Overview
Sales tax rides along with the same transaction (6.35%, or 7.75% if the taxable amount exceeds $50,000), based on the higher of your bill-of-sale price or the vehicle's NADA average trade-in value. Use the calculator below to see your exact title-side total, including the late fee if the deadline has already passed.
01 - Official fees
Connecticut title transfer fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $25.00 | |
| Lien recording fee | $10.00 | if financed |
| Late title/registration fee | $50.00 | more than 30 days after a private purchase |
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 6.35% / 7.75% | co-collected at the same DMV visit |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the Connecticut DMV (plus your town tax collector for the annual property tax) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to transfer a title in Connecticut
- 1
Seller signs over the title's assignment section; both parties should keep a signed bill of sale showing the price.
- 2
Complete Form H-13B (Application for Registration and Title) with the purchase details.
- 3
Bring the signed title, H-13B, proof of CT insurance, and ID to a DMV office within 30 days of the purchase date.
- 4
Pay the $25 title fee, sales tax, and any lien fee or registration due in the same transaction.
- 5
If a lender is financing the purchase, confirm the lien is recorded on the new title before you drive off the lot.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Connecticut vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Connecticut title transfer FAQ
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Connecticut?
$25 flat, plus $10 if a lender is recording a lien. Budget for the bigger numbers too - 6.35%/7.75% sales tax and registration are typically paid at the same DMV visit, even though they're separate line items from the title fee itself.
What happens if I'm late transferring the title?
A flat $50 late fee applies once you're more than 30 days past the purchase date - it doesn't scale with the vehicle's price or how many months you're overdue, unlike some states' escalating penalties.
Can I transfer a Connecticut title online?
New-owner title transfers require an in-person DMV visit or an authorized dealer-assisted electronic transfer at the point of sale - private-party buyers generally can't complete the title portion entirely online.
Do I need a bill of sale in addition to the signed title?
It's strongly recommended even though the title carries the legal transfer. A dated bill of sale with the agreed price is your paper trail if DRS's NADA-value comparison questions the sales tax you owe.
What if there's still a loan on the car I'm buying?
The seller needs a lien release from their lender before a clean title can transfer. If you're financing the purchase yourself, your new lender's lien gets recorded on the title for a $10 fee instead.
Does gifting a car skip the 30-day title deadline?
No - the same 30-day window and $50 late fee apply to gift transfers using Form AU-463 as to any other title transfer; only the sales tax itself is waived, not the deadline.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.