Motor Vehicle Information

Assessor's Department

Per Connecticut Statute Section 14-163, the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, on or before the first day of December, annually, furnishes the tax assessors in each town a list containing the names and addresses of the owners of motor vehicles residing in their respective towns, as they appear on the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles, with a description of such vehicles. Vehicles not registered in Hamden but principally garaged or used in the Town of Hamden are considered "located" here.

Connecticut Statute Section 12-71c allows that partial year assessment and/or tax credit will be given for motor vehicles that are sold, totaled, registered in another state or stolen during the assessment year. Any person claiming a tax credit for a motor vehicle must file documentation satisfactory to the assessor concerning the disposition of the vehicle. In addition, a vehicle that is purchased after October 1 and prior to July 31, will be subject to a pro-rated assessment and bill the following January.

Motor Vehicle Assessment

All Motor Vehicles on the 2015 Grand List were valued using National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) value books. Connecticut Statute 12-71d mandates that the Assessor use 70% of the average retail value from the NADA Guides when available.

Owners of passenger cars and trucks who wish to appeal their assessment may do so at the September 15, 2016 meeting of the Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA), no appointment or application is required. Appellants will be taken in the order they arrive.

For trailers and certain vehicles over 20 years of age, owners may submit information to the assessor for consideration. Information must be received by August 21, 2016 in order to be considered, owners may still appeal to the BAA directly. Information submitted by August 21, 2016 will be reviewed and a recommendation with a revised value if any will be made to the BAA. We will inform you of the recommendation and if you agree with the new value you will not be required to appear at the BAA meeting, if you disagree with the recommended value then you will need to appear and present your case to the Board.

Information to Submit to the Assessor

  1. Trailers: Copy of the original bill of sale or original registration (must show purchase price) and a photograph of the trailer.
  2. Antique or Special Interest Vehicles must be model year 1995 or older and have not been modified. Submit application/affidavit for antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles. Antique Application must have 4 photos attached of the vehicles, driver side, passenger side, interior through open driver’s door showing dash and one of the engine compartments.
  3. All other vehicles may appeal directly to the Board of Assessment Appeals on September 15, 2016.

The current tax bill reflects the period of October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016. 2015 Grand List bills can be adjusted only until December 31, 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional information on Motor Vehicles please see the Assessor's FAQ.

Motor Vehicle Plate Cancellation Link

https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Online-Services/Vehicle-Services/Cancel-Registration-and-License-Plates

Transfer Your Out of State Registered Vehicle Link

https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Registration/Requirements-to-Transfer-Your-Out-of-State-Registered-Vehicle