Car Registration

New Vehicles

If you purchase a new vehicle from a licensed Connecticut dealer, it's likely that the dealer will take care of registration for you as part of the sales process. However, if you must register your new vehicle yourself, you will need to bring the following documents with you to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles:

• Manufacturer's certificate of origin, signed over by the dealer to you, listing any lienholders.

• Federal odometer statement.

• A bill of sale.

• An application for registration and title including full sales tax information.

• Social Security number.

• A valid insurance card in the name of the new vehicle owner(s) or lessee(s).

• Proper ID.

Used Vehicles Previously Registered in Connecticut

You will need to go to a Connecticut DMV office with the following:

• A Connecticut title certificate signed over to you by the previous owner. Any liens must be released. Title certificate not required on vehicles manufactured before 1981.

• A bill of sale.

• An application for registration and title including full sales tax information.

• Social Security number.

• A valid insurance card in the name of the new vehicle owner(s) or lessee(s).

• Proper ID.

Used Vehicles Previously Registered Out of State

If you are taking up residence in Connecticut, you will need to first obtain a temporary registration in order to take the vehicle to undergo an emissions and VIN verification exam. These are required before you may apply for an actual registration. To obtain a temporary registration, go to a full-service or satellite Connecticut DMV office with the following documents:

• A title certificate signed over to you by the previous owner. Any liens must be released. Title certificate not required on vehicles manufactured before 1981.

• A bill of sale.

• An application for registration and title including full sales tax information.

• Social Security number.

• A valid insurance card in the name of the new vehicle owner(s) or lessee(s).

• Proper ID.

The temporary registration is good for 10 days and costs $20. It will allow your vehicle to undergo required testing. If your vehicle passes the inspection, present the vehicle inspection report, along all of the above information, to any DMV office to obtain a standard registration.

Transit Registrations

Vehicles purchased in Connecticut by an out-of-state resident for use and registration in another state must obtain a transit registration to allow the vehicle to be legally driven out of Connecticut. Transit registrations are good for 30 days and cost $20. They can be obtained from any full-service Connecticut DMV office. Make sure to bring the following documents:

• Valid out-of-state driver's license.

• A Connecticut title certificate signed over to you by the previous owner. Any liens must be released. Title certificate not required on vehicles manufactured before 1981.

• A bill of sale.

• An application for registration and title including full sales tax information.

• Social Security number.

• A valid insurance card in the name of the new vehicle owner(s) or lessee(s).

• Proper ID.

Minors and Vehicle Registrations

Any Connecticut resident 16 years or older may register a motor vehicle with the Connecticut DMV office. However, those under 18 must meet these requirements:

• Present a signed parental consent form.

• Complete a proof of financial responsibility form with an insurance company. The form must be on file with the DMV before registration will be allowed.

Non-Operational Vehicles

Connecticut does not offer special registrations for vehicles than are non-operable.

Vehicles Purchased on the Internet

Buying or selling a vehicle over the Internet requires that you go through all the same steps as with any other vehicle, new or used, purchased in-state, or out-of-state.

Delinquent Taxes or Parking Tickets

If you have delinquent property taxes or unpaid parking tickets, you need to pay them off before attempting to register a vehicle or renewing a registration. The DMV is plugged into a statewide database that allows it to monitor money owed to any municipality in the state. The DMV is aware of your debts, and will refuse to perform any paperwork for you until you provide proof that they have been paid to the appropriate municipality. The DMV will not accept payment of such debts; you must remedy the situation, and then return to the DMV once it has been resolved.

Fees

Here are current non-commercial registration fees from the Connecticut DMV:

• Passenger cars―$75 for two-year registration (residents 65 and older may choose a one-year registration for $38).

• Combination vehicles (trucks, station wagons, SUVs)―Based on weight, minimum of $81 for two-year registration. See online chart.

• Motorcycle―$40 for two-year registration.

• Trailer―$18 for two-year registration.

Renewals

Connecticut registration renewals may only be done by mail―no Internet or in-person renewals are accepted. The Connecticut DMV will notify registration-holders by mail of the upcoming renewal and enclose a form. Complete and sign the form, enclose the renewal fee, and mail to:

• State of Connecticut

• P.O. Box 8013

• Bridgeport, CT 06601-4013

If you know your registration is set to expire in less than 60 days and you have not yet received a renewal form, you should contact the DMV telephone center or send an email to: dmv.phonecenter@dmvct.org.

Replacements

To replace a lost, stolen, or destroyed Connecticut registration, you must go to any full-service or branch Connecticut DMV office and pay a $20 fee. You may also request a replacement by mail. Send a request and a check for $20 to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• Customized Services Division―Duplicate Registrations

• 60 State St.

• Wethersfield, CT 06161

Make sure to include your license plate number on all checks and correspondence with the DMV.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're just visiting the United States and have a valid license from your country, you may drive up to a year while in Connecticut as long as you also obtain an International Driver Permit.

The permit, which basically translates your driver's license to make it understandable to U.S. officials, must be obtained through your home country. Be sure to keep both the permit and your driver's license with you whenever you're driving.

If you're a full-time student in the United States with a student visa, you may drive with a valid license issued from your country and the International Driver Permit. You can do this as long as you remain a full-time student, and your visa and license remain current.

Applying for a License

You must be legally considered a resident of Connecticut in order to apply for a state driver's license.

However, if you have a current license issued in France, Canada, Germany, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands your license is treated as a U.S. out-of-state license.

If you're in this category, you don't need to take any tests to convert your license. But, you do need to apply for a license within 30 days of becoming a resident. To apply for a license, follow the rules outlined for drivers with out-of-state licenses. Be aware you will have to give up your home country license to the DMV after receiving your Connecticut license.

If you're not from any of the areas mentioned, you will need to follow these guidelines to obtain a license. Among other things, you'll need to verify your legal status within the country and residency in Connecticut, and provide your state insurance card as well as a photograph of yourself. Then, you'll need to pass the vision, knowledge, and road tests.

You may retain your license from your home country, even after being granted a Connecticut license.