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Connecticut Guide

How to Gift a Car in Connecticut

Last verified: October 2026 against Connecticut DMV and DRS sources

Connecticut does not charge sales tax on a vehicle received as a gift, with a gift declaration signed by the giver. Sales between immediate family members are also tax-free, with conditions.

Here is how to transfer a car you are giving or receiving.

Step by step

  1. 1

    For a gift, get the gift declaration

    The giver signs a Motor Vehicle or Vessel Gift Declaration (AU-463). The giver cannot receive anything in return: no cash, property, services, or taking over a loan.

  2. 2

    For a family transfer, check the conditions

    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).

    The vehicle must have been registered in the family member’s name for at least 60 days and taxed on its last sale.

  3. 3

    Complete Form H-13B

    Fill out the Application for Registration and Title (Form H-13B). For the family exemption, complete section 5.

  4. 4

    Clear any delinquent tax

    A tax-exempt vehicle cannot be transferred if delinquent tax is owed on it, or within a family if the registration is suspended.

  5. 5

    Register by appointment

    Bring the assigned title, Form H-13B, a Connecticut insurance card, and identification. The $25 title fee and three-year registration still apply.

Connecticut gift tax

  • A giver may be subject to the Connecticut gift tax, which is measured by taxable gifts for the calendar year as defined for federal gift tax purposes.
  • Contact the Department of Revenue Services with questions.

What to bring

  • The Certificate of Title, assigned to you
  • Gift Declaration (AU-463) signed by the giver, for a gift
  • Form H-13B, with section 5 completed for a family transfer
  • Connecticut insurance card and identification
  • Payment for the title fee and registration

Estimate your Connecticut costs

For a gift or exempt family transfer, enter $0 as the price. The calculator then shows only the title and registration costs.

Open the full Connecticut calculator

Vehicle & Transaction Details

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

51 Jurisdictions Active
Connecticut 6.35% tax base
$
7 years old
Connecticut tag options
3-Year Term (Connecticut registers for three years)
EV surcharge rules
Lien fee: $10.00
Connecticut: Non-Deductible
$

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

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Estimated taxes & fees

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

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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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this Connecticut DMV and DRS process.

No, with a Gift Declaration (AU-463) signed by the giver, as long as the giver receives nothing in return.

Sources

Last verified: October 2026. Rules change, so check with Connecticut DMV and DRS before you go.

More Connecticut guides

How to Title a Private Car Sale in ConnecticutForm H-13B, the tax base, three-year registration, and emissions.Titling a Car in Connecticut After Moving From Another StateThe 90-day deadline, emissions or VIN check, title, and tax.
Connecticut Private Party Car Tax Calculator