Selling or junking a car in Connecticut

How do I sign over a car title in Connecticut?

The seller completes and signs the reverse side of the title and gives it to the buyer, along with a bill of sale. DMV form H-31 can be used, or the seller can write one. The bill of sale must list both names and addresses, the vehicle's make, model, year, color and VIN, the price and the date. Keep copies of the title and bill of sale. Under federal rules, model-year 2011 and newer vehicles need an odometer disclosure until they are 20 model years old.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Connecticut?

Connecticut does not require titles for vehicles more than 20 model years old (CGS §14-166), so those sell without a title; the registration serves as proof of ownership. If a Connecticut title is lost, you can still sell when the vehicle is titled in your name and the buyer will register it in Connecticut. Give the buyer a signed H-6B and a Q-1 (Supplemental Assignment of Ownership), plus a lien release if needed; the buyer pays a $25 duplicate title fee at registration. A licensed recycler may not take a vehicle without its title if the vehicle is required to have one, or without an insurer's copy of the title (CGS §14-67m(b)).

How do I get a duplicate title in Connecticut?

Form H-6B (Application for Replacement Certificate of Title). The fee is $25. Apply online (the title arrives by mail within 20 business days), in person, or by mail to DMV Specialized Registry Services, Room 305, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109 (mail can take up to 90 days). Include a lien release letter if a lien is listed.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Connecticut?

There is no separate notice-of-sale form. Remove the plates and cancel the registration, which is free online (print the receipt), by mail or in person. The plate disposition receipt is proof the registration ended. Until it is canceled, the vehicle stays on the town's property tax list, and you should keep liability insurance until cancellation is done.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Connecticut?

Plates stay with the seller. Remove them and cancel the registration. To cancel by mail, use form E-159, and form F-82 to request a refund. After online cancellation, plates can be discarded at your discretion.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Connecticut?

A licensed recycler must stamp 'JUNKED' on each title it receives and send it with the twice-monthly list of vehicles received that it mails to DMV. Recyclers keep records for two years and report to NMVTIS. Insurers stamp totaled vehicles' titles 'SALVAGE', or 'SALVAGE PARTS ONLY' if ten or more major parts are damaged beyond repair (CGS §14-16c).

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Connecticut?

A property owner may have a vehicle left without permission removed (CGS §14-145). Private commercial property needs conspicuous signage, except in cases such as blocked access or a vehicle left 48 hours or more. The tower must notify local police within two hours. If the vehicle isn't claimed within 48 hours, the tower mails a notice of tow by certified mail to the owner and lienholders. A stored vehicle may be sold after 15 days if worth $1,500 or less, or after 45 days if worth more (CGS §14-150).

Official sources

1. CT DMV: Sell your vehicle
2. CT DMV: Selling a vehicle without a title
3. CT DMV: Replace your title
4. CT DMV: Cancel your registration and plates
5. CGS Chapter 246 (§§14-16c, 14-67m, 14-145, 14-150)
6. CGS Chapter 247 (§14-166)
7. NHTSA Consumer Alert: Changes to Odometer Disclosure Requirements

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you sell.