Connecticut Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Connecticut requires different types of inspections depending on the type of vehicle and whether it was previously titled in a different state.
When registering a vehicle from out-of-state, youll often need to complete:
- A VIN Verification.
- A safety inspection, for some vehicles.
Emissions tests are required for most vehicles every 2 years.
Vehicles exempt from testing include:
- Vehicles less than 4 model-years old.
- Vehicles 1997 and older.
- Vehicle weighing 10,001 lbs or more.
- Composite vehicles.
Many CT DMV offices accept cash or major credit cards for payment.
How To Register Your New Or Used Vehicle In Ct
In order to register your vehicle in Connecticut, your vehicle must first meet the state’s requirements for compliance.
You will not be able to register your vehicle in Connecticut if:
- You have had your vehicle registration privilege suspended.
- You owe property tax payments.
- You have unpaid parking tickets.
For more information about compliance requirements, see the Registration Renewal Compliance Messages and Other Requirements page.
Make sure you have an active car insurance policy when registering your vehicle.
Compare rates and buy your policy online: Visit the Insurance Center > >
Purchasing A Vehicle From A Private Party In Ct
Connecticut residents who purchased a vehicle from a private party and wish to operate the vehicle must follow these steps:
- If the previous owner has returned the vehicle plates and canceled the registration, Connecticut residents, need to transfer the vehicles title and register the vehicle in their name before the vehicle can be driven.
- If the previous owner of the vehicle has not returned the plates or canceled the registration, the new owner can operate the vehicle on Connecticut highways and roadways. The vehicles title should be transferred and be registered in the new vehicle owners name as soon as possible.
- If the previous vehicle owner didnt register the car for some time, and an emissions test is required, the new vehicle owner needs to contact the CT DMV to apply for temporary registration and have the vehicle inspected and registered.
Residents of Connecticut can contact theConnecticut DMV for more information regarding temporary registration.
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What Do I Need To Register My Car In Connecticut
There are a few documents youll generally always need to provide when registering a vehicle through the CT DMV.
To register your vehicle in Connecticut, you should always be prepared with:
- Proof of ownership .
- Proof of your current Connecticut auto insurance policy.
- A completed Connecticut Vehicle Registration Application .
- Your valid drivers license and drivers license number.
- Proof of your residency in the county where you are registering the vehicle.
For used vehicles, you may also need to present:
- The signed and filled out Connecticut Certificate of Title from the previous owner.
- A Bill of Sale.
- License plates, if you plan on transferring old plates to the new vehicle.
For out-of-state vehicles being registered in Connecticut, you may also need to be prepared with:
- A VIN Verification/VIN Inspection completed by a licensed Connecticut VIN inspector.
- The out-of-state Certificate of Title and/or registration documentation.
How To Change Your Address On Your Connecticut Car Registration By Mail
The standard method to change a car registration address in Connecticut involves mailing a written request to the DMV Data Entry Change of Address Unit in Wethersfield. Note that the application form necessary to complete the address change on an auto registration varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or a business. To successfully update your vehicle registration address in CT as an individual applicant, for instance, you will be required to fill out the Individual Change of Address Application.
If you are changing the car registration address for a vehicle belonging to a business, on the other hand, you will be required to submit the DMV B-58 ORG form. After receiving your request to change car registration address in CT, the department will update your DMV records.
Note that, if you would like to obtain a duplicate registration card that displays your new address, you will be required to complete the standard car registration replacement process. Otherwise, you can simply cross out the old address and write the new one on your current registration certificate.
Note: Prior to mailing the address change request form, ensure that it is properly filled out with accurate information and that it bears your legal signature.
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Important Terms For A Bill Of Sale
- Seller: The person or party that is releasing the property.
- Buyer: the person or party that is taking possession of the property in exchange for consideration
- Date of sale: The date that the sale took place
- Price: The price paid for the property
- Sales tax: Indicates whether or not sales tax was collected
- Description: A description of the property being sold, including make, model, year, and VIN
- As-is: Indicates that the item was sold as-is and without any warranties
- Signature/Certification: The signature of the seller and/or buyer in-person signatures are always valid, but you can use PandaDoc to obtain a legal digital signature
Connecticut Dmv Address Change Fees
The Connecticut address change on car registration is a procedure that can be finalized without paying any fees, since the state DMV only updates its database without issuing a new document. However, if you are changing your vehicle registration address and completing another DMV transaction at the same time, you will be required to pay a certain fee.
For instance, when obtaining a duplicate car registration with your new address, you will be required to pay for the $25 manufacturing cost of the new registration certificate. If you request a CT address update on your car registration when renewing your vehicle tags, you will have to remit a two-year $80 renewal fee payment, as well as a $10 Clean Air Act fee.
