Registration Renewal in Connecticut

Introduction

You must renew your vehicle’s registration every two years, as required by the CT Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you're 65 or older, you may elect to renew annually, and if you own a commercial vehicle, you'll renew semi-annually or annually.

Connecticut Registration Renewal Notice

The DMV sends registration renewal notices approximately 45 days before the expiration date. On it you'll find:

• Registration deadline
• Renewal fee
• Emissions test requirements
• Delinquency issues (unpaid taxes, parking tickets, insurance lapse, etc.) that must be taken care of before you can renew your registration
• Your new registration certificate, which is the middle portion of the notice (don’t throw it away!)

Didn’t Receive a Renewal Notice?

If you did not receive a renewal notice, contact the DMV via an online form. Keep in mind that even though you did not receive a notice, you are still required to renew by your registration certificates's expiration date.

If you moved and did not update your new address with the DMV, you may not receive a renewal notice. To update, submit a completed Change of Address application to the address located on the bottom of the form.

For more information, visit our Changing Your Address page.

CT Registration Renewal

Renew Online

To use this option, you must have an online PIN listed on your renewal notice and:

• Not have a suspended registration
• Not have any outstanding parking tickets or delinquent taxes
• Not be more than 30 days past your registration's expiration date
• Have your current address on file with the DMV
• Have valid car insurance
• Have proof of meeting emissions test requirements

If you qualify, follow the instructions found on the online renewal page. You will need:

• Your PIN, class code and license plate number (all found on your renewal notice)
• Proof of car insurance
• A valid e-mail address
• MasterCard or Visa to pay registration renewal fee

Allow 10 days to receive your new registration certificate in the mail. For peace of mind, confirm your online application was received by the DMV.

If after 10 days the DMV shows no sign of your application, call (800) 842-8222.

Renew by Mail

Mail the following:

• Your completed registration renewal notice
• Proof of payment of municipal property taxes, if applicable
• Emissions documents, if applicable
• Payment for fees using bank check, personal check, or money order

Mail to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 150444

• Hartford, CT 06115-0444

Connecticut Registration Renewal Fees

Your renewal notice will indicate the amount owed on your vehicle. Registration fees vary based on vehicle type:

• Passenger Vehicles―$80 ($40 for 65 or older renewing annually)
• Trucks, station wagons, and SUVs―$94 (fees increase based on weight)
• Motorcycles―$42
• Commercial Vehicle fees vary based on the vehicle’s weight and renewal cycle (e.g. semi-annual or annual)
• Federal Clean Air Act Fee for gas and diesel-powered vehicles only― $10 ($5 for residents 65 or older on an annual renewal cycle)

Renewal Late Fees and Penalties

• A $10 late fee for failing to register within five calendar days after your registration's expiration date
• If required to get your emissions tested, but fail to do so within 30 days of your test date, you'll be docked a $20 late fee
• After 30 calendar days, you may be denied from renewing online

Tax Deduction on Registration Cost?

Connecticut does not offer tax deductions on vehicle registrations.

Registration Renewal for CT Military Members

If you’re on active duty or have been honorably discharged from service in the past two years, you may be able to waive the registration renewal fee.

To apply for the fee waiver, submit to your local DMV Office:

• A completed waiver application form B-276.
• A copy of your military ID (if still serving)
• A copy of your orders showing that you're either currently on active duty, or were honorably discharged within the last two years

Non-Operational Vehicle

If you plan to register a non-operational vehicle, keep in mind you must also maintain insurance coverage. Otherwise, cancel your registration and insurance, and return the vehicle's license plates to the CT DMV.

When you're ready to renew the registration on a non-operational vehicle, visit your local DMV office with:

• The vehicle's license plate number or expired registration certificate
• Your CT driver’s license
• A completed registration application, which you must request via an online application
• Proof of auto insurance coverage
• Proof of a completed emissions test, if applicable
• Payment for registration fees (see above)
• Payment for new license plates if your vehicle’s registration has been expired for more than one year

CT Emissions Testing

If an emissions test is required, you'll receive a testing notification postcard in the mail at least 45 days before you have to renew your registration.

Additional information regarding Connecticut Emissions Testing requirements, including fees and extensions, may be found on our Emissions page.

Connecticut Liability Insurance Requirements

All registered vehicles must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance.

• $20,000 bodily injury per person
• $40,000 bodily injury per accident
• $10,000 property damage per accident

If you allow your insurance coverage to lapse at any time, your registration may be suspended or revoked.

Need more help? Visit our Insurance Center for additional information on CT insurance requirements and licensed providers.

Replacement Certificates, Stickers, and License Plates

Visit our License Plates & Placards page for information on obtaining replacement plates, or go to our Replacing a Lost Registration page for help on obtaining replacement license plate stickers.

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