How To Transfer a Car Title in Connecticut
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The conclusive proof of vehicle ownership is the name on its title. Thus, when buying or selling a car privately, the transfer of the title is essential.
A certificate of title is necessary for this transfer, as it is a legal document confirming the vehicle's ownership. In Connecticut, this transfer of title is a critical step in the entire process of purchasing or selling a vehicle.
Let’s look at how to transfer a car title in Connecticut as the buyer, the seller with an out-of-state title, and more.
Table of Contents
- 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
- Tax Exemptions in Connecticut
- How To Register a Car in Connecticut
- Connecticut Emissions Requirements
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
Documents Needed To Transfer Car Title in Connecticut
Before requesting a vehicle title transfer in Connecticut, specific prerequisites must be fulfilled as mandated by the state.
To proceed with a standard vehicle title transfer in Connecticut, the following documents are required:
- Complete the Registration and Title Application form (Form H-13B).
- Provide a duly completed vehicle title, adequately signed over, containing comprehensive details of the buyer and seller.
- Submit a bill of sale encompassing pertinent information about the seller and buyer, vehicle price, and a comprehensive motor vehicle description.
- Furnish a lien release form, if applicable.
- Present evidence of a valid Connecticut auto insurance policy.
- Supply valid proof of identification, such as a state-issued driver's license or an ID card.
In case of a lost certificate of title, sellers 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
Transferring a vehicle's title is now possible without leaving your residence in Connecticut.
The vehicle buyer can effortlessly complete the necessary form online or visit a DMV branch in person, according to their preference.
If you procured the car from a dealership, they would handle all mandatory paperwork to register and title the vehicle.
To initiate the title transfer process, you will require a few vital documents, including the following:
- An adequately assigned vehicle title (for vehicles older than twenty years, no title is necessary).
- A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title.
- A crafted bill of sale, a Bill of Sales (H-31), or a Supplemental Assignment of Ownership (Form Q-1).
It is also necessary to provide proper photo identification, such as:
- A Connecticut driver's license.
- ID card or passport.
For vehicles of model year 2016 or older, proof of emissions testing is also mandatory, for which an inspection fee of $20 will be charged. And payment for the transfer title fee must be made.
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.
The title transfer fee in Connecticut is $25, and 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.
This ownership transfer is achieved by updating the vehicle's title and registration under the purchaser's name.
In Connecticut, if the vehicle is titled, the seller must assign the Certificate of Title to the purchaser. If there are two executors of the estate, both must reassign ownership.
Suppose the vehicle is enrolled in the registry but doesn't necessitate a Certificate of Title.
In that case, the vendor must procure and execute a supplemental assignment of ownership (Form Q-1) and a copy of the vehicle's most recent registration certificate.
To transfer a vehicle from the estate of a deceased immediate family member to another family member, it is necessary to schedule an appointment at a DMV hub or branch office. To the appointment, you should 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, initiating an out-of-state vehicle title transfer within 60 days is imperative. 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, the following documentation must be presented 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.
As a new Connecticut resident, adhering to these steps will facilitate completing an out-of-state vehicle title transfer.
Ensure to 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, it is permissible to 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, which must be submitted alongside the other necessary paperwork at the DMV for the title transfer to occur.
In the case of 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.
Tax Exemptions in Connecticut
To be eligible, the vehicle must be recorded in the name of the preceding family member for at least 60 days.
To receive this exemption, section 7 of the application for registration and title must be completed.
It should be noted that a vehicle may not be registered, even if it qualifies for an exemption based on familial or business ties, if it has outstanding property taxes or unpaid parking ticket fines, or if its registration has been suspended. Information on resolving suspensions can be found on the relevant website.
A vehicle transferred or sold to an individual belonging to the immediate family category of the transferor is exempted from sales tax. However, restrictions based on delinquent property tax still apply.
How To Register a Car in Connecticut
Upon completing a title transfer, you are on the cusp of fulfilling this task! You must now register the vehicle, as the title transfer pertains to ownership, and 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 must possess a Connecticut title and furnish evidence of automobile insurance that meets the state's minimum coverage prerequisites.
After relocating to Connecticut, you must register your vehicle within 60 days. The total registration fee is $80.
Connecticut Emissions Requirements
If the vehicle was registered in Connecticut previously and isn't compliant with emissions testing, you can proceed with its registration.
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. Please be advised that no notification will be sent to remind you about this testing.
