How to Transfer Ownership of a Car in Connecticut

The proof of who owns the vehicle is contained in the title of the car - whoever is listed in the title owns the car. Obviously, this means that if you decide to sell your car or buy a car from a private seller, ownership must be transferred to the new owner. Other times you need to know how to transfer ownership of a car in Connecticut include if you choose to transfer your car to a family member or if you inherit a car.

What You Need to Know to Transfer Ownership of a Car in Connecticut

The state of Connecticut has very strict requirements for transferring vehicle ownership, and the steps for buyers and sellers differ.

For buyers

Buyers will need to have some specific information before heading to the DMV. If you are buying a car from a private seller, you will need the following:

• A header with the seller's signature and date, as well as your own signature and date.
• A completed bill of sale that includes the name and address of the buyer, the name and address of the seller, the amount of the sale price, the seller's signature, the date the vehicle was purchased, and the vehicle's VIN and make, model, year, and color.
• Completed application for registration and certificate of ownership.
• Valid government-issued ID.
• Title Transfer Fee/Title Fee which is $25. You will also be responsible for paying a $10 security deposit. If a new title is required, it will cost $25. Adding a copyright holder to a title costs $45, and finding a copy of the title entry costs $20.

Common Mistakes

• Failure to receive a completed check from the seller.

For sellers

Just like buyers, sellers have certain steps to take to transfer ownership of a car in Connecticut. They are the following:

• Complete the reverse side of the title, sign and date.
• Create a bill of sale by including all the information in the section for buyers above.
• Be sure to sign and date the contract of sale.
• Remove the license plates from the vehicle and return them to the DMV along with the registration certificate.

Common Mistakes

• Without signing or dating the bill of sale.
• Not filling in the fields in the TCP at the back.

car donation

The state of Connecticut allows car donations, but only to immediate family members. The steps involved are identical to the standard buy/sell process with one difference. The recipient must complete the Vehicle or Vessel Gift Declaration and submit it, along with all other documents, to the DMV for the transfer of ownership.

car inheritance

If you inherit a car, you must complete the same registration application form as others. However, the vehicle must be designated as the executor of the estate.

For more information on how to transfer ownership of a car in Connecticut, visit the state DMV website.