Proof of Ownership - Where did you get the vehicle?

CT Title - CT Dealership - Bill of Sale - Homemade - Purchased Out of State Titled Vehicle - Transferring Current Vehicle From Out of State - Transferring Leased Vehicle From Out of State - Out of State Dealership

Connecticut Titled

If vehicle was purchased in CT and it is newer than 20 years old, you will need a title. Vehicles with a model year over 20 years prior to the current year are non-titled and not required. For registration of a non-titled vehicle, the registration from the last owner and a Supplemental Assignment of Ownership (form Q-1) and/or Bill of Sale (form H-31) is needed. See more information when a title is not needed.

Connecticut does not participate in any electronic title or electronic lien holder program and at this time is not able to receive an electronic title or lien holder record.

Connecticut Dealership

Dealerships may register the vehicle for you. If the vehicle was purchased from a licensed dealer, the 6.35% (or 7.75% 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 the trailer was purchased from a retail store, a registered receipt will be required or credit card receipt showing purchase.

Bill of Sale

A Bill of Sale is always required along with proof of ownership document for vehicle to process a new registration in CT which can be our Bill of Sale (form H-31) form H-31 or Supplemental Assignment of Ownership (form Q-1). It can also be a handwritten bill of sale that provides vehicle, seller and buyers' information, and also selling price with date sold.

Homemade

No title needed. H-115 Form - Motor Vehicle Ownership Affidavit

Purchased Out of State Titled Vehicle

Please see Title Information By State to know if title is needed. If vehicle is not title in that state, valid registration from previous owner is needed. If registration is expired, they will need to obtain a letter of registration verification from their previous state DMV.

Transferring Current Vehicle from Out of State

• Emissions Test or VIN Check Needed:  If vehicle is model year 2017 and older then vehicle needs to have an emissions test done. Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing will require a VIN verification.
• Vehicle Title Needed: Once you've established residency in Connecticut, you have 60 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).

If your title is being held by a lien holder, you may have your out of state title mailed to:

State of Connecticut

Department of Motor Vehicles

ATTENTION: TITLE UNIT OUT OF STATE TITLE

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06161

Letter of Request for Out of State Title

Your title will be placed on file for use at any CT DMV location you visit.

In absence of the original title - (Courtesy Registration Exemption) 

Transferring Leased Vehicle from Out of State

• Emissions Test or VIN Check Needed:  If vehicle is model year 2017 and older then vehicle needs to have an emissions test done. Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing will require a VIN verification.
• Vehicle Title Needed: Once you've established residency in Connecticut, you have 60 days to transfer your vehicle registration to this state. (Effective October 1, 2021, new residents have 90 days to register a vehicle in Connecticut.) A lease 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 have your out of state title mailed to:

State of Connecticut

Department of Motor Vehicles

ATTENTION: TITLE UNIT OUT OF STATE TITLE

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06161

Letter of Request for Out of State Title

Your title will be placed on file for use at any CT DMV location you visit.

In absence of the original title if being held by a lienholder - (Courtesy Registration Exemption)

Out of State Dealership

• Emissions Test or VIN Check Needed:  If vehicle is model year 2017 and older then vehicle needs to have an emissions test done. Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing will require a VIN verification.
• Vehicle Title Needed: Once you've established residency in Connecticut, you have 60 days to transfer your vehicle registration to this state. (Effective October 1, 2021, new residents have 90 days to register a vehicle in Connecticut.) A lease vehicle registration requires an original power of attorney from the leasing company and the original certificate of title. 

Out of state title or Certificate of Origin is needed when registering the vehicle. 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. 

To see expected required documents and fees see Expected Documents.

Please refer to our sales tax page for further information on Sales Tax Exemption