The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV) oversees vehicle registration in the state. Registration is the official process of documenting a vehicle with the state government, providing proper identification, ownership verification, and compliance with state regulations.
Under Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Section 14-12, all motor vehicles must be registered with the CT DMV to be legally operated on public roads. This process is crucial for maintaining accurate records for taxation, safety inspections, and law enforcement purposes.
Understanding state-specific regulations for vehicle registration is essential to avoid fines, penalties, or other legal issues. The CT DMV guarantees that all vehicles meet these standards and that all registration fees and taxes are correctly collected.
How To Register a Car in Connecticut?
Registering a vehicle in Connecticut involves navigating various registrations tailored to different vehicles and circumstances.
Whether it's registering out-of-state vehicles, handling registrations for new residents, facilitating registrations for military members, or processing vehicles purchased from a dealership or private individual, each scenario comes with its requirements.
These requirements may include specific documentation, forms, and procedures designed to maintain compliance with Connecticut's vehicle registration laws and regulations.
Registering New Vehicles in Connecticut
Regardless of their intended use, all vehicle types must be registered at a DMV office to guarantee accurate completion of all necessary documentation and inspections.
The general process for registering new vehicles remains consistent across various vehicle types, including personal, classic, combination, and commercial vehicles. The primary distinction lies in the applicable fees associated with each type.
Before initiating the registration process, verifying and resolving any outstanding compliance issues is crucial. Gather all required documents in advance. The necessary documentation typically includes the following:
- A valid driver's license or U.S passport for each owner
- A completed Connecticut Registration and Title Application (Form H-13B)
- A valid proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title for vehicles less than 20 model years old
- A Connecticut Insurance Identification Card
- A Bill of Sale (Form H-31)
Once all required documents are assembled and fees prepared, individuals must schedule an in-person appointment at a DMV hub or branch office to complete the registration process.
Transferring Out-of-State Registration in Connecticut
Transferring an out-of-state registration to Connecticut follows a structured process that begins once residency in Connecticut is established. The process allows a 90-day window for the vehicle registration transfer.
For those who have the original vehicle title, the next step is to gather the required documentation. If the vehicle is from out of state, the out-of-state title must be provided. For vehicles with liens, either the original title or a Power of Attorney from the leasing company is required.
Aside from the title, the necessary documents to transfer an out-of-state registration in Connecticut include the following:
- Acceptable identification forms
- proof of insurance meeting Connecticut's minimum requirements
- A completed Form H-13B
- Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) or Form AE-81 conducted by an emissions technician
Individuals must visit an emissions test center to complete the vehicle's emissions test and vehicle identification number (VIN) verification. Emissions testing is mandatory for vehicles older than four model years, while vehicles younger than four model years require VIN verification.
Payment of applicable fees is mandatory during this process. It is worth noting that an out-of-state driver's license can be transferred to Connecticut in the meantime.
Courtesy Registration
A courtesy registration is a temporary registration issued when the vehicle's original title is held by a lienholder who is not present. This registration allows the vehicle to be legally operated for up to six months while waiting for the title to be sent to the DMV. It is essential because it enables legal vehicle use during this interim period.
A photocopy of the title is sufficient to obtain a courtesy registration, which costs 25% of the base registration fee plus other initial fees. However, this registration cannot be used for ownership transfers.
After obtaining a courtesy registration, the registrant must contact the lienholder to send the original title to the DMV. The DMV will send a renewal notice 45 days before the courtesy registration expires. The registration cannot be renewed without the original title.
The original title should be mailed to:
State of Connecticut
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Title Section, Room 305
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Allow five business days for processing once delivery confirmation is received before scheduling a DMV appointment. The DMV will hold the title for up to 90 days before returning it to the lienholder if the transaction is not completed.
Once the original title is received, the registration renewal can proceed, and a Connecticut Certificate of Title will be issued and mailed to the lienholder.
Vehicle Registration for New Residents in Connecticut
New residents bringing a vehicle from another state to Connecticut have 60 days to transfer their vehicle registration to the Connecticut DMV. Before registering the vehicle, residents must undergo an emissions test and complete Form AE-81.
After completing these steps, new residents should visit a local CT DMV office with the out-of-state Certificate of Title and vehicle registration certificate, a current Connecticut insurance identification card, and an acceptable form of identification.
Note that any outstanding property tax payments or parking tickets must be resolved, and the registration privilege must not be previously suspended.
Vehicle Registration for Military Personnel in Connecticut
Military personnel stationed in Connecticut have specific provisions for registering and titling vehicles. Eligibility extends to those who were Connecticut residents at the time of induction and are currently on active duty or have been discharged honorably within two years with a qualifying condition.
