Connecticut Bill of Sale Requirements & Form H-31

Connecticut requirements

• The Connecticut DMV publishes form H-31 (Bill of Sale) and states that no special form is required for a private sale; a written bill of sale with the required details is acceptable.
• A bill of sale should include the buyer's and seller's names and addresses, the vehicle's make, model, year, color, and VIN, the sale price, the date, and the seller's signature; the DMV also lists the odometer reading among the vehicle details to record.
• A bill of sale is required to register a vehicle that does not have a certificate of title, such as older non-titled vehicles.
• The DMV guidance does not require notarization of a bill of sale.
• The seller completes and signs the reverse side of the certificate of title and gives it to the buyer, then removes the plates and cancels the registration with the DMV.
• The buyer registers the vehicle and applies for a new certificate of title with the Connecticut DMV; a VIN verification at a DMV location and emissions testing may be required.

Frequently asked questions

Does Connecticut require the official H-31 bill of sale form?

No. The DMV says there is no special form required for a private sale. Form H-31 is available, but a written bill of sale containing the parties' details, vehicle description, price, date, and seller's signature is acceptable.

Does a Connecticut bill of sale need to be notarized?

The Connecticut DMV's guidance on private sales and bills of sale does not require notarization. Both parties should keep signed copies for their records.

Official sources

• https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/vehicle-services/sell-vehicle
• https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/vehicle-services/get-bill-of-sale