Run a free Connecticut license plate lookup when buying a used car in Connecticut. This will help you avoid buying a vehicle with hidden issues. All vehicles in Connecticut are tied to their license plate numbers. You can use this information to start with your vehicle research with a few clicks on your computer. Take note of the license plate number and run a license plate lookup search.

VinCheck.info offers free Connecticut license plate lookup. Using Connecticut license plates, you can get vehicle reports at no cost. A vehicle report from VinCheck.info contains:

• Market Value
• Vehicle Specifications
• Equipment Details
• Fuel Efficiency
• Connecticut DMV Data
• Safety Rating
• Inspection Checklist
• Current Warranty
• NMVTIS Vehicle History Report

Connecticut License Plate Information

The Connecticut DMV handles the title and registration in the state. New residents have 60 days to transfer their registration to the state. The title is often provided a month after the registration is completed. Most vehicles must undergo VIN verification and emissions testing to register and title.

The processing time for a title can take approximately 30 days or longer to be completed after the date of the vehicle registration.

Connecticut residents have variety of special license plates to choose from. Eligibility requirements for special plates for non-profit organizations are included, as are special requirements for the application. Most vehicles are requiredl to display two plates; one for the front and one for the back. Motorcycles and trailers are required one plate for the rear only.

Special Connecticut License Plates

There are eleven (11) types of plates being issued in the state of Connecticut. Please be aware of the requirements for each style of plate.

1. Animal Plates
2. City and Town Plates
3. College Plates
4. Environmental Plates
5. Military and Veteran Plates
6. Organization Plates
7. Police and Fire Organization Plates
8. Recreational Plates
9. Vanity Plates
10. Varied Interest Plates

Special plates can be requested through an online application. You may also send an application form at a DMV office.

Transferring of License Plates in Connecticut

You may request a plate transfer between vehicles you own. Or, with their consent, you may trade plates with a family member. Visit the Transfer Your Plate page for the specifics and associated costs.

Connecticut License Plate Replacement

Request replacement plates online if your current plate is damaged or missing. The DMV branch may ask for more requirements in case of stolen plates.

General requirements for vehicle registration/titling

For vehicle purchased from a dealership, the dealer normally processes the paperwork on their buyer’s behalf. If it came from a private seller, the buyer needs to process the paperwork himself. The DMV may apply charges that are usually covered by the dealer.

• Connecticut Emissions Test
• Proof of Valid Insurance Premium
• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Ownership
• Bill of Sale
• Registration/Title Application Form
• Payment

Acceptable proof of ownership

• Connecticut Title
• Bill of Sale
• Motor Vehicle Ownership Affidavit
• Out-of-state Title
• Out-of-state Registration

Acceptable proof of identity

• Driver’s License
• ID Card
• Connecticut Driving Permit
• U.S. Passport
• Military ID
• Tribal Identification Card

Minimum insurance coverage required in the state

• $25,000 bodily injury per person.
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 property damage per accident.

Title re-application

If the title is not acquired in time, it can be re-applied for free 90 days after the initial request. However, they must first confirm your non-receipt. Afterward, they may provide a new title within 30 days.

Lost/damaged title

Request a replacement title at a Connecticut DMV office near you.

What if there is a lien?

The lienholder gets the title if the car has a lien. The same rule applies to replacement title requests. To avoid this, remove any existing lien before proceeding with your request.

What vehicles are exempted from titling in Connecticut?

• Units with more than 20 (model) years
• Nonresident vehicle
• Special mobile equipment
• Trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 lbs and below
• Snowmobile
• ATV

What vehicles are exempted from emissions testing in Connecticut?

• Units with model years between 2016 and 2019
• Units with 1994 model years and older
• Units with GVWR of 10,001 pounds and more
• Units titled as ‘composite vehicles’
• All-electric vehicles
• Vehicles with ‘Dealer’, ‘Repairer’, and ‘Transporter” plates

Salvage Vehicle

Any unit with a repair cost that exceeds its market value may be deemed ‘salvage’. The same applies to cars declared as ‘total loss’ by their insurance companies.

The damage may have come from:

• Collision
• Fire
• Flood
• Accident
• Trespass
• Others

What you need to provide:

• Salvage Inspection ($88)
• Receipts for major parts used in rebuilding
• Copy of Salvage Insurance Appraisal
• Salvaged Vehicle Repair Report (Form K-186)
• Images of repaired/replaced areas
• Images of the vehicle’s four corners
• Images of the vehicle prior to modification
• Airbag Certification

Salvage inspection can be done at either Wethersfield or Hamsden office.

Mailing the Connecticut DMV

Aside from over-the-counter approach, you may also mail your concerns. Simply send your mail to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06161

Can you request a vehicle history report from the DMV?

You may request vehicle data, like mileage and attributes, from the DMV. Fill out the Title Records Request form and submit it to the address above.

More Resources for Connecticut Drivers:

• Connecticut Driver’s License and ID
• Connecticut Vehicle Registration
• Connecticut Vehicle Registration Renewal
• Connecticut Title Services
• Connecticut Driver Manuals

Buying a used car in Connecticut?  Don’t make a costly mistake. Run a Free License Plate Lookup for your Connecticut-registered vehicle!

1. Check for accidents. Every year, approximately 6.0 million automobile accidents are reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2. Check for title brands. Flood, hail-damage, and salvage titles are examples of critical title brands.
3. Check for special purpose designations, including taxi-use, rental-use, or police-use.
4. Check for thefts. Lookup a VIN to check for an active theft or previously recovered theft record.

Run a Free Connecticut License Plate Lookup to uncover the full-story of your Connecticut-registered vehicle.