Registration Renewal in Connecticut

Connecticut requires that all vehicles be registered, with few exceptions. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) renewals offer different ways of renewing your vehicle’s registration to ensure you don’t miss your registration deadline.

How Do I Renew My Car Registration in Connecticut?

Vehicle registration renewals are a straightforward process required by the Connecticut DMV every two years. Connecticut residents over 65 can renew annually to save money at a discounted rate. 

Whether you are renewing your registration online, by mail, or in person, you must gather the same information. 

Check Your Status Before Registering a Vehicle

Connecticut’s DMV vehicle registration is subject to a state compliance check. If there are compliance issues for the registrant, fees or proof of resolution must be provided before completing  registration:

• Parking Tickets
• Emissions Testing 
• Insurance Compliance
• Commercial Vehicle Safety Records 
• Registration Privilege Suspension
• Delinquent Taxes

Check for compliance issues online before you arrive at the DMV so that you can have the appropriate documentation or payment.

For more information on the emissions test date of your vehicle, Connecticut has an online search using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 

Registration by Individuals

Individuals looking to renew vehicle registration in Connecticut will need a valid Connecticut driver’s license or ID before completing registration. 

• A Personal Identification Number (PIN) or
• A current driver’s license number or Non-Driver ID Number issued by Connecticut
• The First and Last Names as they appear on the license or ID
• Owner’s date of birth as shown on the license or ID

Registration by Organizations or Businesses

Organizations are responsible for contacting the DMV to have their Secretary of State number added to their organization’s customer record before doing business online with the Connecticut DMV. Any organization wanting to register a vehicle in Connecticut must have a Secretary of State number on file before contacting the DMV. 

• The Name the Organization Registered the Car Under 
• Your Secretary of State number

Renew Online

The Connecticut DMV offers online registration services for Individuals and Organizations. VISA, MasterCard, and debit cards with the VISA/MasterCard logo are the only cards accepted for online registration renewal.

Vehicles That Can Renew Registrations Online

Passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, camp trailers, and most commercial vehicles can be registered online with the Connecticut DMV. 

Vehicles that fall outside those categories are not eligible for online registration as additional paperwork is required. People who own cars with delinquency issues or unpaid taxes may not register online. Registrants must make an appointment for any in-person business at the Connecticut DMV.

Print Out Your Registration After Online Registration

Online services require the registrant to print their new registration certificate once it’s complete or keep track of the link to do so later. Connecticut requires the registration to be printed out and kept in your vehicle. 

Renew by Mail

Car owners can complete the renewal of registration by mail. A registration renewal letter will be mailed to the registered owner 45 to 60 days before the expiration date. The bottom section of the renewal notice includes the necessary paperwork to renew by mail. 

If for any reason, you do not have a return envelope, you can mail your payment to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

PO Box 150456

Hartford. CT 06115-0456

You can also make a payment by phone by calling (860) 263-5700.

Renew in Person

The Connecticut DMV’s in-person activities are currently by appointment only. In-person assistance at the Connecticut DMV is limited to specific types of transactions.

Reprinting a Vehicle Registration Certificate Online is Free

There is no fee from the Connecticut DMV for reprinting your current vehicle registration using their online portal. You will need your driver’s license or state ID information and the plate number of your vehicle. 

Connecticut Registration Renewal Notice

The Connecticut DMV mails out an invitation to renew your renewal notice 45 days before the expiration. A mailed reminder may get missed if you have moved and have not yet updated your address. 

Email reminders are available from the Connecticut DMV for registration renewal instead of paper notices. Email reminders need to be requested by the owner.

During the registration renewal process, the owner can provide an email address to request the reminder. 

Didn’t Receive a Renewal Notice?

If you did not receive a renewal notice from the DMV, contact them online. Owners are required to renew their registration by the expiration date, whether the owner received a message or not. 

If the address on your registration needs to be updated, the CT DMV has online and mail-in forms to do so. 

Connecticut Registration Renewal Fees

The cost of car registration renewal fees depends on the type of vehicle. Passenger cars start at $120.00 for the Registration Renewal Fee and may include additional fees for license plates, administrative processing, greenhouse gasses, clean air efforts, and tax-related fees. 

Suppose proof of car insurance is required and you have an insurance lapse in your history. In that case, you must meet the minimum requirements for insurance before the DMV can issue a registration certificate.

Late Fees and Penalties

Late registrations are given a $10.00 fee five days after the registration deadline. Late fees related to emissions deadlines are $20 each, and payment is with a credit card. Late parking tickets will also be due before a new registration certificate can be issued.

If your license has lapsed or you have a new address, you may find additional fees or processing time when renewing your current registration.

Payment Methods

Connecticut’s DMV accepts emissions and car registration payments online, by telephone, and by mail. If your fees are late, use online payments for faster processing. 

Connecticut Emissions Test Requirements

Any vehicle up for renewal needs to pass emissions test requirements before being registered. CT DMV will send an emissions testing notification card to the car’s registered owner before the renewal date. Connecticut allows owners to search for the test date using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 

Any vehicle tested 30 days after the deadline will have a $20 late fee charged to the owner. The fees are due before Connecticut vehicle registration can be renewed or updated. 

Connecticut Registration Refunds

Owners must cancel registrations with the DMV before requesting a registration refund. The owner asks for the cancellation of services through an online portal, but at least one full year must remain on the registration renewal fee to be eligible. Refunds are then requested by mail using their Form F-82 or in person by appointment only.