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How To Change A Car Registration Address In Connecticut
Changing a car registration address in Connecticut is a process that must be completed with the state Department of Motor Vehicles in the event of any changes of the vehicle owners address information. Note that you are required to complete the address change on car registration within a limited time period, according to state law.
Also, the procedure to change car registration address in CT may vary slightly depending on whether you are applying as an individual or a representative of a business or an organization. To find out more information in a straightforward manner, continue reading the following sections.
Just Moved To Connecticut Register Your Out
New residents of CT have 90 days to transfer their out-of-state registrations.
To do so, youll need to:
- Visit your local CT DMV office.
- Complete a VIN Verification with an authorized inspector.
- Pass an emissions test.
- Submit your out-of-state Certificate of Title and registration paperwork.
- Complete a CT title and registration application.
- Provide proof of your CT car insurance policy.
- Pay your tax, title, and registration fees.
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Car Insurance In Connecticut Via Waycom
Car insurance coverage shopping might be time-consuming, but if you do your homework and shop around, youll be rewarded with better coverage at a lower price.
Way.com gives you a head start with our analysis of the best car insurance companies in Connecticut based on financial strength, customer service, protection, and price, all of which might influence your insurance coverage experience.
Register A Car Purchased From A Private Party In Ct
If youve bought a vehicle from a private seller, youll need to complete the registration steps yourself.
To register the vehicle, youll need to:
- Visit your local CT DMV office or DMV service center.
- Have passed a safety inspection, emissions test or VIN verification, if applicable.
- Complete an Application for Registration and Title .
- Present the Bill of Sale and signed-over title from the previous owner.
- Provide proof of your CT insurance policy.
- Pay your registration and title fees.
Note that if the previous owner has already canceled their registration and returned the CT license plates, youll need to complete the transfer and registration steps before you can legally drive the vehicle yourself.
If needed, you can apply for a temporary registration from the CT DMV.
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Connecticut Car Registration Requirements
The state DMV will issue a car registration in Connecticut only to applicants who meet the full set of applicable requirements. The standard prerequisites to get vehicle registration documents are explored below:
- You have the vehicle ownership document, such as a reassigned title or an out-of-state title certificate.
- Vehicles older than 20 model years do not require a title.
You must apply for a CT DMV registration within a certain time period after obtaining the vehicle or transferring within the state. For example, if you are a new state resident, you must complete the vehicle registration process within 60 days of moving from another state.
Ct Car Registration Fee
Connecticut vehicle registration fees depend on the type of car you own and its weight. Heres a breakdown of the charges.
- Passenger Cars $120 for three years
- Commercial vehicles the price depends on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating but starts at $47 for one year
- Electric Vehicles $57 for three years
- Truck $326 for one year
- Motorhome $112.50 for three years
Car registrants may incur the following extra costs.
- Passport to the Parks fee $15
- Administrative fee $10
- Clean Air Act Fee $5
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fee $10
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Connecticut Liability Insurance Requirements
All registered vehicles must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance.
- $25,000 bodily injury per person.
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident.
- $25,000 property damage per accident.
If you allow your insurance coverage to lapse at any time, your registration may be suspended or revoked.
Need more help? Visit our Insurance Center for additional information on CT insurance requirements and licensed providers.
Registering A Leased Vehicle In Connecticut
Connecticut residents who are registering a leased vehicle, need to follow the above steps for registering a new or used vehicle in their state. In addition to the above-stated documentation, Connecticut residents also need:
- The leasing license on file with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Residents of Connecticut can call 263-5056 to verify the license and address of the leasing company before they attempt the registration process.
The current leasing companys name and address need to be on the Application for Registration and Certificate of Title . The legal power of attorney also needs to sign the form.
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Renewing Your Registration In Connecticut
NOTE: The CT DMV mails renewal notices approximately 45 days before the date your current registration expires. Even if you did not receive a notice, you still have to renew your registration before the expiration date.
In Connecticut, you can renew your vehicle registration online, or in person at your local CT DMV office. In Connecticut, you must renew your vehicle registration every2 years.
Renew online up to 30 days after the expiration of your registration. The CT DMV will assess a $10 late penalty 5 days after expiration.
Your renewal notice contains the following details:
- Your renewal fees
You cannot renew CT vehicle registration if any of the following apply:
- You have unpaid property taxes or parking tickets.
- Your insurance coverage is expired or invalid.
- Your vehicle does not pass its Connecticut emissions test.
- The CT DMV suspended your registration privileges.
