Connecticut’s landscape features diverse terrain, from coastal plains along the Long Island Sound to rolling hills and forests inland. This picturesque scenery includes charming coastal towns, historic villages, and vibrant cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, boating, and numerous parks scattered throughout the state.

As of 2022, 91.5 percent of households in Connecticut have at least one car, reflecting a strong car ownership culture. The used car market offers a wide selection through dealerships, private sellers, and online platforms. However, buyers should be aware that Connecticut is the most expensive state for car repairs, averaging $418.37 for check engine light issues. This thriving market also presents fraud risks, such as title washing, odometer rollback, and undisclosed damage. To safeguard against these, buyers should use tools like license plate lookups and
vehicle history reports to verify the vehicle’s past and current condition. These resources help buyers make informed decisions, ensuring a smoother and safer buying process in Connecticut’s used car market.

VinCheck.info empowers used car buyers in Connecticut by offering a free license plate lookup and free vehicle history reports. With this invaluable service, buyers can obtain crucial information about a vehicle’s history, ownership, and potential issues at absolutely no cost. By utilizing VinCheck.info’s free CT license plate lookup, Connecticut residents can make informed decisions, identify any red flags, and ensure a smoother and safer purchasing process in the state’s dynamic used car market.

Connecticut Plate Serial Format:
AB·12345

To contact the Connecticut DMV:

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
860-263-5700 (within Hartford area or outside of Connecticut)
800-842-8222 (elsewhere in Connecticut)
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
DMV contact form (General questions)

Connecticut License Plate FAQs

How do I register my vehicle and obtain Connecticut license plates?

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. Most vehicles are required to display two plates; one for the front and one for the back. Motorcycles and trailers are required one plate for the rear only.

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

What are the general requirements for vehicle registration or 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 Titlel
• 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.

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.

What are the types of license plates offered in Connecticut?

These are the types of plates being issued in the state of Connecticut. Please be aware of the requirements for each style of plate.

1. 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

Eligibility requirements for special plates for non-profit organizations are included, as are special requirements for the application. Special plates can be requested through an online application.  You may also send an application form at a DMV office.

How do I transfer my Connecticut license plates to a new vehicle?

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.

How can I replace a lost or stolen Connecticut license plate?

If your Connecticut license plate is lost or stolen, you must report it to the police and obtain a copy of the police report. Then, visit a DMV office with the report, your vehicle registration, and a valid ID to apply for a replacement plate. Request a replacement title at a Connecticut DMV office near you.

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.

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.

Enter a Connecticut License Plate: