Special Vehicles in Connecticut

Connecticut law requires you to register ATVs, snowmobiles, RVs, custom-built vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, and boats, just like you register your car.

You will need to go to a full-service DMV office and bring proper ID. The registrations are good for two years.

But if you have overdue property tax bills or parking tickets, you cannot register your vehicles until you have paid off those debts.

ATVs and Snowmobiles

Registering your snowmobile or ATV does not allow you to drive the vehicle on public roads or highways. Violations can result in fines of up to $250.

The rules for registering snowmobiles and ATVs are the same. You need to pay a $20 fee and show the following documents to obtain a two-year registration:

• Bill of sale listing the buyer and seller, purchase price, year, make, model and VIN (vehicle identification number).

• Certificate of origin provided by the dealer for new vehicles. For used snowmobiles or ATVs, you need a prior registration.

• Application for Snowmobile or All-Terrain Vehicle Registration, available at any full-service DMV office. The application needs to be filled out and signed.

Exceptions to Registering

You do not need to register your vehicle if:

• The ATV or snowmobile is registered in another state.

• You only drive the ATV or snowmobile on land you own or lease.

ATV and Snowmobile Registration for Minors

ATVs and snowmobiles can be registered in the name of a minor. The owner must be 16 or 17 years old and show the following documents:

• Signed parental consent form.

• Financial responsibility form with an insurance company. The form must be on file with the DMV before registration will be allowed.

Registering Trailers

New boat trailers, utility trailers, snowmobile trailers, or any trailer for personal use must be registered at the Connecticut DMV.

You need to show the following documents to register a new trailer:

• Bill of sale. For homemade trailers, bring in the sales receipts for purchased parts used to make the trailer.

• Dealer's certificate of origin (required only if the trailer weighs more than 3,000 pounds). Homemade trailers are excluded.

• Application for Registration and Certificate of Title, completed and signed.

Used Trailers

You need to show the following documents for used trailers:

• Bill of sale.

• Proof of previous Connecticut registration (if the trailer weighs 3,000 pounds or less).

• Title properly assigned (if the trailer is over 3,000 pounds and manufactured after 1981).

• Application for Registration and Certificate of Title, completed and signed.

Fees for Trailers

Here is a list of fees for registering and obtaining a title for your trailer:

• Registration: $18-$22.50 (depending on month registered).

• Title: $25 plus $10 for each lien holder for trailers over 3,000 pounds. Trailers manufactured before 1981 are exempt.

• Administrative fee: $10 for trailers previously registered out of state or at least 10 years old.

• Safety plate: $5.

• Temporary plate: $7. If you buy a used trailer that requires inspection, you will be issued a 10-day temporary plate to take the vehicle to an inspection station.

• Sales tax is calculated at 6% of the sales price. If you already paid the sales tax to the dealer or retailer, please make sure it is noted on the bill of sale.

• For homemade trailers, the 6% sales tax is calculated based on the parts purchased to build the trailer, if those items were not taxed previously.

All trailers manufactured after 1967 also require inspection. A VIN number is assigned to homemade trailers when they are inspected.

Refund Request

You can get a refund for the second year of a two-year registration, when you cancel the registration on a snowmobile, camper, or ATV. The license plates need to be returned to the DMV, and there must be a full year remaining on the registration.

You need to complete a Request for Registration Refund form. Take the form and your license plates to your local DMV office.

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