To learn more about renewing your Connecticut vehicle registration, see Connecticut Renewals.
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You Can Have Your Registration Mailed To A Different Address
To have your registration documents mailed to an address that is different from what will be printed on your registration document, include a separate note with your Vehicle Registration/Title Application , and clearly print the alternate address. Do not write the alternate address on your application. If you do, DMV will prints the alternate address on your registration document and registration record.
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Boat Registration Fees In Connecticut
The fees associated with titling and registering a boat with the Department of Motor Vehicles are as follows:
- Registration/renewal fees: Varies depending on the boats length, building materials, and type. See the Connecticut DMVs chart of registration fees for details.
- Titling fee: $25.
Wethersfield, CT 06161
More Info For Transfer Your Registration And Title From Out Of State
The Massachusetts certificate of title will be processed and mailed in approximately 6 to 8 weeks. If you have a loan on the vehicle, the title will be mailed directly to your lienholder.
Vehicles exempt from Massachusetts sales tax
If while a resident of another state your vehicle was either purchased and registered in that state for more than 6 months or purchased in Massachusetts more than 6 months ago but was delivered to you out of Massachusetts by the seller, you are exempt from paying Massachusetts sales tax. When registering a vehicle purchased in Massachusetts that was delivered to another state, you must submit a copy of the bill of sale or dealer invoice, and a copy of your letter of delivery, which must be signed under the pains and penalties of perjury. The letter of delivery must include all of the following information:
- The name, address, and telephone number of the seller
- The name of the person who delivered the vehicle
- The date the vehicle was delivered
- The address to which the vehicle was delivered
- The name of the person who took delivery of the vehicle
- The vehicles odometer reading before and after the delivery
- The method of delivery
- The signature of the seller or an authorized representative if a dealer
Note: If the seller is a dealer or company, the letter of delivery must be on the dealership or company letterhead.
Vehicles not exempt from Massachusetts sales tax
Bringing leased vehicles to Massachusetts
Information on Massachusetts Vehicle Excise Tax
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Motorcycle Registration Fees In Connecticut
The exact fees to register a motorcycle in the state of Connecticut will be listed on the residents renewal notice. Below is a list of the possible fees that are due during registration:
- Registration fee: $63.
- Title fee : $25.
- Motorcycle license plate: $5.
- Clean Air Act fee: $10.
- Passport to the Parks fee: $5 per year.
- Lien fee : $10.
- Sales and use tax: Vary according to the purchase price.
- Expired less than 3 years: $10.
- Expired 2 years or longer: Re-registration is required
After Purchasing A Vehicle
A Connecticut bill of sale is required to transfer ownership of any motorized vehicle that is registered with the states Department of Motor Vehicles . Buyers and sellers should complete this form for the legal transfer of property such as cars, trucks, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles .
After you purchase a vehicle in Connecticut, you have 30 days to register it with the DMV. The documentation that you need to bring with you includes:
- A valid bill of sale
- Proof of insurance
- An acceptable form of identification
If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, they will take care of the registration for you.
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Expired Vehicle Registrations In Connecticut
CT residents who have a vehicle with an expired registration, need to re-register their vehicle with the state of Connecticut.
If the CT vehicles registration has been expired for less than 2 years, Connecticut residents can visit their local Connecticut DMV office and submit:
- Their vehicles license plate number or registration renewal notice document.
- Their valid Connecticut drivers license.
- Ensure their vehicle doesnt have any outstanding compliance issues, including:
- Failed emissions test requirements.
- Owed parking tickets.
- Owing money for property taxes.
Connecticut residents are required to pay the states registration fee and a $10 late fee.
Connecticut vehicle registrations that have been expired for longer than 2 years, in addition to the steps listed above, residents of this state need to submit a completed Official Registration of a Motor Vehicle and Application for Certificate of Title . New license plates will be issued for the vehicle.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Address On Your Connecticut Car Registration
Vehicle owners should know how to change a car registration address when they make changes to their physical and/or mailing address. However, other circumstances may also require you to change your vehicle registration address with the state DMV.
For example, if you were incorrectly issued a registration certificate with the wrong address, you can request that the department rectifies the mistake and updates your vehicle records. Note that, you will also complete the CT address update on car registration if you relocate within Connecticut from another state.
Note: After your address, your drivers license address will also be updated, since the state DMV links your vehicle and driving license records.
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Registering A Used Car In Connecticut
To successfully register your vehicle in Connecticut after purchasing it from a private party, on the other hand, you will be required to both transfer the vehicle ownership and apply for registration documents yourself. To get a car registration in such cases, follow these steps: