What Connecticut Requires on a Bill of Sale
Connecticut does not have a single official bill of sale form that the DMV requires. Instead, the state accepts any written bill of sale that includes specific information — as long as it covers the basics, the DMV will process your title transfer. You can write one yourself, use a template, or buy a pre-printed form from an office supply store.
The document must show the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year and make of the vehicle, the odometer reading at the time of sale, the sale price, and the date of the transaction. Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the bill of sale. If the vehicle has a lien on it, the lienholder's name should also appear on the document.
Connecticut law does not require the bill of sale to be notarized, though having it notarized adds a layer of protection for both parties and can speed up the DMV process. Many banks and title companies offer notary services at no cost to customers.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut accepts any written bill of sale as long as it includes the seller's and buyer's names and addresses, VIN, year, make, odometer reading, sale price, and date.
- Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the document, but notarization is not required by law.
- You can handwrite a bill of sale, use a template, or purchase a pre-printed form — the DMV does not mandate a specific format.
- If the vehicle has an outstanding loan, include the lienholder's name and contact information on the bill of sale.
Where to Get a Bill of Sale Form in Connecticut
The Connecticut DMV does not provide an official bill of sale template on its website. Instead, you have several options: write one yourself using a standard format, read a template from a reputable third-party source, or purchase a pre-printed bill of sale pad from an office supply store like Staples or Office Depot.
If you buy from a dealership, the dealer will typically provide the bill of sale as part of the paperwork package. Private sellers often have their own forms or will work from a template you bring. The key is ensuring all required information is present and both parties sign before you submit anything to the DMV.
What Information Must Appear on the Document
Your bill of sale must clearly identify both parties to the transaction. Write out the seller's full legal name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Do the same for the buyer. Partial addresses or nicknames can delay processing at the DMV.
The vehicle section requires the complete VIN (found on the dashboard, door jamb, or title), the model year, make, and body style. Include the odometer reading as it appears on the instrument cluster at the time of sale — this is a legal requirement in Connecticut. Write the sale price in both numbers and words to avoid confusion (for example, "$5,000" and "Five Thousand Dollars"). If no money changed hands, write "Gift" or "$0" and have both parties acknowledge this.
The date must be the actual date the sale occurred, not the date you sign the paperwork later. If the vehicle is financed, add the lienholder's name, the loan account number, and the lienholder's address. This tells the DMV that the title cannot be transferred until the lien is satisfied.
Signing and Notarizing the Bill of Sale
Both the seller and buyer must sign the bill of sale in front of each other or have it witnessed. Connecticut does not require a notary public to be present, but notarization strengthens the document and can prevent disputes later. If you choose to have it notarized, both parties should be present when the notary signs and stamps the form.
The seller should keep a copy for their records before handing the original to the buyer. The buyer then brings the original bill of sale, along with the title certificate and other required documents, to the DMV when registering the vehicle. If the title is held by a lienholder, the seller may need to obtain a release of lien from the lender before the buyer can register the vehicle in their name.
Submitting the Bill of Sale to the Connecticut DMV
Once you have a completed and signed bill of sale, you cannot submit it directly to the DMV online. Instead, bring the original bill of sale, the current title certificate, proof of insurance, and a completed process for Registration (Form H-23) to your local DMV branch in person. Some documents may be mailed, but the bill of sale and title typically require an in-person visit.
The DMV will review the bill of sale to confirm it contains all required information. If anything is missing or unclear, staff will ask you to correct it before processing. Processing times vary, but you can usually expect to receive your new title within two to four weeks after submission. Bring a photo ID and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to complete the registration.
Special Situations: Liens, Out-of-State Titles, and Gifts
If the vehicle has an outstanding loan, the lienholder holds the title until the loan is paid off. The seller must obtain a lien release letter from the lender, which states the loan has been satisfied and the lender authorizes transfer of the title. This letter should be included with the bill of sale and title when you visit the DMV. Without it, the title cannot be transferred to the buyer's name.
If you are buying a vehicle from out of state, the bill of sale process is the same, but you will also need to bring the out-of-state title to the Connecticut DMV. The DMV will issue a Connecticut title once all documents are verified. If the vehicle is a gift, write "Gift" as the sale price on the bill of sale, and both the giver and receiver must sign. The DMV may ask for additional documentation to confirm the transfer is genuine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Bill of Sale
The most common error is leaving out the odometer reading. Connecticut law requires this information, and the DMV will reject the bill of sale without it. Another frequent mistake is writing an incorrect or incomplete VIN — even one wrong digit can cause problems. Copy the VIN directly from the vehicle or the current title to avoid transcription errors.
Do not leave the sale price blank or vague. Write the exact amount in both numbers and words. If you write only "negotiable" or leave it blank, the DMV cannot process the transfer. Similarly, make sure both the seller and buyer sign the document. A bill of sale signed by only one party is not valid. Finally, do not backdate or postdate the bill of sale — use the actual date the sale occurred, as this is a legal record of the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a bill of sale by hand, or does it have to be typed?
Connecticut accepts handwritten bill of sale documents as long as all required information is legible and both parties sign it. Typed forms are not required, though they are often easier to read and may process slightly faster at the DMV.
Do I need a bill of sale if I already have the title certificate?
Yes. The bill of sale and the title certificate serve different purposes. The bill of sale proves the sale occurred and documents the terms; the title shows ownership. The DMV requires both documents to transfer ownership from seller to buyer.
What happens if the seller and buyer cannot meet in person to sign the bill of sale?
Connecticut does not prohibit remote signing, but both parties should sign in the presence of a notary public if they cannot meet face-to-face. This creates a legal record and prevents disputes. Alternatively, one party can sign first, mail the document to the other, and have the second party sign and return it — but notarization is still recommended.
Is there a fee to file a bill of sale with the Connecticut DMV?
There is no separate fee for submitting a bill of sale. However, you will pay registration and title transfer fees when you complete the title transfer at the DMV. These fees vary based on the vehicle's age and value.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state in Connecticut?
Connecticut will accept a bill of sale from another state as long as it contains all the required information: seller and buyer names and addresses, VIN, year, make, odometer reading, sale price, and both signatures. However, you must also bring the out-of-state title to the DMV for the transfer to be completed.