Do I need a title for a classic car in CT?
Asked by: Lillie Pacocha | Last update: October 24, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (7 votes)
Do you need a title to register a classic car?
You provide the agency with the title with your name on it, proof that you've passed the required emissions test and/or safety inspection and proof of automotive insurance.
What are the requirements for a classic car in CT?
A car is considered a classic in Connecticut if it's at least 20 years old, registered in Connecticut, preserved due to historic interest, and not altered or modified from the original manufacturer's specifications.
Do you need a title for a car over 20 years old?
No title is needed after 20 years. Register the car as a classic. Bill of sale, proof of insurance, proof of no taxes owed is all you need. Possibly a vin verification because it's out of state.
Can a car with no title be registered?
Titles are required when registering your vehicle with your state, which in turn allows you to drive it legally. Usually, purchase of a vehicle includes transfer of the title to your name, similar to the deed during a house purchase.
How to get a title for a vehicle with no title
Can you register a car without a title in CT?
Vehicles with a model year more than 20 years prior to the current year are non-titled and a title is not required. For registration of a non-titled vehicle, the registration from the last owner, a request for supplemental assignment of ownership (Form Q-1), and/or Bill of Sale (Form H-31) are needed.
How to get a title with only a bill of sale?
- Go to your DMV with your bill of sale and any other required identification documentation. ...
- Buy a surety bond, which ensures your vehicle is clear of any problems, allowing you to be listed as the new owner. ...
- Secure a bonded title. ...
- Register your vehicle.
Should I buy an old car with no title?
If you buy a used car without a title, you might end up with a stolen car. And that's just one of many possible problems if you buy a car with no title. So unless there's a legitimate reason the vehicle has no pink slip (and there aren't many), don't make the purchase — it may even be illegal.
Is it bad for a car to have no title?
The car cannot be registered without a title, and the sale may be illegal, depending on the state. Most states are understandably cautious with missing titles, which can indicate ownership issues and cause headaches for everyone involved. There are many reasons why a vehicle may not have a title, including its age.
How to prove you sold a car without a bill of sale?
Search for the check or credit card receipt used, to prove the payment was processed. Get information from the prior owner. Follow up with the previous owner to request documentation they may have filed to relinquish legal ownership. Follow the communications trail.
Does Connecticut issue titles for classic cars?
In accordance with Connecticut State Law Title 14, Section 14-166, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue titles for vehicles older than 20 model years old. Visit ct.gov/dmv to learn more about the requirements for selling non-titled vehicles in Connecticut.
Is a 20 year old car considered classic?
Listed below are a few different classic car types and how they are defined by the state of California: Antiques – Any vehicle 25 years or older. Classics – Cars between 20 to 24 years old. Collectibles- Models between 15 to 19 years old.
Do you need inspection for classic car?
You should strongly consider getting a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic or other certified professional, especially if you're buying from a private seller. They'll check the vehicle from top to bottom to identify any cosmetic or mechanical issues and tell you if it needs any work.
What is considered a classic car in CT?
To qualify, the vehicle must be (1) at least 20 years old, (2) preserved because of historical interest, and (3) unaltered from the original manufacturer's specifications (CGS §§ 12-71(b) and 14-1(3)).
Can you drive around with antique plates?
The requirements vary somewhat from state to state, but in general, the vehicle needs to be above a certain age (usually between 20 and 30 years old) and it must not be used for routine transportation (forget about that daily Starbucks run).
Do you pay sales tax on a classic car?
When it comes to purchasing a collector car, you will also be liable for state sales tax on that car if you drive it away. If you have it shipped somewhere else, then you will have to pay sales tax to the state where you have it shipped. One option some collectors try to pursue is to obtain a dealer's license.
What to do with a car that has no title?
- Step #1: Check with your local DMV to make sure you are eligible.
- Step #2: Purchase a Lost Title Bond.
- Step #3: Turn your bond into the DMV.
- Conditions of getting a bonded title.
How to get a title for a car with a bill of sale in Missouri?
When you apply for a title, you must submit a bill of sale or Notice of Sale (Form 5049) for the vehicle that you sold and the purchase (or contract to purchase) and sale dates must be within 180 days of one another. You do not have to purchase a "like" vehicle to qualify for a sales tax allowance.
Can you register a car with a bill of sale and no title in Alabama?
In order to register a vehicle subject to the Alabama title law, a title application must be completed before a registration can be processed. When a certificate of title is not required, only a registration is issued.
How to get a classic car title?
Once you have all relevant documents, you can apply for a classic car registration at your local BMV/DMV or title bureau, depending on which office handles vehicle registrations in your state. When you visit the office, the process will be like other vehicle registrations.
What happens if you buy a car and never register it?
This is called title jumping or title skipping and while it can end up saving the seller money, it is illegal in every state. In some states, such as California, Florida, and Texas, it is considered a felony and can result in jail time.
Can you scrap an old car without a title?
Is It Legal to Scrap a Car with No Title? Yes, but there are exceptions. It is not as complicated as many people imagine to sell a car with a missing title. Most states' DMVs can issue a clean replacement title or a salvage title, depending on the condition of the vehicle—for a price, of course.
Does a bill of sale override a title?
This answers the question of is the bill of sale same as the title, as you'll need one to get the other. Think of the two documents as complementary. While a bill of sale certifies a transfer of ownership between two parties, a title certifies the buyer's legal ownership.
Is it better to gift or sell a car to a family member in California?
Selling a vehicle for $1 instead of gifting it could result in your recipient paying sales tax based on the car's fair market value — it's better to stick with the official gifting process.
Can you register a car with a bill of sale and no title in Mississippi?
Title is required for 1969 and newer. Anything 30 years or older that doesn't have a title must have a bill of sale with 2 witnesses or notarized and an affidavit of ownership which we provide. I would also recommend a bill of sale or registration from the previous owner.