Connecticut Car Bill of Sale: Form H-31 + Requirements

Connecticut car bill of sale — Form H-31, DMV title transfer, sales tax, free template. What's required and what's optional in CT.

PublishedMay 2, 2026
UpdatedMay 27, 2026
Read2 min

Connecticut Car Bill of Sale: Form H-31 + Requirements

Connecticut is one of 16 US states that require a bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer. The state publishes Form H-31 (Bill of Sale) as the standard template. Notarization is not required.

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Is a bill of sale required in Connecticut?

Yes. The Connecticut DMV requires a signed bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer.

Notarization

Not required.

State-specific form

Form H-31 (Bill of Sale) is published by the Connecticut DMV. Available at ct.gov/dmv. Using the state form is recommended.

The form must include:

  • Seller's full legal name, address
  • Buyer's full legal name, address
  • Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
  • Odometer reading on date of sale
  • Sale price
  • Date of sale
  • Both signatures

Sales tax implications

Connecticut state sales tax on motor vehicles: 6.35%, with a higher rate of 7.75% applied to vehicles priced over $50,000 (the "luxury rate"). The buyer pays at DMV registration.

State-specific seller disclosures

  • Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
  • Emissions testing: required for vehicles registered in Connecticut (annual or biennial depending on vehicle age)
  • Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
  • VIN verification: required for out-of-state cars being titled in CT

Where to file

The buyer files at any Connecticut DMV office within 30 days of sale.

For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a bill of sale in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut requires a signed bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer.

Does Connecticut require a notarized bill of sale?

No.

What's the sales tax on a private car sale in Connecticut?

6.35% state. 7.75% on vehicles priced over $50,000 (the "luxury rate").

What form do I use?

Form H-31 (Bill of Sale), available at ct.gov/dmv.

Where do I file the bill of sale in Connecticut?

At any CT DMV office, with the signed title. Within 30 days of sale.

Does Connecticut require emissions testing?

Yes for vehicles registered in CT (annual or biennial depending on age).

What if I lost the title in Connecticut?

Apply for a duplicate at the CT DMV using Form H-6B. $25 fee.

Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?

The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major known defects.

Selling a car in Connecticut?

Generate a Hartford-, New Haven-, or Stamford-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.

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For Hartford specifically, see our selling in Hartford guide.