[pulpfiction]

When selling a car to a private party (as opposed to a dealer), what exactly is the procedure?

I know we need to complete a Bill of Sale, and I need to return my plates to the DMV. However, upon completion of the sale, what does the purchaser use for plates in order to drive it to the DMV to register it? They can't just stick their old plates on the new car...can they?

When I purchased a car in NJ a few years ago, they gave me a temporary registration tag. Does this apply to CT?

Thanks.

[Rich Lee]

I believe it's a 2-step process: first they get temporary plates; then they have to go through an inspection.

[pulpfiction]

Thanks for the reply..

So the person buying the car has to go to the DMV first to obtain the plates?

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by pulpfiction

Thanks for the reply..

So the person buying the car has to go to the DMV first to obtain the plates?

Yes. Your only obligations are to provide a bill of sale (if requested), sign the title, and return the plates to DMV. (If you aren't a dealer, the sales tax defers to the buyer to pay.) Failure to return the plates will result in the vehicle continuing to appear on the grand list and subject to personal property taxes. If you own other vehicles, you won't be able to renew the registrations on them if the taxes on the vehicle that you no longer own aren't paid.

[Hartford Medic]

You only need to bring the car to the DMV if the previous owner had it registered out of state. If that is the case, you need to get the VIN verified and a quick safety inspection. You'll also need it to get emissions checked. If the car was already registered in CT I believe it is all done on paper.

[Trainspotter]

We just did this. In our case the new owner lives in town and just left the vehicle in our driveway until they got their plates. In the past, we have bought a car that the previous owner drove to our house (nice lady) before removing her plates and her husband followed and drove her home. I don't think temporary plates are ever used any more unless it was an out of state vehicle. CT used to require inspection on anything older than 10 yrs but they don't any more. Just be sure to have a copy of the bill of sale, your registration and return the plates promptly because DMV will give you a document for your town clerk and that stops the clock on your tax bill. As long as you have the plates the clock is running.