Title services

Learn more about requesting a replacement title, adding a lienholder, and requesting a title search

Title services

Learn more about requesting a replacement title, adding a lienholder, and requesting a title search

Your all-in-one resource for title information

Here you’ll find everything you need to manage a wide variety of title services—including requesting a replacement title, adding a lienholder, and requesting a title search.

Please note
If your loan has been satisfied, you don’t need to request a new certificate of title removing the previous lienholder. You may retain the stamped paid certificate of title from your lienholder. This title can be used for the future sale or transfer of the vehicle.

Obtaining a CT title

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  • Requesting a replacement title
  • Adding a lienholder
  • Requesting a title record/history

Requesting a replacement title

View your options for requesting a replacement certificate of title.

Adding a lienholder

Step 1:

Gather what you need.

Tip: You’ll need the current odometer reading.

  • Submit the current Connecticut title.

If you do not have the Connecticut title, you can submit form H-6B application for a duplicate title.

  • Payment. Check or money order payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles for $45.

Tip: If you’re using Form H-6B, and there is currently a lien on the vehicle, you’ll need a lien release letter. Additionally, there is a $25 fee. Your total fees will be $50.

  • If someone other than the titled owner is signing the application, please submit a Power of Attorney

Step 2: Mail all documents

The above documentation should be mailed to:

 

Department of Motor Vehicles
Specialized Registry Services
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161


Note: A new title will be issued and sent directly to the lienholder listed.

 

You may have received a lien release letter stating that the loan has been satisfied. It is not necessary for you to obtain a new certificate of title removing your previous lienholder. You may keep the stamped paid certificate of title from your lienholder and use this title for future sale or transfer of the vehicle.

 

Please note: Connecticut does not participate in any electronic title or electronic lien holder programs.

Requesting a title record/history

A title search will verify who the current titled owner of record of a motor vehicle is in the State of Connecticut. If you want more information, such as odometer readings or a complete ownership history on record, then note it in Section 3 (Miscellaneous Request) of a Title Copy Records Request (form J-23T).

 

Step 1: Gather what you’ll need:

  • Complete a title copy records request Form J-23T to request a title search. You need to include:
    • Make
    • Year
    • Identification number of the vehicle
    • Registration number or name
  • Include one form of identification on the front and back of the form.
  • Check or money order for $20 payable to “DMV.” (Certification is an additional $20.)

Step 2: Mail materials to:

 

Department of Motor Vehicles
Copy Records Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161

 

Tip: If evidence is needed for tax purposes that ownership of a motor vehicle has been transferred, don’t request a title search. Instead, request a photocopy of copy the cancelled title. Requesting a certified copy will cost an additional $20.)

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  • Recently applied for titles
  • When a title isn’t needed
  • Ownership transfer in absence of a title
  • Additional lienholder information
  • Definition of a joint or common ownership
  • Branded titles (legends)
  • Making a correction
  • Title information by state

Recently applied for titles

Titles will be issued about 30 days from the registration date.


Who receives the title?
If there is no lien on the title, the title will be mailed to the new owner (the name that appears on the registration).

 

If there is a lien on the title, the title is mailed to the lienholder.


Will the CT DMV accept an electronic title?
We do not participate in any electronic title or electronic lien holder programs and are unable to receive an electronic title or lienholder record.


A lot of time has passed, and I haven’t received my title. What should I do?
You have 90 days from the transaction date to re-apply for a title at no cost. Please fill out a statement of non-receipt of title and mail it to:

 

Department of Motor Vehicles
Room 305, Specialized Registry Services
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161

 

Once the form is received, we will verify if you’re eligible to receive a title at no fee. The process will take about 30 days.

When a title isn’t needed

Titles aren’t required in all circumstances. Exceptions include:

  • Vehicles more than 20 model years old. This letter can be used as proof of title exemption
  • Special mobile equipment
  • Any trailer having a gross weight not in excess of 3,000 lbs.
  • A snowmobile or ATV
  • Vessels older than the year 2017.

Additional information can be found online or by calling 860-263-5710.

Ownership transfer in absence of a title

If your title has been misplaced and you are selling your vehicle to a Connecticut resident:

The transfer of ownership won’t be valid unless the Supplemental Assignment of Ownership (Q1 Form) is completed. Additionally, the lien release letter needs to be provided if the lienholder is listed on the title.

