How To Transfer a Car Title in Connecticut
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When buying or selling a car privately, you must transfer the title.
To transfer a vehicle title in Connecticut, you need:
- The original title signed by the seller and buyer
- The completed application form
- Bill of sale
- Proof of auto insurance
- Proof of identification
Let’s look the details of how to transfer a car title in Connecticut.
Key Takeaways
- Cars made in or before 2016 must pass the emissions test to transfer the title.
- When moving to Connecticut, you have 60 days to transfer your title.
- You must also register the vehicle when transferring the title and must renew registration every two years.
- The title transfer fee is $25, but you should also consider the cost of sales tax and registration fees.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Documents Needed To Transfer Car Title in Connecticut
- How To Transfer Car Title in Connecticut
- How To Transfer Car Title in Connecticut If the Owner Is Deceased
- How To Transfer Car Title in Connecticut If You Have an Out-of-State Title
- Gifted and Inherited Cars in Connecticut
- How To Register a Car in Connecticut
- Conclusion
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
Documents Needed To Transfer Car Title in Connecticut
Before requesting a vehicle title transfer in Connecticut, you need the following documents:
- Complete the Registration and Title Application form (Form H-13B).
- The existing title filled out and signed by the seller and buyer.
- A bill of sale including the vehicle price, and a comprehensive motor vehicle description.
- A lien release form, if applicable.
- Evidence of a valid Connecticut auto insurance policy.
- Valid proof of identification, such as a state-issued driver's license or an ID card.
What If The Original Title Was Lost?
If the title certificate was lost, then the seller must apply for a replacement vehicle title. An Application for a Replacement Certificate of Title can also be provided to the buyer if necessary.
How To Transfer Car Title in Connecticut
If you purchased the car from a dealership, they handle all mandatory paperwork to register and title the vehicle.
To initiate the title transfer process, you must:
- Collect all of the documents above, including the completed and signed title and bill of sale from the seller.
- Complete the Connecticut Registration and Title Application form (H-13B).
- Pay the title fee.
- Receive your new title in the mail.
Do I Need an Emissions Test to Transfer a Title?
For vehicles made in 2016 or older, proof of emissions testing is also mandatory. The inspection fee is $20.
You must conduct an emissions test on the vehicle within a 30-day window from the registration date; otherwise, a late penalty will be imposed. No notification will be sent to remind you about this testing.
What If There's a Lien?
The title will be dispatched to the lienholder if the car has an outstanding lien. Once you have the required documents, follow the provided instructions.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Title?
The title transfer fee in Connecticut is $25. You must also pay sales tax and registration fees. Here's a breakdown of the total fees to expect:
- Title transfer fee: $25
- Registration Fee: $120
- Sales Tax: 6.35% for cars under $50,000. 7.75% for cars over $50,000.
- Plate Fee: $5.00
- Greenhouse Gas Fee: $15
- Greenhouse Gas Fee (electric vehicles): $7.5
- Administrative Fee: $10
- Clean Air Act Fee: $15
Learn more about Connecticut car sales tax and fees in this guide.
How Long Does It Take to Get My New Title?
Once all the necessary documentation has been submitted, you will receive a new title within approximately 30 days.
How To Transfer Car Title in Connecticut If the Owner Is Deceased
If a person dies within one's immediate family, the executor of the deceased's estate can transfer the deceased's vehicle to another immediate family member.
To transfer a vehicle from the estate of a deceased immediate family member to another family member, schedule an appointment at a DMV hub or branch office. Bring the following documents:
- The Certificate of Title: this document must be given to the new owner by the estate administrator ("Seller").
- A certified document of the Probate Court appointment: the purchaser of the car will need a certified copy of the probate document naming the administrator or executor of the estate at the time the vehicle is being registered.
- If the decedent's estate falls within certain monetary limits, the court may transfer the decedent's vehicle by transferring personal property without probate proceedings (Form PC-264 or PC-264S).
- Filled-out section 7 of the application for registration and title: for registration purposes, you will be designated as the purchaser and the estate as the seller.
- A current Connecticut Insurance Card with your name for the vehicle: please learn more about minimum insurance requirements.
How To Transfer Car Title in Connecticut If You Have an Out-of-State Title
Upon establishing residency in Connecticut, you have 60 days to initiate an out-of-state vehicle title transfer. This process involves transferring the vehicle's registration and title to the CT DMV.
To successfully carry out an out-of-state vehicle title transfer, present the following documentation at a CT DMV location:
- Valid proof of identity.
- Documentation substantiating possession of a valid CT auto insurance policy.
- Completion of the CT registration and title application.
- Vehicle inspection report to ensure compliance.
- Verification of ownership through appropriate proof.
- Payment of the applicable fees.
- Additionally, a bill of sale may be required in some cases.
Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and conduct an emissions test as required.
Collect all the above documentation and personally visit a local CT DMV branch to submit the necessary paperwork.
Gifted and Inherited Cars in Connecticut
In Connecticut, you can gift a vehicle, but solely to immediate family members.
The procedure mirrors the standard buying/selling process, with one distinction.
The recipient must complete the Motor Vehicle or Vessel Gift Declaration, alongside the other necessary paperwork at the DMV.
When inheriting a car, the same Application for Registration form must be completed, akin to others. However, the vehicle must be assigned by the estate's executor.
How To Register a Car in Connecticut
Registration is necessary to demonstrate that the vehicle can be legally operated on public roads. In Connecticut, registration is required once every two years.
To register, you need a Connecticut title and evidence of automobile insurance that meets the state's minimum coverage prerequisites.
Conclusion
To transfer a car title in Connecticut, you must bring the signed and completed title, bill of sale, and application form to the DMV. You also need proof of identification, proof of insurance, and emissions tests as noted. From there, you simply pay the associated fees and wait for your new title in the mail.
To find out how to transfer a title in another state, check out our detailed guides!
