Applying for Special Plates in Connecticut
In Connecticut, you can apply for most special plates in person, by mail or online. You can also order most styles as personalized vanity plates. You renew your plates along with your registration renewal. If you need to replace your lost, stolen, or damaged specialty plates, you'll do so with standard plates BEFORE you get identical replacements. If you sell your car, you can transfer your plates to another car registered in your name. Fees for special plates vary by type.
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers several different special license plates for registered vehicles within the state.
Continue reading to learn more about applying for special plates in CT.
Applying for Special CT License Plates
To apply for several types of specialty plates in Connecticut, take the following steps:
- Complete a Special Order Plate Application (Form M-22).
- Submit the application and payment for the fee:
- In person at your local DMV.
OR - By mail to the address listed on the form.
- In person at your local DMV.
Most of the plate designs available through this application process are available off the shelf. This means that you can obtain these plates when you visit the DMV to register a new car. This does NOT apply to plates you wish to have personalized.
Veteran Plates
In addition to taking the above steps, anyone ordering a Veteran plate must also submit one of the following:
- DD 214.
- Active service ID.
- Connecticut license or ID with U.S. flag symbol.
Disability Plates
Currently, Connecticut only offers disability plates to qualifying people with registered motorcycles.
Parking permits for drivers with disabilities are available for passenger vehicles.
For more detailed information, visit our CT Disability Plates and Placards page.
Other Specialty License Plates
The Connecticut DMV offers several specialty plates that are not listed on the Special Order Plate Application (Form M-22).
For information on how to apply for these special plates:
- Visit the CT DMV website.
- Click on your desired plate.
- Use the contact information provided.
Vanity (Personalized) Plates
You can use the Special Order Plate Application (Form M-22) to order a personalized plate with a standard or special design background.
Completed applications for vanity plates must be submitted by mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Customized Plates Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Renewing CT Specialty Plates
Your license plates are renewed as part of your vehicle registration renewal.
Not that some plates will require an additional plate renewal fee on top of your normal registration renewal fees.
For more information, visit our Registration Renewal page.
Fees for Plate Applications
Specialty license plate fees vary depending on plate type. You can find detailed fee tables on the Special Order Plate Application (Form M-22).
For information about fees for plates not listed in the form, contact the individual listed under your desired plate on the CT DMV website.
Replacing & Transferring a CT Specialty Plate
Replacing Special Plates
If your Connecticut specialty license plates are stolen or purposefully damaged, make a report to the police as soon as possible.
To get replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged plates, bring the following to your local DMV Hub or Limited Service Office:
- A written police report (if you have one).
- Any remaining plates (if only one was stolen, lost, or damaged).
- Your registration certificate.
- Your current auto insurance card.
- A completed Lost or Stolen Maker Plate (Form E-159).
- A completed Registration Affidavit (Form B-301).
- Payment for the $5 replacement fee.
- NOTE: If you do not have a police report, the replacement fee will be $25.
You will be issued off-the-shelf plates to replace your lost, stolen, or damaged, plates. If you want identical replacement plates, you must then:
- Wait 10 months from the date your plates were reported stolen or lost to apply.
- Complete and submit a Replacement Application Identical Plate Form (Form E-45).
- Pay the $45 replacement fee.
If you do not order an identical replacement of your plates, the DMV can release your plate number to the general public.
Transferring Specialty Plates
If you sell a vehicle with specialty plates, you may transfer those plates to another car that is currently registered under your name.
There will be a $21 transfer fee.
Contact your local DMV for more information on how to transfer your plates.
