Motor Vehicle Assessments

The Tax Assessor estimates the fair market value of all real property, personal property, and motor vehicles, to establish the fair and equitable levy of local property tax.

All motor vehicles are subject to local property tax under Connecticut State Law, whether registered or unregistered.

Motor vehicles are assessed in accordance with Connecticut State Statutes at 70% of the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), using a standardized depreciation schedule based on the age of the vehicle.

Assessment of Antique, Rare, or Special Interest Motor Vehicles

Antique, rare, or special interest motor vehicles that are at least 20 years old, maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s original design and specifications, and of historical interest may qualify for a fixed property tax assessment of $500, as permitted under Connecticut General Statutes §12-71(b)(3). Vehicles must either be registered with antique plates or, if not registered as such, an application for antique classification must be submitted to the Assessor on or before October 1 of the assessment year for which the classification is sought.

Update Motor Vehicle Registration

To update your motor vehicle registration, visit the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Department of Motor Vehicles Website
Verify Motor Vehicle Registration https://dmvcivls-wselfservice.ct.gov/Registration/VerifyRegistration
Update Motor Vehicle Registration https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/vehicle-services/renew-vehicle-registration
Cancel Vehicle Registration or License Plates https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/vehicle-services/cancel-registration-plates

License Plate Cancelation

To submit a license plate cancelation receipt and proof of disposal, please contact us at taxassessor@trumbull-ct.gov or by mail to Tax Assessor's Office, 5866 Main Street, Trumbull, CT 06611.

Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals meets during the months of March and September. Appeals for motor vehicles registered on the Grand List as of October 1st are heard in September.

Appeal forms are available online and in the Assessor’s Office. Appearance before the Board of Assessment Appeals is required. If you are unable to appear in person, you may give written authorization for someone to appear on your behalf. All documentation supporting the appeal should be submitted prior to the appeal hearing, along with your completed application. A tax increase is not considered grounds for an appeal.

Motor Vehicle Tax Appeal Form (PDF)

Legislative Changes

Legislative changes were made to how motor vehicles are valued effective as of October 1, 2024. Vehicles will now be valued based on their MSRP and a depreciation schedule. 

Additional information: Motor Vehicle Assessment Changes Effective October 1, 2024 (PDF).

Related Documents

  1. 2025 Declaration of Personal Property - Motor Vehicle Camper Form (PDF)
  2. 2025 Declaration of Personal Property - Motor Vehicle Form (PDF)
  3. Affidavit For Antique,Rare Or Special Interest Motor Vehicles (PDF)
  4. Motor Vehicle Q and A (PDF)
  5. Motor Vehicle Valuation Changes Effective 10-01-2024 (PDF)
  6. Property Tax Exemption Application for New Commercial Truck, Truck Tractor, Trailer or SemiTrailer (PDF)
  7. Unregistered Motor Vehicles (PDF)