For those stationed outside Connecticut, the registration process can still be completed by mailing the required documents. This provision emphasizes that military personnel, regardless of stationing, can fulfill their vehicle registration requirements without needing to be physically present in Connecticut.
The required documents can be mailed to:
Department of Motor Vehicle
Customized Services Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161-5049
New or Used Vehicles Requirements
Military personnel registering new or used vehicles must provide the following:
- A current Connecticut Insurance Identification Card
- A completed Form H-13B
- An original Certificate of Origin or previous title adequately assigned by the selling dealership or seller
- A Federal Odometer Statement, if purchased through a dealership
- A finished Form AE-81 completed by an inspection authority
- A completed Form H-31
- A completed Application for Waiver of Registration Fee (Form B-276) to request a waiver for various vehicle registration fees
- An acceptable form of identification
In cases where military personnel's identification is unavailable due to deployment, a copy of the change-of-duty station orders and a Power of Attorney for the person signing the application will suffice.
Previously Registered Used Vehicles in Connecticut Requirements
The process for military personnel to register used vehicles that were previously registered in Connecticut is mainly similar to registering new or used vehicles.
The critical difference is that a previously issued Connecticut title must be presented instead of providing an original Certificate of Origin or an out-of-state title. This title must be assigned appropriately on the back of the form to indicate the transfer of ownership. All other required documentation remains the same.
Registering Vehicles at a Connecticut Dealership
Connecticut residents can register their vehicles at authorized dealerships throughout the state. These dealerships provide extensive registration services for various vehicle types, including passenger vehicles, vessels, combination plates, and commercial plates, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 73,000 pounds.
The process of registering a vehicle at a Connecticut dealership is straightforward. It starts with scheduling an appointment at a DMV office to ensure all necessary paperwork and transactions are handled promptly. Proof of ownership, such as a properly signed vehicle title, is essential.
Note that Connecticut regulations cap dealership processing fees for registrations at $25. Any dealership charging excessive fees should be reported to the DMV for resolution. However, service options, timings, and fees may still vary between dealerships.
Certain Connecticut dealerships are designated as HUB dealerships, authorized by the DMV and the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association to process transactions for other dealerships that have not integrated the online system.
For more detailed information on dealership registration services or specific procedures, individuals can visit the CT DMV's dealership registration page.
Registration Cancellation in Connecticut
The Connecticut DMV provides multiple options for canceling vehicle registration and plates. Terminating registration is necessary if the registered vehicle or vessel is no longer in possession or if there has been a move out of state.
Failing to cancel registration results in continued property tax assessment in the town of record until the registration is officially canceled.
After cancellation, the vehicle will be removed from the following cancellation list provided to municipalities on October 1 each year. It is essential to verify the current Connecticut registration status before proceeding. Discarding the plates can be done at one's discretion.
The requirements for canceling vehicle registration are similar to those for vehicle registration. Individuals can terminate vehicle or vessel registration online, provided the registration status is not revoked or suspended.
The online termination process can be completed using the DMV's Online Registration Termination Portal.Alternatively, individuals may visit a DMV office to complete the process in person.
Terminating vehicle or vessel registration is free. If eligible for a refund, this option will be available during the online termination process. Refund checks are mailed from the Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller.A plate disposition receipt will serve as proof that the vehicle or vessel registration has been terminated.
Connecticut License Plates
Drivers receive regular license plates after registering a vehicle in Connecticut, which serve as standard vehicle identifiers. These plates are in compliance with state regulations and are essential for legal driving within the state.
In addition to regular plates, Connecticut offers special plates that provide opportunities for personal expression and support for various causes. These special plates allow drivers to display affiliations with local and national organizations, charities, and personal interests through unique designs.
Additionally, Connecticut offers vanity plates that provide personalized combinations of letters and numbers chosen by the vehicle owner. These plates are available for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and other registration types. They can be conveniently ordered online under categories for both individuals and organizations.
How To Obtain Vanity Plates in Connecticut?
Acquiring personalized license plates, known as vanity plates, in Connecticut is a straightforward process.
To apply for vanity plates in Connecticut, verify that the vehicle is registered in the state without any compliance issues. Applications are restricted to vehicles with permanent registrations and are not accepted for those with temporary registrations.
Keep in mind that once ordered, cancellations are not eligible for refunds, and changes cannot be made. Vanity plates in Connecticut adhere to specific character limits: standard motorcycle plates allow up to six characters, while veteran and classic plates allow up to five characters.
