Requesting a car title transfer in Connecticut is an important step when a vehicle ownership is transferred from one legal entity to another. The state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes title transfers for cars through local DMV offices. Note that the CT title transfer requirements may vary depending on the nature of the change in ownership.

When completing the title transfer, you will be able to apply for a vehicle registration with the same application form at the same time. To learn more about the forms that are required for this process and where to submit your request, continue reading the sections outlined below.

What is a car title transfer in Connecticut?

It is important to familiarize yourself with the transfer of car title process and the function of a title certificate. In general, a CT title transfer for cars is a mandatory procedure that is used to reassign ownership of a given vehicle from the original owner to a new legal owner.

A certificate of title is an official document that attests to the current legal owner of a specific motor vehicle, and it is used to complete the transfer of ownership process. Buyers who do not finalize the title transfer will be unable to successfully register their new vehicle.

On the other hand, sellers must ensure they complete the title transfer for protection purposes against future liability.

Note: Obtaining a title transfer online is not an option in Connecticut. Title transfers must be done in person.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Connecticut?

Finalizing the transfer of car title in Connecticut is a requirement in several situations where the possession of a certain vehicle changes from one owner to another. The standard auto title transfer is completed when the vehicle changes ownership after a private sale.

On the other hand, you will be required to meet the CT title transfer requirements under different circumstances as well. For instance, you will have to sign over the title in the event that you donate your vehicle to a charity organization or give it as a gift to another legal entity.

It is important to note that vehicle owners will not be required to complete the title transfer for cars in certain situations. As an example, vehicles older than 20 model years are exempt from the state titling requirements.

In such cases, vehicle owners will be able to transfer ownership of the vehicle with the DMV Supplemental Assignment of Ownership (Form Q-1) and/or the respective vehicle bill of sale.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Connecticut

Before requesting title transfers for cars in Connecticut, vehicle owners must ensure they meet the applicable requirements. For example, in order to complete the transfer of vehicle title in CT, motorists will be required to submit certain documents and several types of information.

However, these title transfer requirements may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the ownership transfer. The documents required for the standard title transfer for vehicles in Connecticut include the following:

  • A filled out “Registration and Title Application” form
  • A properly signed-over title containing information about the buyer and the seller
  • A bill of sale containing the seller and purchaser information, the selling price and description of the motor vehicle
  • A lien release form
  • Proof of car insurance coverage
  • Proof of identification, such as a state-issued driving license or an ID card

In the event of a lost certificate of title, sellers will be required to apply for a replacement car title or deliver a signed “Application for Replacement Certificate of Title” to a purchaser.

Apart from the car title transfer documents outlined above, you may also be required to furnish additional paperwork, depending on your circumstances. For example, if you are titling a gifted vehicle, you will also be required to submit the “DMV Motor Vehicle and Vessel Gift Declaration” form.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Connecticut

If you are wondering, how to fill out a transfer of title in Connecticut, it is important to note that you will be required to submit the necessary paperwork and fee payment in person through a local DMV site. Note that, when applying for a title transfer for vehicles, you will also be asked to complete the registration procedure at the same time.

Therefore, before visiting an office to initiate the CT auto title transfer, ensure that you have collected the necessary paperwork for both the titling and the registration transaction.

Once the state DMV processes your transfer request, it will begin the process of manufacturing new vehicle documents. You will receive your new title within 30 days at your current address on file with the DMV.

Note: You cannot perform electronic title transfers in Connecticut, and this process must be done in person.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Connecticut

When preparing to order a new car title in Connecticut, vehicle owners need to become familiar with certain state titling rules and regulations that may vary depending on the specific situation. Getting a new car title is a procedure that motorists need to perform after purchasing a new motor vehicle that they plan to operate on public state roads.

The CT Department of Motor Vehicles issues new car title certificates for motor vehicles that are titled for the first time in the state. A DMV new title may be also issued when out-of-state residents have just moved to Connecticut and they want to title their vehicle in their new residential state.

To order a new car title in Connecticut and perform a title transfer, vehicle owners may have to follow different regulations and satisfy certain requirements. Unlike applying for a new car title, the title transfer process is mandatory when the ownership rights are transferred between two entities.

A title transfer must be performed in situations when:

  • Selling or purchasing a motor vehicle
  • Transferring ownership from or to an immediate family member
  • Inheriting a motor vehicle from a deceased person or deceased immediate family member

Car Title Transfer Fees in Connecticut

The last step in the Connecticut vehicle title transfer process is arranging payment for the applicable DMV fees. For instance, since you are also required to register your vehicle, you will have to pay a $20 registration cost and a $5 license plate fee.

The sales and use tax that must be paid at this point varies depending on the current vehicle cost. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your transfer of car title in CT, you may also be required to pay a lien fee.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.