License Plate FAQs

How do I replace my lost set of license plates?

You need to fill out a Marker Plate Notice and a Registration Affidavit. Take the forms to a local DMV office, along with the following:

• Your remaining plate, if you have one.

• Vehicle registration card.

• Your Connecticut Insurance Card.

You will be issued two standard, "off-the-shelf" license plates. If you want to replace a vanity plate, there is a 10-month waiting period before you can re-apply. The fee for your replacement plates is $25.

Do I need to replace my damaged license plates?

You must replace damaged license plates that are hard to read―or illegible―with new ones.

You first need to fill out a Marker Plate Notice and a Registration Affidavit. Take the forms to your local DMV office, along with the following:

• Remaining plate, if there is one.

• Your registration card.

• Your Connecticut Insurance Card.

You will be issued a standard set of plates. The fee is $25.

Should I file a police report if I think someone stole the registration stickers from my license tags?

If you suspect your registration stickers were stolen and your tags intentionally damaged, you need to contact police. The DMV will not charge you for replacement plates if you can show a copy of the police report.

What should I do with my license plates when I sell my car?

Remove the license tags and return them to the DMV with your registration. Make sure that you request that the license tags are canceled. Keep the receipt for your records.

How much does it cost transfer my current license plates to a used vehicle that I just bought?

The cost is $20. You also may be charged a $25 fee, if you need to obtain a title for the car you purchased.

What are windshield registration stickers?

The Connecticut DMV is phasing in new requirements for registration stickers to be placed on windshields instead of license plates. The windshield stickers show an expiration date for the registration.

The program will be phased in over the next two years. The DMV started mailing out the stickers in 2006 with all paid registration renewals.

After I get a windshield registration sticker, what should I do with the registration sticker on the rear license plate?

Police encourage vehicle owners to remove the old sticker or cover it with black marker, but this is not a requirement. Police know to check the vehicle windshield for the registration sticker.

How do I apply for antique plates?

First of all, your vehicle must be at least 25 years old to qualify for these plates. To apply, send a completed application and payment for the $92 fee to the address listed on the form.

See our License Plates and Placards article for more information about this, and how to apply for permission to use the vehicle's original plates.

What should I do with my license plates now that I've moved out of state?

You need to return your registration to the Connecticut DMV and cancel your plates. It is important to cancel the plates so your vehicle won't still be subject to municipal property tax assessments in Connecticut.

If you cannot return the plates in person, you can send them to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• Plate Return

• 60 State St.

• Wethersfield, CT 06161

Make sure you include a written request to cancel the registration.