Additional lienholder information

You need to get a lien release letter from your loan company. The letter should be on loan institution letterhead. Information and must include owner(s) name, vehicle description: year, make, identification number, state the loan has been paid in full or there is no interest in the vehicle and signed by authorized agent.

 

If the loan is more than ten years old, and you are unable to obtain a lien release, please complete section 2 on the H6B form. (Lien status for lien over 10 years old)(e.g., out of business, change name, etc.), the Motor Vehicle Ownership Affidavit (Form H-115) can be completed in lieu of the lien release.

 

The legal representative must provide documentation (e.g., power of attorney or probate with proper identification required).

Definition of a joint or common ownership

Joint ownership is characterized by the right of survivorship. When a Certificate of Title is in two names and one owner dies, the surviving owner would acquire the interest of the deceased owner. Joint ownership is identified by use of the conjunction or. Both owners are required to sign the original Application for Registration and Title (form H-13B). However, only one signature is required to change ownership of this vehicle.

 

Example of Joint ownership: John Jones or Mary Jones.

 

Common ownership is characterized by the lack of the right of survivorship. Upon the death of one of two owners of a motor vehicle, the Probate Court will appoint a fiduciary (Administrator or Executor) to convey the deceased owner’s interest. A copy of the probate document will be required and should be attached to the Certificate of Title. In those cases where the estate of the decedent falls within certain monetary limits, the court may authorize the transfer of the deceased owner’s interest by letter. In this instance, a copy of the letter should be attached to the Certificate of Title. Common ownership is identified by use of the conjunction and. Both owners are required to sign the original Application for Registration and Title (form H-13B), as well as all future transactions for this vehicle, unless probate documents are shown as mentioned above.

 

Example of Common ownership: John Jones and Mary Jones.

 

When there isn't a conjunction listed either party can transfer ownership; only one signature is required.

Branded titles (legends)

Legends are used when a title is branded based on previous title history. Here are the different types of legends that may appear when making an inquiry.

Rebuilt:
This vehicle has gone through a salvage inspection after the vehicle has been declared a total loss and the title has been stamped salvage by an insurance company.

This is a duplicate title and may be subject to the rights of a person under the original certificate
The customer has lost the original title and has been issued a duplicate title.

This vehicle may be subject to undisclosed lien
This legend is recorded when the vehicle was either last registered in a state that doesn’t title that model year vehicle or a state in which the title is not the exclusive means of recording a lien on a motor vehicle.

Bond posted under section 14-176 C.G.S.: 
Customer did not have necessary documents for proof of ownership and a surety bond was required to protect the State of Connecticut against any ownership claims.

Glider kit
The vehicle was constructed from kit.

True mileage unknown
Mileage was not submitted at time title was applied for. May also indicate some discrepancy in the odometer reading.

Manufacturers buyback
Vehicle was returned to manufacturer by previous owner.

Flood
Vehicle has sustained flood damage and has been declared a loss by an insurance company.

Odometer exceeds mechanical limits
The odometer reading reflects the amount of mileage in excess of its mechanical limits. (The odometer started at zero again).

Warning odometer discrepancy
The odometer does not reflect the actual mileage.

Salvage
When a vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. It is illegal to operate this vehicle upon any road in Connecticut. 

Not actual mileage
This when a vehicle odometer reading cannot be determined.

Making a correction

Online dealers: Correction after title issuance for title-only transactions


A permanent registration and title are assigned when a vehicle is registered in the online system. The proper fee and a completed H-13 form should be sent to Mail Operations Division for any corrections.

Corrections after title issuance are processed differently than error corrections processed prior to title issuance. After a title has been issued, all errors are required to be processed as ownership transfers.

These transactions are not dealer transactions (dealer section is not to be completed on the H-13). The dealer is only acting as the agent for these transactions. 

Example of common errors:

  • Loan agreements not matching the current registration and title 
  • The lease company’s name isn’t the name the lease company wanted i.e., Nissan Infiniti LT vs. NILT Inc.,
  • The customer wanted to add or drop a name on the new vehicle. 

These errors can’t be corrected by going back to the original application; once it has been completed and processed a new registration and title have to be applied for.

