What Connecticut requires on a bill of sale

Connecticut does not have a single official bill of sale form that the DMV requires you to use. Instead, the state accepts any bill of sale document that includes specific information — you can write one yourself, use a template, or buy a pre-printed form from an office supply store. What matters is that the document contains the details the DMV needs to process a title transfer.

The bill of sale must show the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, and model of the vehicle, the sale price, the date of sale, the seller's printed name and signature, and the buyer's printed name and signature. Both the seller and buyer should keep a copy for their records. Connecticut does not require the bill of sale to be notarized, though having it notarized adds a layer of protection for both parties.

If you are buying or selling a vehicle in Connecticut, the bill of sale serves as proof of the transaction when you submit your title transfer paperwork to the DMV. The DMV will not process a title transfer without evidence that money or value changed hands.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut accepts any bill of sale format as long as it includes the VIN, vehicle year/make/model, sale price, date, and both signatures.
  • You can handwrite a bill of sale, use a template, or purchase a pre-printed form — the DMV does not mandate a specific document.
  • Notarization is optional in Connecticut but recommended to protect both buyer and seller from disputes.
  • Both parties should keep a signed copy of the bill of sale before submitting title transfer paperwork to the DMV.

Information to include on your Connecticut bill of sale

Start with the vehicle details at the top: the VIN (found on the dashboard or registration), the year, make, model, and body style. Include the color and the current odometer reading. These details prevent confusion if the seller has owned multiple vehicles or if paperwork gets mixed up.

Next, write the sale price in words and numbers — for example, "Two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500)." If the vehicle is being transferred as a gift, write "Gift" or "$0" in the price field. The DMV uses the sale price to calculate sales tax, so accuracy matters for the buyer's tax bill.

Add the date of sale, the seller's full printed name and signature, and the buyer's full printed name and signature. Include the seller's address and the buyer's address so the DMV knows where to send the new registration. If there are multiple sellers or buyers, all of them should sign the document.

Some sellers and buyers also note the vehicle's condition (for example, "as-is" or "with warranty") and any known defects. While Connecticut does not require this, it can prevent disputes later.

Where to get a Connecticut bill of sale form

The Connecticut DMV does not provide an official bill of sale form on its website. You have three main options: write your own, read a template from a third-party source, or buy a pre-printed form.

If you write your own, straightforward use a blank piece of paper and include all the required information listed above. Many people use a standard letter format with the heading "Bill of Sale" at the top.

If you prefer a template, search online for "Connecticut bill of sale" or "general bill of sale template." Many legal document websites offer free or low-cost downloadable versions. Make sure any template you use includes space for the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties.

Pre-printed forms are available at office supply stores, some car dealerships, and online retailers. These forms typically cost between $5 and $15 and are designed to fit standard paper. They often include extra copies so you and the buyer each have a signed original.

How to submit your bill of sale to the Connecticut DMV

You do not submit the bill of sale to the DMV on its own. Instead, you include it with your title transfer process. The buyer submits the completed bill of sale along with the process for registration (Form H-14), the current title or registration, proof of insurance, and payment for registration and title fees.

You can submit these documents in person at any Connecticut DMV branch, by mail to the address listed on the DMV website, or through the DMV's online portal if you are renewing a registration. If you mail your documents, include a copy of the bill of sale with the original signatures, not a photocopy.

The DMV processes title transfers within two to four weeks if you submit by mail, or the same day if you go in person. Keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records even after the DMV processes your transfer.

Notarization and when it matters

Connecticut does not require a notarized bill of sale for a standard private vehicle sale. However, notarization is optional and can protect both the buyer and seller by confirming that both parties signed the document willingly and that their signatures are genuine.

Notarization becomes more important if the sale involves a large amount of money, if the buyer or seller lives out of state, or if there is any chance of a dispute. A notary public will verify the identities of both parties, watch them sign the bill of sale, and add their official seal and signature. The cost is usually $10 to $25 per signature.

You can find a notary public at most banks, law offices, UPS stores, and some libraries. Call ahead to confirm they are available and ask what identification they need from you and the other party.

What happens if you do not have a bill of sale

If you are buying a vehicle and the seller does not have a bill of sale, you can create one yourself and ask the seller to sign it. The seller should have no reason to refuse — a bill of sale protects them as much as it protects you by documenting that the sale took place and the money changed hands.

If the seller refuses to sign any document, that is a red flag. It may mean the seller does not actually own the vehicle, the vehicle has a lien against it, or the seller is trying to hide something. Do not proceed with the purchase until you have a signed bill of sale and you have verified the title is clear.

If you are selling a vehicle and the buyer does not ask for a bill of sale, you should still create one and have them sign it. This protects you by proving you no longer own the vehicle as of the sale date. Without a bill of sale, you could be held liable if the buyer gets into an accident or racks up parking tickets before they register the vehicle in their name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I handwrite a bill of sale in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut accepts handwritten bills of sale as long as they include the VIN, vehicle year/make/model, sale price, date, and signatures from both the buyer and seller. Use blue or black ink and make sure both parties sign and print their names clearly.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am trading in a vehicle at a dealership?

No. Dealerships handle their own paperwork and do not require a separate bill of sale. The dealership will provide you with documentation of the trade-in value and handle the title transfer on their end.

What if the sale price is different from what I tell the DMV?

The DMV uses the sale price on the bill of sale to calculate sales tax. If the price on the bill of sale does not match what you reported to the DMV, the DMV may contact you to clarify. Always make sure the bill of sale and your DMV paperwork show the same sale price.

Can I use a bill of sale from another state in Connecticut?

Yes, as long as it includes all the required information: VIN, vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties. Connecticut does not require a state-specific form, so a bill of sale from any state will work.

How long should I keep my copy of the bill of sale?

Keep your copy for at least three to five years. The bill of sale proves you owned the vehicle and when you sold it, which can matter if there are questions about registration, insurance, or liability after the sale.