Connecticut Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template

A Connecticut Bill of Sale is a legal document that records the sale of a car, truck, trailer, or boat between a buyer and a seller. If you are looking for a way to document a sale to get legit proof of ownership transfer, have yourself a bill of sale with our tool.

What is a Connecticut Bill of Sale?

A Connecticut Bill of Sale is a legal document that shows proof of ownership and records the sale of personal property, such as a car, boat, or trailer. It acts as a written record for both the buyer and the seller, showing that a transaction has taken place.

This document includes important details like the date of sale, the selling price, information about the buyer and seller, and a short description of the item being sold. It also shows the sale price, which can be helpful for tax purposes and to protect both parties from possible disputes or false claims in the future.

Why Do You Need a Connecticut Bill of Sale

For Seller

A bill of sale is essential for sellers as it provides legal protection and confirms the transfer of ownership. Here’s why it matters:

Proof of Ownership Transfer: A bill of sale confirms that ownership has legally changed hands, protecting the seller from future claims or disputes.
Protection from Future Liability: If the buyer delays registration, any tickets, accidents, or legal issues could still be traced back to the seller. A bill of sale helps avoid such risks.
Useful for Tax Reporting: This document can be used to report the sale for tax purposes, ensuring proper financial records.
Avoids Legal Troubles: Without a bill of sale, sellers might face unnecessary legal complications, especially if the vehicle is misused after the sale.

For Buyers

For buyers, a Bill of Sale is an important document that provides both legal protection and proof of ownership. It’s especially useful when buying a used vehicle from a private seller.

Required for Registration: A bill of sale is often needed to register a newly purchased vehicle in the buyer’s name.
Resolves Title Issues: If the previous owner didn’t properly document the sale, a bill of sale helps resolve registration and title problems.
Confirms Transaction Details: This document records the sale date, price, and buyer-seller information, ensuring dispute clarity.
Prevents Ownership Disputes: A signed bill of sale eliminates confusion about legal ownership, protecting the buyer’s rights.

Bill of Sale Types in Connecticut

Connecticut has specific types of bills of sale that are used depending on the type of vehicle being sold. The state has provided the specific Colorado bill of sale for vehicles, boats, and firearms, while other items can use a general bill of sale. Each form helps document the transfer of ownership and ensures the transaction is legally recorded.

Specific Forms

Motor Vehicle or Vessel (Boat): Form H-31 is required to transfer ownership and complete registration for vehicles and boats.
Firearm: The Connecticut Firearm Bill of Sale (Form DPS-3-C) is used to record the sale or transfer of a gun.
Horse: A separate form is available when selling or transferring ownership of a horse.

General Forms

For personal property not covered by a specific form, a general bill of sale can be used. This applies to items like tools, furniture, equipment, or trailers. You can use a simple template and choose whether the sale is made with or without a warranty.

Every Connecticut bill of sale should contain:

Parties Involved: Full names and addresses of the buyer and seller.
Item Description: Details such as make, model, year, and VIN for vehicles; HIN for boats; or other identifying information.
Sale Details: The sale date and agreed purchase price.
Signatures: Both parties must sign to make the document valid.

What Should Be Written on the Connecticut Bill of Sale?

A Connecticut bill of sale should include these details to ensure the sale is documented correctly.

Connecticut requires a bill of sale for all vehicle transactions to comply with the Connecticut DMV and to ensure the buyers pay all the necessary taxes.

How to Register a Vehicle in Connecticut?

Registering a vehicle in Connecticut requires proper documentation, potential emissions testing, and a visit to the DMV. Some of the steps to follow to ensure compliance with state laws and avoid penalties when transferring ownership or registering a new or used vehicle are:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need the vehicle title, VIN inspection, a bill of sale (if applicable), proof of insurance, and a completed application form. Additional documents may be required for out-of-state or newly purchased vehicles.

Step 2: Complete Emissions Testing (If Required)

Certain Connecticut counties require emissions testing before registration. Check local regulations to see if your vehicle needs testing and obtain the necessary certification before proceeding.

Step 3: Visit a DMV Office

Bring your documents to a Connecticut DMV office. You may also need to pay registration fees, which vary based on the vehicle type, weight, and location.

Step 4: Receive Your Registration and Plates

Once processed, you’ll receive your registration certificate, license plates, and validation stickers. To avoid penalties, be sure to renew your registration annually.

Connecticut VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy

Plan to buy a used vehicle? Be sure to check the VIN and get the report before you decide to purchase the vehicle. Check the specifications and the records, like auction, recalls, past usage, and more.

Mileage History

Title Brand

Ownership History

Warranty Status

Sales History

Salvage Title

Usage History

Repair Cost

Auction History

Hail Damage

Ownership Duration

Recalls History

Accident History

Flood Damage

Lien & Loans

Maintenance Schedule

Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State

Each state has its requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!

Connecticut Bill of Sale FAQs

Can a bill of sale be handwritten in CT?

A bill of sale can be handwritten as long as it includes details about the vehicle, buyer, seller, sale price, and date.

How much does a notary charge for a bill of sale?

Some 2025 notary fees are California ($15 for both acknowledgments and jurats), Colorado ($15 for both), Connecticut ($5 for both), and Delaware ($5 for both). This list, current as of February 17, 2025, includes 47 more states.

How to write a bill of sale in CT?

You can create your bill of sale for a private vehicle sale if it has the vehicle’s info (make, year, model, VIN, mileage) and the buyer’s name, address, and signature. Or, just click on the form above and get the bill of sale template you can use anytime.

Is a bill of sale required in Connecticut?

Yes, the bill of sale is required in Connecticut for a vehicle sale to register the vehicle. The bill of sale serves as proof of ownership transfer and should include the names and addresses of both seller and buyer, the vehicle’s information, sales price, and the date of sale.

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in Colorado?

Yes, the bill of sale from a private sale in Connecticut needs to be notarized to be used as proof of ownership for a motor vehicle credit.