Last checked Nov 10, 2026
Buying a car in Connecticut
The tax you will pay, whether your trade-in lowers it, what the dealer may charge for paperwork, and where to title and register. Taken from official Connecticut sources.
- State tax on vehicles
- 6.35%
- Trade-in lowers tax
- Yes
- Doc fee limit
- No cap
- Deadline to title or register
- Check with the state
Sales tax on a car in Connecticut
Connecticut charges a state sales tax of 6.35% on vehicle purchases.
Motor vehicles are subject to a separate annual local property tax, which the town assesses on 70% of average retail value.
Most passenger vehicles with a price of more than $50,000 are taxed at 7.75% instead of 6.35%. In a private sale, tax is based on the NADA average trade-in value or the bill of sale price, whichever is higher.
Does a trade-in lower the tax?
Full trade-in credit is allowed when the vehicle is purchased from a licensed dealer.
Example, state tax only. On a $30,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, the taxable amount is $20,000, so the state tax is about $1,270. Without the trade-in it would be $1,905. Local taxes and fees are extra.
Dealer doc fees in Connecticut
Connecticut law (C.G.S. 14-62) does not set a dollar limit on the dealer conveyance or processing fee. The dealer must state the fee separately in the quoted price, say that it is negotiable and not payable to the state, and may not add it when the order is signed.
Whatever the rule, the fee is part of your out-the-door price. Ask for it in the written quote and negotiate the total, not the line. See dealer fees explained.
Title and registration
Titles and registrations are handled by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. Registration is done by appointment at a DMV office or at a participating dealership.
Also worth knowing
- A buyer may choose to submit the registration and title documents to the DMV directly, in which case the dealer must reduce its conveyance fee by a proportional amount.
- A dealer must post a sign showing the amount of its conveyance fee and the services it covers.
- An emissions exemption fee of $40 applies at registration when the vehicle is four years old or newer.
Sources
- Connecticut Department of Revenue Services: Sales Tax Rates and Information (portal.ct.gov)
- Connecticut DMV: Sales tax on first time vehicle registrations (portal.ct.gov)
- Connecticut DMV: Vehicle sales tax calculator (portal.ct.gov)
- Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 246, section 14-62 (cga.ct.gov)
- Connecticut DMV: Register a new vehicle or boat (portal.ct.gov)
Last checked Nov 10, 2026; next review by Feb 10, 2027. This page explains how the rules generally work and is not tax or legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the state. Report an error.
Concierge
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Tell us the car you want. A person finds it, checks it, negotiates the out-the-door price in writing, and lines up the paperwork. You approve every step.