New to Connecticut

SUMMARY: New Connecticut Residents

New residents of Connecticut have a lot of tasks to complete upon moving; these include registering your car with the state, applying for a CT driver's license, and registering to vote. If you're a military member recently stationed in Connecticut, check for any licensing or registration exemptions that may apply to you.

If you're registering a car, getting a Connecticut driver's license, or registering to vote, this guide will help you with all the things you need to do as a new resident of the state.

Connecticut State Agencies

It's good to get familiar with the state departments that handle your affairs once you're a CT resident.

In Connecticut, the main agency responsible for licensing and registration services is the Department of Motor Vehicles. Traffic tickets in the state are handled by the Connecticut Judicial Branch, and voter registration is overseen by the Secretary of the State.

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

Register a Car in Connecticut

If you're a new resident to the state, you have 60 days to register your vehicle with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). For more information about the process, please refer to our Car Registration in Connecticut page.

Special Vehicles

If you own a special vehicle such as a recreational vehicle (RV) or an off-road vehicle, the registration process may vary. For specific information, please refer to our Special Vehicles in Connecticut page.

Car Insurance

Before the CT DMV will issue your car registration, you need to provide proof of your insurance coverage. Moving to a new state is a great time to compare auto insurance policies and make sure you're getting the best rate for your circumstances. Visit our Car Insurance in Connecticut page for more information.

Required Inspections

The state of Connecticut requires that certain vehicles pass an emissions inspection prior to registration. To find out more about the process, please refer to our CT Car Inspection page.

Driver's Licenses and ID Cards

If you have established residency in Connecticut, you are required to have a Connecticut driver's license to legally operate a vehicle in the state. You must transfer your out-of-state driver's license within 90 days of your move.

For more information, please visit our Applying for a New License page.

If you're a teenager who is new to Connecticut, you must meet the state's graduated driver's licensing (GDL) requirements. To find out more about these requirements, please check out our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) page.

NOTE: If you need to transfer your commercial driver's license (CDL), visit our Connecticut Applying for a New CDL page.

Identification Card

If you don't plan on driving in CT but would like an ID card, you can apply for one through the Connecticut DMV. To find out how to obtain one, please visit our Identification Cards in Connecticut page.

Register to Vote in Connecticut

If you want your vote to count in the next election, don't forget to register to vote in your new Connecticut county. Your old voter registration in your previous state won't automatically transfer over to your new address, so make sure you register on time to be eligible to vote.

Active Military Stationed in CT

If you're not a CT resident but temporarily in the state due to military obligations, you should review our Drivers in the Military page. Here you will find helpful information about using your out-of-state driver's license and vehicle while you're in Connecticut.

CT DMV Locations and Resources

If you're unsure of where your nearest Connecticut DMV office is located, you can find it using our DMV Office Finder.

You may also want to read about Connecticut road rules before you hit the road to avoid breaking the law:

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review