Required documents

  • Application form H-13 must be completed in full (see below) 
    • Odometer Reading: must be the current mileage. 
    • Seller: must be the name listed on the current title. 
    • Dealer section: do not complete. 
    • New or Used: must be “used” **. 
  • Outstanding certificate of title properly assigned from seller (the name that appears on the front of the title) to buyer (how the vehicle should be registered and titled). 
  • A letter of lien release for lien correction (if applicable). 
  • A current Connecticut Insurance Card in the name of the applicants(s). 
  • Photocopies of the current applicant’s driver license. 
  • The proper fees for a record transfer, title, and lien fees (if applicable). 
  • A power of attorney is needed if the lien holder or dealer is signing paperwork for applicant, accompanied by that person’s photo ID. 
  • A photocopy of the current registration.
  • Fees required to be submitted in check or money order: 
    • $65.00 with lienholder
    • $55.00 without lienholder. 

Mailing information

Please mail these transactions to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Attn: Specialized Registry Services

If you have any questions regarding this type of transaction, please contact the Dealer Processing Unit at (860) 263-5181.

** In order to keep the vehicle listed as “New” a letter from the dealer, on dealer letterhead, must be submitted within six months from the title issuance date. The letter must state that the lien holder/lease company has requested a new title because it was registered and titled incorrectly.

Title information by state

Title information by state

State (State with asterisk are not all titled) Type of vehicle Title boats? Become a titled state Telephone number
Alabama* 1980 & newer No 1975 334-242-9000
Alaska All vehicles No 1951 907-269-5551
Arizona All vehicles No 1927 602-255-0072
Arkansas All vehicles No 1950 501-682-4692
California All vehicles Yes 1936 800-777-0133
Colorado All vehicles No 1925 303-205-5600
Connecticut* 20 years and newer Yes, 2017 1959 860-263-5700
Delaware All vehicles No 1941 302-744-2500
District of Columbia All vehicles Yes 1932 202-737-4404
Florida All vehicles Yes 1923 850-617-2000
Georgia* 1986 and newer No 1962 855-406-5221
Hawaii All vehicles No 1929 808-532-7700
Idaho All vehicles Yes 1927 208-334-8663
Illinois All vehicles Yes 1934 217-785-3000
Indiana All vehicles Yes 1921 888-692-6841
Iowa All vehicles Yes 1953 515-237-3110
Kansas All vehicles No 1937 785-296-3621
Kentucky All vehicles Yes 1974 502-567-1257
Louisiana All vehicles No 1950 225-925-6146
Maine* 1995 & newer No 1974 207-624-9000
Maryland All vehicles Yes 1920 301-729-4550
Massachusetts 1990 & newer Yes 1972 857-368-8000
Michigan All vehicles Yes 1921 888-767-6424
Minnesota All vehicles Yes 1972 651-297-2126
Mississippi All vehicles No 1969 601-923-7200
Missouri All vehicles Yes 1921 573-526-3669
Montana All vehicles Yes 1926 406-444-3661
Nebraska All vehicles Yes 1939 402-471-2281
Nevada All vehicles Yes 1931 775-684-4368
New Hampshire* 15 years and newer No 1968 603-227-4000
New Jersey All vehicles Yes 1946 609-292-6500
New Mexico All vehicles Yes 1912 888-683-4636
New York 1973 and newer Yes 1972 718-477-4820
North Carolina All vehicles Yes 1923 919-715-7000
North Dakota All vehicles No 1927 701-328-2725
Ohio All vehicles Yes 1938 614-752-7500
Oklahoma All vehicles Yes 1925 405-521-3160
Oregon All vehicles Yes 1925 503-945-5000
Pennsylvania All vehicles Yes 1923 717-412-5300
Rhode Island 2001 and newer Yes 1972 401-462-5774
South Carolina All vehicles Yes 1958 803-896-5000
South Dakota All vehicles Yes 1925 605-773-3541
Tennessee All vehicles No 1951 615-741-3101
Texas All vehicles Yes 1939 888-368-4689
Utah All vehicles Yes 1934 801-297-7780
Vermont* 15 years and newer Yes 1971 802-828-2000
Virginia All vehicles Yes 1924 804-497-7100
Washington All vehicles Yes 1967 360-902-3770
West Virginia All vehicles Yes 1930 304-558-3900
Wisconsin All vehicles Yes 1927 608-266-1466
Wyoming All vehicles Yes 1935 307-777-4851