What is a Connecticut Bill of Sale?

A Connecticut Bill of Sale serves as a legal document recording the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. This instrument functions as proof of purchase and establishes the essential details of the transaction, including the purchase price, date of sale, and specific descriptions of the items exchanged. Residents of Connecticut frequently utilize this form for private sales of motor vehicles, vessels, firearms, and general personal property. The document protects both parties by documenting that the property was sold in a specific condition, often on an "as-is" basis, and confirms the transfer of title to the new owner.

Types of Connecticut Bill of Sale

Various forms exist to accommodate different categories of personal property transfers:

• Connecticut Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale - Documents the sale of a car, truck, or motorcycle and is required by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for registration purposes (Form H-31).
• Connecticut Vessel Bill of Sale - Records the transfer of ownership for boats, jet skis, and other watercraft, containing hull identification numbers and registration details.
• Connecticut Firearm Bill of Sale - Captures the details of a gun transaction, including the make, model, serial number, and buyer identification information.

Legal Requirements for Validity

A bill of sale in Connecticut must meet specific criteria to be legally binding and acceptable for official use:

• Party Identification - The full legal names and physical addresses of both the seller (transferor) and the buyer (transferee) must appear on the document.
• Property Description - A detailed description of the item includes serial numbers, vehicle identification numbers (VIN), make, model, year, and color.
• Consideration - The document must state the purchase price or value exchanged for the property.
• Date of Transfer - The specific date when the ownership and possession of the property changed hands is required.
• Signatures - The seller must sign the document to authorize the transfer of title.

Connecticut Vehicle Registration Requirements

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles mandates specific documentation for registering a newly purchased vehicle:

• Completed Bill of Sale - The state provides Form H-31 for this purpose, though other forms containing equivalent information are generally accepted.
• Proof of Ownership - The previous Certificate of Title properly assigned to the new owner is necessary for used vehicles.
• Application for Registration - A completed Application for Registration and Title (Form H-13B) must accompany the request.
• Identification - A valid Connecticut driver's license or identification card verifies the applicant's identity.
• Proof of Insurance - Current Connecticut insurance identification cards must list the registered owner's name.

Relevant Laws and Statutes

Specific state and federal laws govern the transfer of personal property and vehicle registration in Connecticut:

• Connecticut Uniform Commercial Code - Governs the sale of goods and warranties associated with personal property transactions (C.G.S. § 42a-2-101 et seq.).
• Vehicle Registration Requirements - Mandates that an owner must present a bill of sale or other satisfactory evidence of ownership to obtain registration (C.G.S. § 14-12).
• Odometer Disclosure Requirements - Requires sellers to provide accurate odometer readings for vehicles under a certain age at the time of transfer (49 U.S.C. § 32705).
• Vessel Registration Regulations - Stipulates that motorboats must be numbered and registered, requiring proof of ownership such as a bill of sale (C.G.S. § 15-142).
• Sales Tax Collection - Outlines the requirement for sales tax payment upon the registration of vehicles purchased from private parties (C.G.S. § 12-431).

Frequently Asked Questions