To begin the process of obtaining vanity plates in Connecticut, individuals must complete the Special Order Plate Application (Form M-22) and include the required fees.
Applicants can mail the application and payment to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Customized Plates Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Alternatively, the Connecticut DMV's Special Plates Portal offers convenient online application and fee payment options for individuals and organizations. Processing times can take up to eight weeks, and requests are handled in the order they are received. The DMV reserves the right to deny requests based on availability or appropriateness.
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, vehicle registration costs depend on the type of vehicle and specific circumstances. The registration fee for passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorhomes is approximately $120.
Additional fees include a $25 title fee, a $7 plate fee, a $10 administrative fee, a $15 greenhouse gas fee, a $15 Clean Air Act fee, a $10 lien fee (if applicable), and a $15 Passport to the Parks fee. These fees contribute to environmental initiatives and recreational programs across the state.
The Passport to the Parks fee grants Connecticut plate holders free access to state parks and beaches. It supports public programs such as enhanced maintenance and increased lifeguard presence across the park system.
Commercial vehicles in Connecticut incur registration fees based on their GVWR. Heavy-duty trucks and truck tractors face a $326 registration fee per year, a $5 plate fee, a $5 Clean Air Act fee, a $25 title fee, a $10 administrative fee, and a $10 lien fee if applicable.
Other vehicle types, such as motorcycles, buses, trailers, and specialized vehicles, have specific registration fees and associated charges.
Cash, money orders, personal and bank checks, and major credit cards are accepted at DMV offices. For online transactions, a receipt can be requested.
For more information about vehicle registration fees in Connecticut, the CT DMV offers a comprehensive page detailing all possible registration fees.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, vehicle owners receive renewal notices from the DMV approximately 45 days before their registration expires, providing ample time to complete the process without penalties. It is crucial to renew on time to avoid late fees.
Online Renewal
Vehicle registration in Connecticut can be renewed online for most types, excluding specific categories such as ambulances, fire apparatus, and certain governmental vehicles.
Renewals can be completed conveniently online through the CT DMV's Online Vehicle Registration Renewal service.
Requirements for online renewal include:
- Driver's license or non-driver I.D. card
- Date of birth
- License plate number
- Social Security number
- Credit or debit card
Before initiating the online renewal process, a printer must be prepared. After completing the renewal, the updated registration certificate must be printed to keep in the vehicle.
The renewed registration certificate remains accessible online for 30 days at no additional cost. Registration fees vary depending on the vehicle type. The renewal notice provides detailed fee information.
Individuals representing an organization may access CT DMV's Online Renewal System for Organizations to complete their vehicle registration renewals. This dedicated portal efficiently manages all necessary organizational details.
In-Person Renewal
In Connecticut, all individuals and vehicle types can renew their vehicle registration in person at a local DMV office. Individuals must make an appointment before visiting a DMV office.
After making an appointment at the CT DMV to renew a vehicle registration in person, individuals must bring the renewal invitation on the day of the appointment. If the invitation is unavailable, a driver's license or I.D. card can be used instead.
For those wishing to name a beneficiary for the vehicle, complete the beneficiary form or Form B-58 and attach it to the registration certificate at the end of the renewal process.
Renewal by Mail
Connecticut vehicle owners can conveniently renew their car registration by mail. To initiate the process, individuals should use the bottom portion of their renewal notice and enclose it with the payment for renewal.
If a pre-addressed return envelope is not provided with the renewal notice, vehicle owners should mail the payment to the following address:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 150456
Hartford, CT 06115-0456
For more information on vehicle registration renewal, individuals may refer to the CT DMV's Car Registration Renewal page or contact a local DMV office for assistance and detailed guidance.
How To Check if a Vehicle Is Currently Registered in Connecticut?
To determine a vehicle's current registration status in Connecticut, individuals can utilize the CT DMV's Vehicle Registration Lookup Tool.
Users must accurately enter the vehicle's license plate number exactly as it appears on the registration document. The correct plate class (e.g., passenger, commercial) is also necessary to obtain accurate registration status information.
In addition to checking the registration status, the lookup tool allows users to verify the registration's expiration date and any outstanding compliance issues, such as unpaid fees or required emissions testing. This can help vehicle owners know their registrations are up to date and avoid potential penalties.
Users can also verify the availability of specific plate combinations and obtain information on specially issued license plates. Furthermore, the tool allows users to access vehicle records associated with a license plate number.
Alternatively, individuals can visit a local CT DMV service center for in-person assistance in verifying the registration status of a specific vehicle. This option is available for those who prefer direct support or encounter difficulties using the online tool.