How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Connecticut in 2026
Connecticut offers an online system for canceling vehicle registration through the DMV online services portal. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles administers all motor vehicle registration services statewide, with centralized processing managed by the DMV.
Vehicle owners who no longer possess their vehicles or who relocate out of state can complete the registration cancellation process online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Motorists in Connecticut must cancel vehicle registration in several circumstances:
- Conveying ownership through private sale to another individual
- Trading the vehicle at an automotive dealership
- Gifting your vehicle to a family member or friend
- Relocating your permanent residence to a different state
- Disposing of the vehicle through a salvage or scrap facility
- Declaring the vehicle a total loss through insurance settlement
- Reporting theft of the vehicle to law enforcement without recovery
- Placing the vehicle in long-term non-operational storage
- Terminating vehicle insurance with no plans for road use
Online and In-Person Registration Cancellation
Connecticut provides multiple methods for vehicle owners to cancel registration: through the DMV online portal, by completing forms and mailing them to the DMV, or by visiting a DMV office in person.
Canceling Registration Online
Access the Connecticut DMV online services to complete your registration cancellation electronically. This method provides the fastest processing and immediate confirmation.
Required Actions:
- Visit the Connecticut DMV online services portal
- Navigate to the Cancel Registration and license plates section under Vehicle Services.
- Select the appropriate cancellation option for your vehicle type
- Enter your vehicle information, including plate number and registration details
- Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation process
- Print or save the confirmation receipt for your records
Important Note: If your vehicle qualifies for a registration fee refund, the online system will provide an option to request one during the cancellation process. Refund checks are mailed to the address on file with the DMV.
License Plate Handling
After canceling your registration online, Connecticut law requires you to retain or return your license plates. You have two options: transfer the plates to another vehicle you own, or return them to the DMV for cancellation credit. If you want a partial refund on your registration fee, you must physically return the plates by mail or in person.
Canceling Registration by Mail
Vehicle owners may cancel their registration by submitting documentation through the United States Postal Service.
Necessary Documents:
- Completed Marker Plate Notice (Form E-159)
- Completed Request for Registration Refund (Form F-82) if requesting a refund
- Both license plates (front and rear)
Submission Address:
DMV Registry Record Section
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
A cancellation receipt will be mailed to your address on file. If you have relocated out of state, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for receipt delivery to your new address.
In-Person Processing at DMV Offices
Motorists may also cancel registration by visiting any Connecticut DMV hub office during regular business hours.
Items to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Current vehicle registration certificate
- Both license plates
- Completed cancellation forms if available
Office staff will process your cancellation request, collect your license plates, and provide an official receipt. Most DMV offices operate by appointment only, so schedule your visit in advance through the DMV appointment system.
Refund of Registration Fees
Connecticut law permits vehicle owners to request refunds for unused portions of registration fees when canceling before the registration period expires.
Refund Eligibility
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles processes refund applications under specific conditions:
- Cancellation occurs before the registration expiration date
- At least one full year remains on a two-year registration
- Registration fees were paid in excess of the required amount
- Fees were collected erroneously or in duplicate
Statutory Limitation: Connecticut law requires the motor vehicles commissioner to refund half of the registration fee for passenger motor vehicles if registration is canceled and both the registration certificate and plates are returned with at least one year remaining on a two-year registration. Refunds apply exclusively to registration fees and do not include local property taxes or other assessments.
Refund Application Process
The refund application process is accomplished at the same time as cancelling vehicle registration. If submitting online, the system will calculate your eligible refund amount and offer the option to request it during cancellation. Physical return of plates is still required for refund processing.
Step 4: Processing and Payment
The DMV Registry Record Section reviews submitted applications and calculates refund amounts based on the unused portion of your registration period. All refund applications must be submitted prior to registration expiration. Approved refunds are issued by check and mailed to the address listed on your registration.
Processing Timeframe: Allow several weeks for the DMV to process your refund application and issue payment.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Connecticut vehicle registration cancellation procedures are established through state statutes codified in the Connecticut General Statutes:
- Connecticut General Statutes § 14-12 governs motor vehicle registration requirements, applications, and issuance procedures through the Department of Motor Vehicles
- Connecticut General Statutes § 14-49 establishes registration fees and authorizes the commissioner to refund registration fees under qualifying circumstances
- Public Act No. 18-164 requires owners of unregistered motor vehicles to cancel registration within ten days after the registration period ends
- Public Act No. 05-282 establishes procedures for registration cancellation notices and the effectiveness of cancellation actions
Government Agencies
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5700 (Hartford area or outside Connecticut)
Official Website: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Toll-Free: (800) 842-8222 (elsewhere in Connecticut)
Online Services:
DMV Online Services Portal
Office Hours: Vary by location; appointment required for most in-person services
DMV Hub Offices
Connecticut operates full-service DMV hub offices throughout the state where motorists can complete all vehicle registration transactions. The following hub offices serve Connecticut's major population centers:
Wethersfield DMV Hub Office
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: DMV Locations
Bridgeport DMV Hub Office
95 Sylvan Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: DMV Locations
Hamden DMV Hub Office
1985 State Street, Hamden, CT 06517
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: DMV Locations
Norwalk DMV Hub Office
540 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: DMV Locations
Waterbury DMV Hub Office
2210 Thomaston Avenue, Waterbury, CT 06704
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: DMV Locations
New Britain DMV Hub Office
85 North Mountain Road, New Britain, CT 06053
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: DMV Locations
Danbury DMV Hub Office
2 Lee Mac Avenu,e Danbury, CT 06810
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: DMV Locations
Willimantic DMV Hub Office
1557 West Main Stre,et Willimantic, CT 06226
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: DMV Locations
Enfield DMV Branch Office
10 North Main Street, Enfield, CT 06082
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: DMV Locations
Old Saybrook DMV Branch Office
7 Custom Drive Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: DMV Locations
