Title Transfers in Connecticut

What is a Title Transfer?

Your title is your documentation of vehicle ownership. Though you don't need it while driving, you do need it when it comes to time to sell, trade or donate the car down the road. Unlike other states, you do not have to title the vehicle within a certain amount of days following a transfer.

Common title transfers include:

• Inheriting a vehicle

• Transferring to a family member

• Paying off a loan

• Buying or selling a vehicle

• Adding or deleting a name

• Gifting a vehicle

NOTE: Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 are exempt from title certificate requirements.

Selling a Vehicle

To take the guessing out of selling, do yourself a favor and order a vehicle history report. This way you'll be on the same page with potential buyers who have access to the same report. You can learn all about this at our Vehicle History page.

1. Complete and sign the back side of the title.
2. Complete a Bill of Sale.
3. Remove your plates and surrender, along with your vehicle's registration certificate, to any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
4. Cancel the sold vehicle's insurance after surrendering the plates and registration.

Buying a Vehicle

New Cars

Your dealer will submit all required paperwork.

If you're in the market for a new car, you can save gas and time and even avoid aggressive salesmen by shopping online from the convenience of home.

Used Cars

Focus on financial realities by shopping for a vehicle that fits your budget. To keep your vehicle options open, explore all available financial avenues before agreeing to a deal. You will also need to budget in insurance costs. You can compare carrier rates online at our Insurance Center.

And don't forget to order a vehicle history report on your vehicle of choice. It could save you from getting saddled with a lemon.

After purchasing you'll need to visit a DMV office with following documents:

1. The signed-over title.
2. A Bill of Sale.
3. A Connecticut Insurance Identification card.
4. A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title.
5. Proper identification.
6. Payment for $25 title fee.

Your new title will be sent within 45 days of your vehicle's registration.

Removing a Lien

After paying off your loan, your lienholder will send you a release statement. You then must gather the following:

1. A copy of the lien release statement.
2. A check or money order for $25.

Mail to:

• DMV

• Title Division

• 60 State St.

• 60 State St.

Transferring to Family

Family transfers can take place with:

• A father or mother

• A brother or sister

• A husband or wife

• A son or daughter

Bring the following documents to any DMV office:

1. The signed-over title. Be sure, for tax exempt purposes, that next to your signature on the title is the nature of the transaction (example: "father to son").
2. A Connecticut Insurance Identification card.
3. A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title.
4. Proper identification.
5. Payment for all applicable fees.

Visit our Car Registration page for full registration information.

Gifting a Vehicle

Any vehicle received as a gift is exempt sales and use tax. There is a chance, however, the donor may be subject to the state's gift tax. For questions on this, contact the Department of Revenue Services.

Upon receiving the vehicle, you must visit any DMV office with:

1. A completed Motor Vehicle and Vessel Gift Declaration.
2. The signed-over title.
3. A Connecticut Insurance Identification card.
4. A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title.
5. Proper identification.
6. Payment for $25 title fee.

Donating a Vehicle

Donating a car allows you to feel good about aiding a cause or charity of your choice. To simplify the transfer, some will even arrange to pick up your vehicle. For more information, visit our car donation page.

Consider consulting a tax attorney for help in trying to maximize your donation's tax credit.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Depending on the legal complications of your situation, consider consulting a probate attorney.

Deliver the following documents to any DMV office:

1. The title assigned to you by the Executor of the Administrator of the estate.
2. A certified copy of the probate court document designating the Administrator or Executor of the estate.
3. A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title. For sales tax exemption purposes, be sure to complete Section 6.
4. A current Connecticut Insurance card.
5. The old registration certificate.
6. Proper identification.
7. Payment for $25 title fee.

You will also need to register your car during the process. If you don't have insurance (necessary for titling) you can compare quotes at our Insurance Center.

Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

1. The original title signed by you, with the name change on the reverse side.
2. A completed Supplemental Assignment of Ownership, if this is a non-titled vehicle (manufactured prior to 1981).
3. A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title.
4. Your current Connecticut Insurance Card.
5. Depending on your situation, a marriage license, a divorce decree or civil union certificate.
6. Bring all of the documents to your local DMV office.

If you've lost any of the necessary documents, you can order an extra marriage certificate or court decree as back-up documents in order to change your name.

Deleting a Name

1. The original title, signed by both parties, showing the name change.
2. A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title, signed by the person registering the vehicle.
3. A completed Supplemental Assignment of Ownership, if this is a non-titled vehicle (manufactured prior to 1981).
4. If divorce is involved and the names are connected by "and" or "and/or" a divorce decree stating you were awarded the vehicle is required. If not, you'll be charged with sales tax based on half of the vehicle's book value.
5. Your current Connecticut Insurance Card.
6. Deliver all of the documents to your nearby DMV office.

Adding a Name

You must submit to the DMV:

1. The original title signed by the owner, with the added name on the reverse side. Both names must be listed as buyer with the proper conjunction ("and," "or").
2. A completed Supplemental Assignment of Ownership, if this is a non-titled vehicle (manufactured prior to 1981).
3. A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title. You both must sign the application, include dates of birth and use the same conjunction of ownership that's on the title.
4. Your current Connecticut Insurance Card, in the name of both registered owners.

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