How is the tax base determined for private sales in Connecticut?

The tax is based on the NADA average trade-in value or the bill of sale price, whichever is higher. Write the purchase price on Form H-13B.

Can I deduct my trade-in on a private vehicle sale in Connecticut?

No. Full trade-in credit applies only when you buy from a licensed dealer. When two people swap vehicles, both pay tax on the average trade-in value.

How much are Connecticut vehicle title and registration fees?

The title fee is $25, and a lien adds $10. Passenger registration is $120 for three years ($63 for motorcycles), plus a $15 Clean Air Act fee, $24 Passport to the Parks fee, and $10 administrative fee. New plates add $5, and vehicles four model years old or newer pay a $40 emissions exemption fee.

Do I pay Connecticut vehicle tax if I buy a car from an out-of-state private seller?

Yes, at 6.35% (7.75% over $50,000) when you register. You get credit for sales tax paid to another state if you show the purchase invoice and tax receipt, and pay any difference.

Is a vehicle transfer between family members taxable in Connecticut?

No tax is due on a transfer or sale between spouses or civil union partners, parents and children, or brothers and sisters (including through adoption), if the vehicle was registered in the family member’s name for at least 60 days and was taxed on its last sale. A gift from anyone is also tax-free with a Motor Vehicle or Vessel Gift Declaration (AU-463) signed by the giver.

How long do I have to title and register a private vehicle purchase in Connecticut?

Registration is by appointment at a DMV office. If the vehicle was registered in Connecticut before, get its emissions test within 30 days of registering to avoid a late fee. New residents have 90 days after establishing residency to transfer their registration.

Verified for 2026 Connecticut Statutory Rates

Connecticut Private Party Car Tax Calculator

Calculate your true first-year out-of-pocket costs for a private vehicle sale in Connecticut. Accurately accounts for 6.35% excise/sales tax, $25.00 certificate of title fee, 3-year tag registration, and state-specific regulations.

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Connecticut.

State of Registration51 Jurisdictions Active

Vehicle Type

Purchase Price (Agreed Sale Price)Connecticut 6.35% tax base

Vehicle Model Year7 years old

Registration TermConnecticut tag options

3-Year Term (Connecticut registers for three years)

Powertrain / Fuel TypeEV surcharge rules

Financing & Lien FilingLien fee: $10.00

Trade-in Value (Optional)Connecticut: Non-Deductible

Connecticut Notice: Connecticut taxes the full agreed vehicle price. Trade-ins do not reduce the tax base on private-party sales.

Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only, not tax or legal advice. Verify with the Connecticut DMV or the Department of Revenue Services.

A private sale is taxed at 6.35% (7.75% over $50,000) on the higher of the price or the NADA average trade-in value. The estimate uses the price you enter.

Trade-in credit applies only to purchases from a licensed dealer. Swapped vehicles are taxed on their average trade-in value.

Registration shown is for three years: $120 ($63 for motorcycles) plus the $15 Clean Air Act, $24 Passport to the Parks, and $10 administrative fees. A plate fee ($5 for new plates) and, for vehicles four model years old or newer, a $40 emissions exemption fee may apply.

Your town bills property tax on the vehicle every year. It is not included here.

County & Local Tax Note: Connecticut has no local sales tax on vehicles. Your town charges property tax on the vehicle each year; it is billed by the local tax collector and is not included here.

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Estimated taxes & fees

Jurisdiction

Connecticut

Estimated taxes & fees

$1,146.50

Sales/Excise Tax + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee

1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (6.35%)

6.35% assessed on vehicle Fair Market Value

$952.50

2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$25.00

3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00

4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$169.00

Book Value Assessment Rule (≤ 7 Years Old)

Because this vehicle is 7 years old or newer (7 years old), Connecticut DMV may assess the 6.35% tax on book value instead of your purchase price unless accompanied by a verified or notarized bill of sale.

Connecticut rates last verified: October 2026

Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only, not tax or legal advice. Verify with the Connecticut DMV or the Department of Revenue Services.

A private sale is taxed at 6.35% (7.75% over $50,000) on the higher of the price or the NADA average trade-in value. The estimate uses the price you enter.

Trade-in credit applies only to purchases from a licensed dealer. Swapped vehicles are taxed on their average trade-in value.

Your town bills property tax on the vehicle every year. It is not included here.

County & Local Tax Note: Connecticut has no local sales tax on vehicles. Your town charges property tax on the vehicle each year; it is billed by the local tax collector and is not included here.

Frequently Asked Questions: Connecticut Vehicle Taxes & Fees

Essential statutory answers regarding Connecticut vehicle sales taxes, titling requirements, and registration fees.

Connecticut charges 6.35% on a private-party purchase, or 7.75% on a vehicle over $50,000. There is no local sales tax, but your town bills property tax on the vehicle each year.