How To Transfer a Car Title in Connecticut 2026
Connecticut law requires that when a vehicle owner transfers their interest in a motor vehicle, they must execute a complete assignment and warranty of title to the new owner at the time of delivery, inserting the buyer's name and address in the designated space on the certificate. This obligation is established under C.G.S. § 14-179, which governs all motor vehicle title transfers in the state. Under C.G.S. § 14-16, a vehicle's existing registration expires at the moment of ownership transfer, requiring the buyer to obtain a new registration promptly.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Connecticut
All original documents are required unless otherwise noted. The complete packet must be presented at the scheduled DMV appointment.
| Document | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Certificate of Title (assigned by seller) | Required | Buyer's full name and address, sale price, date, odometer reading, and all seller signatures completed on the reverse |
| Form H-13B – Application for Registration and Title | Required | Completed by buyer; odometer reading required |
| Form H-31 – Bill of Sale | Required | Completed and signed by seller; provided to buyer at time of sale |
| Government-Issued Photo Identification | Required | CT driver's license, state ID, or other accepted form |
| Current Connecticut Insurance Card (in buyer's name) | Required | Must show active coverage for the specific vehicle being transferred |
| Odometer Disclosure | Required (vehicles < 20 years) | Recorded on the title's reverse or in Form H-13B |
| Emissions Test Certificate | Conditional | Required for vehicles older than 4 model years and younger than 25 model years; see Step 3 |
| Form AU-463 – Motor Vehicle and Vessel Gift Declaration | Conditional | Required in addition to Form H-13B when the vehicle is transferred as a gift |
| VIN Verification | Conditional (out-of-state) | Completed at a Connecticut DMV location before the appointment |
| Form H-6B – Application for Replacement Certificate of Title | Conditional | Required when the original title has been lost or cannot be produced |
| Form Q-1 – Supplemental Assignment of Ownership | Conditional | Required when the vehicle is registered in Connecticut but does not require a title |
| Lien Release Letter | Conditional | On lienholder letterhead; must state loan is paid in full with vehicle description and owner name |
| Power of Attorney | Conditional | Required if anyone other than the titled owner is signing the application |
| Certified Probate Court Document | Conditional (estate transfers) | Acceptable documents include forms PC-160, PC-212B, PC-260, PC-264, or PC-450 |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Connecticut
Step 1: Seller Completes the Title Assignment
At the time of vehicle delivery, the seller must complete the assignment and warranty of title section on the reverse side of the Connecticut Certificate of Title. Per C.G.S. § 14-179, the assignment must include:
- The buyer's full legal name and current residential address
- The agreed sale price and date of transaction
- The current odometer reading with accuracy status (actual, not actual, or exceeds mechanical limits)
- Legible printed name and signature of every owner listed on the title's face
Joint ownership rules: When a title lists two owners connected by "or" (joint tenancy with right of survivorship), a single owner may sign on behalf of both. When connected by "and" (common ownership), all listed owners must sign. Where no conjunction appears, either owner may execute the transfer.
The seller must retain the license plates and remove them before delivery. Connecticut plates are tied to the registered owner and remain the seller's responsibility.
If the vehicle carries a salvage history, the seller must have possession of the certificate of title or salvage vehicle certificate before completing any transfer.
Step 2: Seller Provides the Bill of Sale
The seller must complete and sign Form H-31 and deliver it to the buyer at the time of sale.
The seller should retain a personal copy for their records. If the original title is unavailable, the seller must also complete Form H-6B and an original Form Q-1 before any transfer can proceed.
Step 3: Determine Emissions Testing Requirements
An emissions test is required for vehicles that are older than 4 model years and younger than 25 model years. The following vehicle categories are exempt from testing:
- Vehicles 4 model years old or newer (current model year minus 3)
- Vehicles 25 model years old or older
- Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,001 lbs
- Full battery-electric vehicles (non-hybrid)
- Motorcycles, farm vehicles, and certain non-highway vehicles
For vehicles previously registered in Connecticut, the buyer may register first and complete the emissions test within 30 days of the registration date. For out-of-state vehicles, the emissions test must be completed before the DMV appointment. Verify a vehicle's current emissions status at ctemissions.com.
Step 4: Schedule a DMV Appointment and Assemble Documents
All Connecticut title and registration transactions require an in-person appointment. No walk-in service is available for title transfers.
Step 5: Submit Documents and Pay All Applicable Fees
Fees are payable by cash, check, or money order made payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Refer to the Connecticut DMV fee schedule below for the complete listing.
| Fee Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Fee | $25.00 | Required for all titled vehicles |
| Administrative Fee | $10.00 | Applied to all transactions |
| Registration Fee (passenger car/SUV/van – regular) | $120.00 | Annual; varies by vehicle type and class |
| License Plate Fee | $5.00 | New plates only |
| Clean Air Act Fee | $15.00 | Most passenger vehicles |
| Passport to the Parks Fee | $24.00 (eff. July 1, 2025) | Mandatory for most vehicle types |
| Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fee | $15.00 | Applies when vehicle has a certificate of origin |
| Emissions Exemption Fee | $40.00 | Vehicles 4 model years old or newer (no emissions test required) |
| Lien Recording Fee | $10.00 | Applies when a lien is being recorded on the title |
| Sales and Use Tax | 6.35% (purchase price ≤ $50,000); 7.75% (> $50,000) | Based on purchase price; see exemptions below |
Step 6: Receive the New Registration and Certificate of Title
Upon acceptance of the complete document packet and full payment at the DMV appointment:
- Registration and new license plates are issued to the buyer at the office.
- Certificate of Title is processed and mailed approximately 30 days from the transaction date.
- If no lien is recorded: title is mailed to the new registered owner.
- If a lien is recorded: title is mailed directly to the lienholder and held until the loan is satisfied.
- If the title has not been received within 90 days of the transaction, complete a Statement of Non-Receipt and mail it to the DMV's Specialized Registry Services unit. Re-issuance within this window carries no additional fee.
Contact Information
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: Connecticut DMV
