Connecticut Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

What Is a Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale is a written contract between a buyer and a seller that documents the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle. In Connecticut, the bill of sale is required for registration, title transfer, and for verifying that a sales tax has been paid.

When Is a Bill of Sale Required?

• Buying or selling a used vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, etc.)
• Transferring ownership between family members where a title is not immediately available
• Purchasing a vehicle from a private party (dealerissued invoices are not sufficient)
• Receiving a vehicle as a gift a bill of sale still confirms the transfer

Dealers issue a separate sales contract; a privateparty bill of sale is only required for nondealer transactions.

Information Required on a Connecticut Bill of Sale

The state does not provide a mandatory form, but the document must contain the following elements to be accepted by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

If the vehicle is being financed, include the lienholders name and address.

Sample Bill of Sale (PlainText Format)

Seller:Name: _______________________________Address: _______________________________Phone: _______________________________Buyer:Name: _______________________________Address: _______________________________Phone: _______________________________Vehicle Information:Year: ______   Make: ______   Model: ______VIN: _______________________________Odometer (miles): ___________Color: _______________________________Sale Details:Sale Price: $ ____________Date of Sale: ____________Additional Terms (optional):______________________________________________________________________Seller Signature: _______________________   Date: ___________Buyer Signature:  _______________________   Date: ___________(Notarization  optional)State of ConnecticutCounty of ___________________Subscribed and sworn before me this ____ day of ____________, 20____.Notary Public Signature: _________________________My commission expires: ________________________        

Copy the template onto a clean sheet of paper, fill in the blanks, and keep a copy for both parties.

How to Submit the Bill of Sale

1. Complete the document with accurate information.
2. Gather supporting paperwork current title, valid drivers license, and proof of insurance.
3. If the vehicle is titled in a different state, youll also need an outofstate title and a notarized odometer statement.
4. Visit a Connecticut DMV office or use the online Title Transfer portal (requires a MyDMV account).
5. Pay the applicable title fee ($15) and sales tax (6.35% of the purchase price, with possible exemptions for gifts).
6. Receive the new title in the buyers name.

Taxes, Fees, and Exemptions

Connecticut imposes a 6.35% sales tax on the purchase price of a used vehicle. The tax is calculated on the higher of the purchase price or the vehicles fair market value (as determined by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services). Exemptions include:

• Transfers between immediate family members (spouse, parentchild, etc.) when no money changes hands.
• Vehicles received as a bonafide gift, provided a Gift statement is included on the bill of sale.
• Transfers involving a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurance company.

When claiming an exemption, attach a written declaration to the bill of sale and be prepared to provide supporting documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, probate documents).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing VIN or odometer reading the DMV will reject the title transfer.
• Incorrect seller or buyer name the name must match the ID presented.
• Leaving the price blank even gifts should note $0 Gift.
• Not updating the address both parties must provide current mailing addresses.
• Failing to remove the old license plates in Connecticut, plates stay with the seller unless transferred.

Additional Resources

• Connecticut DMV Vehicle Title Transfer
• Certificate of Sale (Form CT2365)
• Connecticut Department of Revenue Sales Tax Information
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle History

Conclusion

Creating a proper bill of sale for a motor vehicle in Connecticut is straightforward when you include all required details, keep a copy for your records, and follow the DMVs titletransfer process. By avoiding common errors and understanding tax obligations, both buyers and sellers can complete the transaction confidently and legally.