feet usually do not need USCG documentation — state registration and a bill of sale are sufficient. If your boat IS USCG-documented, file an abstract of title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
Where do I find the HIN on my boat?▾
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character serial stamped on the starboard side of the transom (back of the boat) above the waterline. It is also recorded on the title. Confirm the HIN on the transom matches your bill of sale and title before the buyer pulls away on the trailer.
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Source: Connecticut DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07