Motorcycle Registration in Connecticut

If you are a Connecticut resident, you are required to register your motorcycle with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you can legally operate it on the road.

Whether you're new to the state, want to renew your registration, or have just purchased a new motorcycle, follow these steps to make the process as quick and simple as possible.

New to Connecticut

Once you've established residency in Connecticut, you'll have 60 days to register your motorcycle with the CT DMV. You'll first need to have your motorcycle's vehicle identification number (VIN) verified at an approved inspection station.

Next, visit your local CT DMV office and submit:

  • Proof of identity.
  • An Application for Certificate of Title/Registration (Form H-13B).
  • Proof of vehicle ownership.
    • If your motorcycle was purchased outside Connecticut, you'll need to bring your out-of-state registration and title*.
    • If your vehicle is leased, you'll need to have a copy of your title from your lienholder.
  • Your VIN verification.
  • Connecticut motorcycle insurance.
  • A copy of your bill of sale.
  • Payment for the $63 registration fee, $10 administration fee, plus any other applicable taxes and fees.
    • If your motorcycle was registered in your name for at least 30 days in your previous state, you will NOT have to pay sales tax on your transaction.

*NOTE: If it is a model year older than 20 years old, you do not need a title.

CT Motorcycle Registration & Exemptions

New Motorcycles

If you purchased a new motorcycle in Connecticut from an authorized dealer, the dealership will typically register it for you. Sales tax and other registration fees may be applied to the purchase price. Ask your dealer if they'll require any additional information to complete the process.

In most instances, the dealership will issue temporary registration and tags until all paperwork has been submitted. You should receive your permanent registration in the mail.

Used Motorcycles

When you purchase a used motorcycle from a private CT seller, you will be required to complete the registration in person at your local DMV office.

You'll need to provide:

*NOTE: If the vehicle's model year is over 20 years old, you do NOT need a title.

Exemptions

If you are a non-resident of Connecticut residing in the state temporarily as a member of the Armed Forces or because of university attendance as a student, you may be exempt from registering your motorcycle.

However, you will be required to maintain current registration in your state of residence.

For Connecticut military members stationed in another state, you may be exempt from registration fees at the time of renewal by completing an Application for Waiver of Registration Fee (Form B-276). Contact your local CT DMV office for additional information.

CT Motorcycle Registration Renewals

If you have a current mailing address on file, you will be mailed a renewal notice for your Connecticut motorcycle registration 45 days prior to your registration's expiration date.

Your motorcycle registration renewal notice will contain the following information:

  • The registration expiration date.
  • Exact registration fees and taxes.
  • Any unpaid fees that may prevent renewal, such as:
    • Parking tickets.
    • Taxes.
  • A registration certificate (to be retained).

If you do not receive a renewal notice, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles through the online renewal request form.

In most counties, you will be able to renew your CT motorcycle registration:

  • Online.
  • In person.
  • By mail.

You are allowed a grace period of 5 calendar days after expiration of your registration before you will be assessed a $10 late fee. Once your registration has lapsed for 2 years or longer, you will be required to submit a new registration application.

Online

You can submit your motorcycle registration renewal online up to the length of your previous registration period..

To renew your Connecticut motorcycle's registration online, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles' online registration page and be able to provide:

  • Information from your renewal notice, to include your:
    • PIN.
    • Class code.
    • License plate number.
  • Proof of motorcycle insurance.
  • A valid e-mail address.
  • Payment for the $63 renewal fee along with the $10 administration fee, plus any other applicable taxes and fees.

In Person

To renew your motorcycle registration in person, visit your nearest DMV. Make sure to bring your:

  • Current motorcycle registration or renewal notice.
  • Connecticut motorcycle license.
  • Payment for the $10 administration fee and $63 registration fee, plus other fees and taxes that may apply.

By Mail

To renew by mail, send the following to the address below:

  • A completed renewal notice.
  • A check or money order for the $63 registration renewal fee and $10 administration fee, and any other specific fees and taxes you may owe.

Mail all renewals to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 150456
Hartford, CT 06115

Registration Fees for CT Motorcycles

The exact fees to register your motorcycle in Connecticut will be listed on your renewal notice. Below is a list of the possible fees due during registration:

  • Registration fee: $63.
  • Title fee (if applicable): $25.
  • Motorcycle license plate: $5.
  • Administrative fee: $10.
  • Clean Air Act fee: $15.
  • Passport to the Parks fee: $15 per year.
  • Lien fee (if applicable): $25.
  • Sales and use tax: Varies according to the purchase price.
  • Late fees (for expired registrations AFTER grace period of 5 calendar days):

Forms

H-31
Bill of Sale
Use this bill of sale as proof of purchase when you sell a vehicle or vessel in Connecticut.
H-13B
Application for Registration and Certificate of Title
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles' application for vehicle title and registration.
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