Connecticut
Title Fee
$25.00
Sales Tax Rate
6.35%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Connecticut?
All vehicles 20 years old and newer, and vessels from 2017 and newer, must be titled.
Mobile manufactured homes are titled as real property through the town clerk.
Exempt: Trailers ≤3,000 lbs. GVWR, motorcycles ≤50cc, snowmobiles, ATVs, government vehicles, vehicles moved by animal power, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, self-propelled wheelchairs, documented vessels, non-motorized vessels <19.5 ft, vessels propelled by paddle/oar, and lifeboats.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Application for Title (H-13B) or Vessel Registration (B-148) may be mailed to DMV headquarters or made by appointment at a DMV office.
Fee: $25.00 plus $10.00 per lien; $10.00 administrative fee for electronic VIN inspection.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin and bill of sale.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title and bill of sale.
Non-title states: Certificate of Registration and Supplemental Assignment of Ownership and/or Bill of Sale (Q-1).
Foreign vehicles: Foreign ownership docs, CBP 7501, EPA and DOT compliance letters.
Military: DD 430 Military Registration and Certificate of Title.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Bonded titles: Required if insufficient evidence of ownership; bond = 2x value, held for 5 years.
Brands include: Autonomous Vehicle, Bonded, Flood, Glider Kit, Junk, Lemon, Mileage Exceeds Mechanical Limits, Not Actual Mileage, Rebuilt, Salvage, Salvage Parts Only, Unrepairable, and more.
Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Insurer stamps title “Salvage” and attaches appraiser’s report. “Salvage Parts Only,” “Unrebuildable,” or “Junk” vehicles cannot be retitled or registered.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Application for Replacement Title (H-6B), $25.00 fee.
Corrections: Submit H-13B and current title, fees vary ($35–$65).
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required on transfer (exempt for trailers and vehicles w/o odometer).
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles ($10 fee).
Salvage/rebuilt vehicles require DMV inspection and $88 inspection fee.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
No, electronic signatures are not accepted.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: 6.35% of purchase price (higher of bill of sale or average trade-in value for private sales).7.75% tax for vehicles >$50,000 (except some commercial vehicles and nonresident military).
Vessels/trailers for vessels: 2.99%.
Trade-in credits: Allowed for dealer purchases (not for private sales).
Credit for taxes paid to another state: Allowed with documentation.
Exemptions:Immediate family transfers, gifts, corporate reorganizations, farm vehicles, certain commercial vehicles, and new residents with prior out-of-state registration.
Nonresidents are exempt if vehicle is immediately removed from Connecticut.
Property Tax:
All vehicles are subject to local property tax, whether or not registered, based on 70% of average retail value.
Unpaid property tax blocks registration renewal.
Manufactured homes assessed as real property.
Other taxes/fees:
Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (IRS Form 2290) required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Lienholder info entered on Registration and Title Application (H-13B); $10 per lien.
Add lien: $45.00 fee.
Security interest perfected as of attachment date if filed within 20 days, otherwise as of delivery.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must release lien on title or separate release within 10 days after demand, 30 days maximum.
If lienholder cannot be located, Motor Vehicle Ownership Affidavit (H-115) may be used.
Assignment: Lienholder may assign security interest; assignee may have title endorsed or reissued.
How does repossession work in Connecticut?
Lienholder may repossess without judicial process if peaceful.
Transfer after repossession: Notarized Affidavit of Repossession (H-30), title, and Q-1 bill of sale required.
If lien not shown on title, copy of lien instrument is needed.
Security interest holders needing title in their name submit title, lien release, repossession paperwork, H-13B, and $35.00 fee.
Other notes:
No electronic lien/title program.
Lien records on file at DMV; title mailed to first lienholder.
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
860.263.5700 in Hartford and out of state
800.842.8222 elsewhere in Connecticut
Enforcement Agency:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
860.263.5700 (Hartford/out of state)
800.842.8222 (within Connecticut)
CT DMV Website
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of State Police1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457
860.685.8190
Key Regulations:
DMV manages titling, registration, tax collection, liens, and repossession.
State Police and DMV enforce vehicle laws and safety.
Insurance required: Minimum $25,000/$50,000/$25,000.
Emission inspections required for most vehicles at registration/renewal; exemptions apply.
Safety inspections for certain vehicles (campers, trailers, rebuilt, commercial, school buses).
Title copies retained for 10 years; registration records for 3 years.