Connecticut Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trucks, Trailers, and Boats

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 the bill of sale with our instant tool.

Connecticut Bill of Sale Form

On this page, you’ll find a free bill of sale template to help you document your sale. It can be useful for ownership transfers, registration, and keeping a clear record of the transaction. This helps to protect both parties and ensure a smooth transaction.

What is the use of the Connecticut Bill of Sale?

As a smart buyer, you should register a used vehicle in Connecticut under your name. Some DMVs require a bill of sale to begin the registration process. Getting a bill of sale is important, especially when you buy a vehicle from a private seller or a secondhand car dealership. 

For sellers, a bill of sale is just as important. It provides legal proof that the vehicle has been transferred, preventing future disputes over ownership. It also helps avoid liability issues, such as unpaid parking tickets or traffic violations after the sale. Additionally, it documents the sale price, which can be useful for tax purposes and protecting against fraudulent claims from the buyer.

Check Your Vehicle’s Past in Connecticut

Remember that before buying a used vehicle, you must check its ins and outs. A used vehicle may look flawless on the outside, but do you know what has happened in the past? Exactly. Check the vehicle history report to get detailed information about the vehicle, like the odometer reading, maintenance records, title check, and more.

What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle Report?

When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.

Discover hidden problems in any car’s history, from title branding and previous accidents to recalls and odometer inconsistencies, in seconds.

In addition, sellers can display the original factory specifications and features of their vehicles with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.

Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!

What's Included in a Window Sticker?

Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.

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.

  • Seller and Buyer Information: Full names, addresses, and signatures
  • Vehicle Description: Make, model, year, VIN, color, and body type
  • Sale date: The exact date the ownership was transferred
  • Purchase price: The amount paid for the vehicle, trailer, or boat
  • Odometer reading: Required for vehicles under 10 years old

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. 

Why You Need a Bill of Sale?

Why Sellers Need a Bill of Sale

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.

Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale?

For buyers, a bill of sale is a key document for the registration process and legal security. Here’s why it’s bill of sale matters for buyer: 

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.

What to Check Before Buying a Car!

Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.

Check the vehicle history

Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.

Look for flood damage

Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.

Verify the odometer reading

Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.

Be informed about the title

Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with salvage or rebuilt records.

Check for theft records

You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.

Get the service record

Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.

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, 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.

How to Register a Vessel in Connecticut

The Connecticut DMV manages Boat registration in Connecticut. To legally operate a motorized vessel on state waters, you must complete the registration process and obtain the necessary decals.

Step 1: Prepare Necessary Documents

You’ll need proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), a completed registration form, and payment for applicable fees. Out-of-state vessels may require additional documentation.

Step 2: Obtain a Hull Identification Number (HIN) Inspection (If Needed)

If your vessel lacks a Hull Identification Number or has an altered one, an inspection may be required before registration.

Step 3: Visit a Connecticut Parks and Wildlife Office

Connecticut DMV handles vessel registrations. To register a vessel, you must bring all required documents and fees to an authorized office.

Step 4: Get Your Registration and Decals

Once approved, you’ll receive your vessel registration, number, and validation decals. Display the decals properly on your boat to comply with state laws.

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

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.