Connecticut Title Transfer Guide (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 |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Not required |
| Lien release form | H-106 |
Connecticut title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (H-106) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Connecticut requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Check VIN inspection requirements — if the vehicle is from out of state, confirm whether Connecticut requires a VIN inspection (varies by origin state).
- 5Buyer files at Connecticut DMV — within 60 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Connecticut DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6.35% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Connecticut DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Connecticut DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Connecticut estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Connecticut DMV.
Need a Connecticut bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Connecticut DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Connecticut Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Connecticut
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Connecticut?▾
Connecticut requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 60 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Connecticut title transfer cost?▾
Connecticut charges 6.35% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party sales The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Connecticut?▾
Yes — Connecticut requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Connecticut DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Connecticut?▾
In Connecticut, the lender must complete H-106 confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Connecticut DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Connecticut?▾
Connecticut inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Connecticut DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Connecticut DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07