A car title is a legal document establishing proof of ownership of a vehicle. The title accompanies the vehicle throughout its life and is reissued with each new owner and/or any new state of residence.
Some examples of when proof of ownership may be needed include VIN verification, selling the vehicle, or transferring registration to another state.
According to Connecticut statute 14 Sec. 14-166 Exempted Vehicles, the acquisition of a Certificate of Title is not required for the following circumstances:
For more exempt vehicles, refer to statute link above.
Connecticut does not require a title for vehicles more than 20 model years old.
Please contact the DMV's call center with any questions:
860-263-5710
CT titled
If a vehicle was purchased in CT and it is newer than 20 years old, you will need a title.
Non-titled
Vehicles with a model year more than 20 years prior to the current year are non-titled and a title is not required.
For registration of a non-titled vehicle, the registration from the last owner, a request for supplemental assignment of ownership (Form Q-1), and/or Bill of Sale (Form H-31) are needed.
Note: Connecticut doesn’t participate in any electronic title or electronic lienholder program and is unable to receive an electronic title or lienholder record.
Dealerships may register the vehicle for you. If the vehicle was purchased from a licensed dealer, the 6.35 percent (or 7.75 percent for vehicles over $50,000) sales and use tax is based on the purchase price.
Full trade-in credit is allowed when computing the Connecticut sales and use tax. If a trailer was purchased from a retail store, a registered receipt or credit card receipt showing purchase is required.
No title is needed. Complete a motor vehicle ownership affidavit (Form H-115).
Please see title information by state to confirm if a vehicle title is needed. If vehicle is not title in that state, a valid registration from previous owner is needed. If the registration is expired, you will need to obtain a letter of registration verification from your previous state’s DMV.
Vehicle title needed: Once you've established residency in Connecticut, you have 90 days to transfer your vehicle registration to this state. An out-of-state title needs to be provided when applicable (refer to title information by state).
Emissions test or VIN verification needed: If a vehicle is a model year four years or older from the current year, then it needs an emissions test. Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing will require VIN verification.
If your title is being held by a lienholder, use this DMV-provided letter of request for out of state title to have them mail your out-of-state title to the CT DMV.
Mail to:
State of Connecticut
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTENTION: TITLE UNIT OUT OF STATE TITLE
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Your title will be placed on file for use at any CT DMV location you visit. In absence of the original title, please review the process for getting a courtesy registration.
Emissions test or VIN verification needed: If a vehicle is a model year four years or older from the current year, then it needs an emissions test. Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing will require VIN verification.
Vehicle title needed: Once you've established residency in Connecticut, you have 90 days to transfer your vehicle registration to this state. A leased vehicle registration requires an original Power of Attorney from the leasing company and the original Certificate of Title.
If your title is being held by a leasing company, you may use this DMV-provided letter of request for out of state title to have them mail your out-of-state title to the CT DMV.
Mail to:
State of Connecticut
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTENTION: TITLE UNIT OUT OF STATE TITLE
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Your title will be placed on file for use at any CT DMV location you visit.
Emissions test or VIN verification needed: If a vehicle is a model year four years or older from the current year, then it needs an emissions test. Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing will require VIN verification.
Vehicle title needed: Once you've established residency in Connecticut, you have 90 days to transfer your vehicle registration to this state. A leased vehicle registration requires an original Power of Attorney from the leasing company and the original Certificate of Title.
An out-of-state title or Certificate of Origin is needed when registering the vehicle. The dealership will also need to provide you with a federal odometer statement and a Bill of Sale/invoice showing sales tax amount paid, if any.
A Bill of Sale (Form H-31) is required, along with proof of ownership, to process a new registration in CT.
Alternatively, a supplemental assignment of ownership (Form Q-1) can be requested.
The following vehicles are exempt from the Connecticut emissions testing requirements:
