Proof of ownership

Learn about why you may need proof of vehicle ownership and related documents

Proof of ownership

Learn about why you may need proof of vehicle ownership and related documents

Why would you need proof of ownership?

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.

When is a title is NOT needed?

According to Connecticut statute 14 Sec. 14-166 Exempted Vehicles, the acquisition of a Certificate of Title is not required for the following circumstances:

  • A vehicle is owned by a non-resident of this state and not required by law to be registered in this state.
  • Special mobile equipment.
  • Any trailer having a gross weight not in excess of 3,000 lbs.
  • A motor vehicle owned by the state or any town, city, or borough within the state.
  • A snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (ATV)

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

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  • Connecticut titled or non-titled vehicles in CT
  • Connecticut dealership
  • Homemade vehicle
  • Purchased out-of-state titled vehicle
  • Transferring current vehicle from out of state
  • Transferring leased vehicle from out of state
  • Out-of-state dealership
  • Bill of Sale

Connecticut titled or non-titled vehicles in CT

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.

Connecticut dealership

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.

Homemade vehicle

No title is needed. Complete a motor vehicle ownership affidavit (Form H-115).

Purchased out-of-state titled vehicle

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.

Transferring current vehicle from out of state

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.

Transferring leased vehicle from out of 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.

 

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.

Out-of-state dealership

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.

Bill of Sale

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.

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  • Vehicles exempt from emission testing

Vehicles exempt from emission testing

The following vehicles are exempt from the Connecticut emissions testing requirements:

  • Vehicles younger than four model-years old from the current year
  • Model year 1997 and older vehicles
  • Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more
  • Composite vehicles (vehicle must be titled as a composite vehicle)
  • Full electric-powered (non-hybrid)
  • Bicycles with motors attached
  • Motorcycles
  • Certain vehicles registered but not designed primarily for highway use
  • Farm vehicles
  • Diesel-powered type II school buses (under 10,000 pounds GVWR)
  • Vehicles with dealer, repairer, or transporter plates (only for the purpose of transportation during wholesale or auction)