Connecticut bill of sale forms is used to officially document the sale of vehicles, boats, firearms, or other personal items in the state of Connecticut. Once a bill of sale form has been filled out and signed by both parties, the sale is complete and ownership is officially transferred to the buyer.
Types of Bill of Sale
Connecticut Vehicle Bill of Sale Requirements
In Connecticut, a bill of sale is required to register and title a vehicle. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides its own bill of sale, Form H-31, on its official website, though you are allowed to draft your own.
You may request a replacement bill of sale to sell a vehicle using Form J-23T and selecting “Bill of Sale” on the form. There is a $20 fee and you must provide proof of your identity and a copy of the original registration.
Even though a bill of sale is required, the state does not allow you to register a vehicle without a proper title transfer.
Language Requirements
The official bill of sale that is provided by the state only comes in English, and any hand-drafted forms or templates found online must also be submitted to the DMV in English. The DMV does, however, provide interpreters to translate all documents for those that do not speak English fluently.
Number of Copies
Because a copy of the bill of sale is required by the DMV for registration, you should make two additional copies of the document so the buyer and the seller each have one for their personal records.
Creating Your CT Vehicle Bill of Sale
Bills of sale, which do not need to be notarized in Connecticut, can be drafted using a vehicle bill of sale template. However, the state asks that all facsimiles match the state-provided form as closely as possible. As such, all Connecticut vehicle bills of sale should contain the following:
- The names and contact information of the buyer and seller
- The make, model, and year of the vehicle
- The vehicle’s body style
- The vehicle identification number or VIN
- The odometer reading
- The sales price
- The purchase date
- The seller’s signature
- The buyer’s signature (there is no space for this on the official form, though it is recommended by the DMV – if you draft your own form, it is required)
After Purchasing a Vehicle
Besides filling out a bill of sale, there are many other steps that you must take to properly register and title your vehicle or vessel in Connecticut. Here is a rundown:
Dealership Sales
For buyers:
- Connecticut dealers may register and title vehicles for the convenience of their buyers. However, in addition to the standard registration paperwork, they will need to file a copy of their dealer leasing license with the DMV, along with a power of attorney document stating the name of the person who has the right to sign documents on behalf of the leasing company. The insurance card and the Application for Registration and Certificate of Title, or Form H-13B, must both be in the name of the leasing company, and the person named in the power of attorney document must also sign the application.
- There is an additional one-time fee when you register and title a new vehicle with only a Certificate of Origin to prove ownership.
Private Sales
For sellers:
- You must fill out and sign the back section of the title to transfer the vehicle to the new owner. However, you will still have to include a Bill of Sale, Form H-31, containing the elements indicated above.
For buyers:
- If you are registering your out-of-state vehicle in Connecticut, you will have 60 days to transfer your registration with the DMV. You will also need to conduct a VIN inspection at your local emissions testing center.
- If you purchase a vehicle that still has a valid registration and valid plates, you may drive the vehicle; however, it should be transferred in your name as soon as possible. If the registration was canceled and the plates were returned by the previous owner, you will need to apply for temporary registration to conduct the vehicle’s safety and emissions inspections and to get it registered. However, there are some vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing.
- You must meet all state requirements prior to registering your vehicle in Connecticut. This means that you must pay all outstanding parking tickets and overdue property tax. You must also pass the emissions test, if applicable. If your registration privilege has been suspended, you must take care of all paperwork and fines to enable you to register your current vehicle.
- Once you meet all requirements, you will need to visit the local DMV office with the current title and registration certificate, your emissions and VIN report, if applicable, proof of insurance and identity, a completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title, or Form H-13B, a Bill of Sale, or Form H-31, and payment for all taxes and fees. Registrations are valid for 2 years.
- Vehicle registration and titling fees are all dependent on the vehicle type. However, there are uniform fees, such as a passenger vehicle registration fee of $80, the Federal Clean Air Act fee of $10, the Passport to the Parks fee, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction fee, each of $5. Additional fees include the emissions testing fee of $20, the VIN inspection fee of $10, and the Contractor or Municipality per transaction processing fee of up to $8.
- If you are active military and stationed out of state, you may register your vehicle by mail, and you may be exempt from registration, temporary plate, safety plate, and Clean Air Act fees. You will need a copy of your U.S. military I.D. card, proof of Connecticut insurance, and an Application for Waiver of Registration Fee – Active Service in U.S. Armed Forces, or Form B-276.
Connecticut Gun Bill of Sale Requirements
Connecticut has some of the most stringent firearm laws in the country. You are required to have a permit to purchase both rifles and handguns, and you need a permit to carry the latter, though you do not have to register it. Conversely, you need to register any rifle or shotgun. It would be best if you also were licensed to own any firearm. Per the state’s strict gun laws, a gun bill of sale titled the Sale or Transfer of all Firearms, or Form DPS 3-c-1, is required by the state at the time of purchase. This is the only form you can use for this purpose. You may not draft your own or use an online template. It must contain the following:
- The buyer’s and seller’s names, contact information, dates and places of birth, and signatures
- The seller’s Pistol Permit, Eligibility Certificate, Police ID, or FFL #
- The Sale Authorization Number
- A general description
- The barrel length
- The manufacturer, model, caliber/gauge, and serial number
- The purchase price
- The sales date
Free Connecticut Bill of Sale Templates
