Free Connecticut Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template

Selling or buying a vehicle in Connecticut? A bill of sale is required to process a new registration — and only the seller needs to sign it.

This free template is formatted for Connecticut’s requirements, including the state’s Form H-31 fields and the 6.35% sales and use tax.

Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.

For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →

On this page:

What Is a Connecticut Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?

A Connecticut motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.

Connecticut’s official form is Form H-31 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale). It is required alongside proof of ownership to process a new registration at the DMV. Only the seller needs to sign it — the buyer does not need to sign.

Is a Bill of Sale Required in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut requires a bill of sale (Form H-31 or equivalent) along with proof of ownership to process a new vehicle registration.

For non-titled vehicles (model year more than 20 years old), the registration from the last owner, a request for supplemental assignment of ownership (Form Q-1), and/or a bill of sale are required.

Connecticut does not require a title for vehicles with a model year more than 20 years prior to the current year.

Connecticut-Specific Requirements

1. 30-Day Registration Deadline

The buyer has 30 days from the date of purchase to register the vehicle with the Connecticut DMV. New residents transferring a vehicle from another state have 60 days from establishing residency.

2. Seller Signs Only

Connecticut’s Form H-31 requires only the seller’s signature. The buyer does not need to sign the bill of sale. However, having both parties sign adds legal protection and is recommended.

3. Sales and Use Tax

Connecticut charges 6.35% sales and use tax on the purchase price (7.75% for vehicles over $50,000). Tax is paid at the DMV at the time of registration. Full trade-in credit is allowed when computing the tax.

4. Emissions Testing

Vehicles that are 4 model years old or older from the current year require an emissions test before registration. Vehicles exempt from emissions testing require a VIN verification instead.

5. No Electronic Title System

Connecticut does not participate in any electronic title or electronic lienholder program. All title transfers require paper documents submitted in person or by mail to the Connecticut DMV.

6. Lien on Title

If the original vehicle title is held by a lienholder, the buyer may be issued a six-month courtesy registration while the lien is being released. The lienholder must release interest before a clean title can be issued.

7. Notarization

Connecticut does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.

Free Connecticut Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template

This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.

Get This Template →

How to Fill Out the Template

Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.

In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — Connecticut calculates 6.35% sales and use tax on this figure.

The seller signs Section 11. Connecticut only requires the seller’s signature on the bill of sale, but both parties signing is recommended.

For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →

How to Transfer a Car Title in Connecticut

For the Seller

Sign and complete the title assignment section on the back of the Connecticut Certificate of Title. Sign this bill of sale (Form H-31 or equivalent). Keep a copy for your records.

For the Buyer

Within 30 days of purchase, visit a Connecticut DMV office with the signed title, this bill of sale, proof of insurance, valid CT driver’s license or ID, emissions certificate (if required), and payment for the 6.35% sales tax and registration fees.

Lost Title

If the title is lost, the seller must obtain a duplicate before the sale can proceed. Contact the Connecticut DMV at portal.ct.gov/dmv for duplicate title procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the buyer have to register a vehicle in Connecticut?

30 days from the date of purchase. New residents bringing a vehicle from another state have 60 days from establishing residency to register with the Connecticut DMV.

Does Connecticut require a title for older vehicles?

No. Connecticut does not require a title for vehicles with a model year more than 20 years prior to the current year. For non-titled vehicles, registration from the last owner, Form Q-1 (Supplemental Assignment of Ownership), and/or a bill of sale are required.

How much is the sales tax on a private car sale in Connecticut?

Connecticut charges 6.35% sales and use tax on the purchase price, or 7.75% for vehicles over $50,000. Tax is paid at the DMV at the time of registration. Full trade-in credit is allowed when computing the tax.

Do I need to notarize a bill of sale in Connecticut?

No. Connecticut does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.

Is an emissions test required when buying a car in Connecticut?

Yes for most vehicles. Vehicles that are 4 model years old or older from the current year require an emissions test before registration. Vehicles exempt from emissions testing require a VIN verification instead.

Can I use a Google Docs bill of sale in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut allows residents to create their own bill of sale as long as it includes all required information — seller and buyer names and addresses, vehicle make, model, year, VIN, purchase price, and date of sale. The state provides Form H-31 as an official template, but it is not mandatory.

This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact the Connecticut DMV at portal.ct.gov/dmv to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.