Free Connecticut Bill of Sale Template

A Connecticut bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership for high-value property. Once completed and signed by both parties, it serves as proof of the sale and protects the buyer and seller if disputes arise.

It typically includes:

• Buyer’s and seller’s names and addresses
• Description of the item (VIN, HIN, make, model, year, color, and other identifiers)
• Sale price and payment method
• Date of sale
• Signatures of both parties

You can use a Connecticut bill of sale for:

• Vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers
• Boats and personal watercraft
• Firearms
• Other valuable personal property

In many cases, you are required to register your new purchase with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other state agencies.

A bill of sale is often required in Connecticut in these situations:

• Registering a vehicle, boat, trailer, or motorcycle with the DMV
• Providing proof of sale for tax or insurance purposes
• Transferring property that doesn’t have a title, such as certain older motorcycles or boats
• Recording private firearm transfers using state-issued forms (e.g., DPS-3-C)

Connecticut typically requires three copies: one for the buyer, one for the seller, and one for the DMV (or, in firearm cases, the local police and state licensing unit).

No — Connecticut does not require a bill of sale to be notarized for most transactions. However, both parties should keep a signed copy for their records, and notarization is an option if extra verification is desired.

Vehicles

• A bill of sale is required for all vehicle registrations.
• Out-of-state vehicles must be registered within 90 days of establishing residency.
• Title is required for vehicles from the last 20 model years; older vehicles can be registered with a bill of sale.
• Minimum insurance coverage:
  • $25,000 bodily injury (per person)
  • $50,000 bodily injury (per accident)
  • $25,000 property damage
• Required DMV forms may include Form H-31 (Bill of Sale), Form H-13B (Registration & Title Application), odometer disclosure, and emissions check.

Boats

• Registration and titling required for all motorized boats, personal watercraft, and sailboats 19½ feet or longer.
• Exemptions include vessels registered in another state for fewer than 60 days, lifeboats, and paddle/oar-powered craft.
• Standard titling fee: $25; duplicate registration: $20.
• Connecticut applies a 6.35% use and sales tax based on purchase price.

Trailers

• All trailers are classified as “camp trailers” for registration purposes.
• Title required for trailers 20 years old or newer and over 3,000 lbs.
• DMV safety inspection required for 1967 or newer trailers.
• The base registration fee for a regular trailer in Connecticut is $28.50.
• Certain transfers (family gifts, farm use) may qualify for sales tax exemptions.

Firearms

• Must be at least 21 to purchase a handgun and 18 for rifles or shotguns.
• All buyers require a valid permit or eligibility certificate, plus a background check.
• Assault weapons and machine guns must be registered with the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit.
• Open carry is generally prohibited; concealed carry requires a permit, valid for five years.

Motorcycles

• Bill of sale is required for all registrations.
• Title required for motorcycles from the last 20 model years; older motorcycles can be registered with a bill of sale alone.
• Private sales are subject to state sales tax.
• Registration must be completed in person by appointment at a DMV hub or branch.