How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Connecticut From Out of State
The State of Connecticut requires specific fees for registering out-of-state vehicles. Costs are determined by state law and county regulations and administered by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, with fees varying based on vehicle weight, age, taxable value, and county of registration.
Base State Registration Fees
Registration fees are established under Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-49.
Passenger Vehicles (Regular)
- Three-year registration: $120.00
- Option for seniors (65+): One-year registration available
Passenger Vehicles (Combination Plates)
- Three-year registration: $132.00
Motorcycles (Regular)
- Three-year registration: $63.00
Motorcycles (Classic)
- Three-year registration: $63.00
Trucks, SUVs, and Vans (Regular or Combination)
- Registration fee based on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
- Varies by weight classification
Trailers (Regular)
- Three-year registration: $28.50
Electric Vehicles (Passenger)
- Three-year registration: $120.00
Mandatory State Processing Fees
The following fees apply to all vehicle registrations:
Title Fee
- $25.00 per title
License Plate Fee
- Regular plates: $5.00
- Classic plates: $7.00
Administrative Fee
- $10.00 per transaction
Clean Air Act Fee
- Passenger vehicles, SUVs, vans, trucks: $15.00
- Motorcycles: $15.00
- Commercial vehicles: $5.00 to $15.00 (varies by type)
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fee
- $15.00 for vehicles with a certificate of origin (new vehicles)
- $5.00 for commercial vehicles with a certificate of origin
Passport to the Parks Fee
- $15.00 (effective July 1, 2025: $24.00)
- Applies to passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles
Lien Filing Fee
- $10.00 if applicable
Emissions Exemption Fee
- $40.00 for vehicles four years old or newer
Title Transfer Costs
Out-of-state vehicles require a Connecticut title application and supporting documents.
Title Application Fee
- $25.00 per title as specified in C.G.S. 14-49
VIN Verification
- Required for all out-of-state vehicles
- $10.00 at authorized emissions testing stations
- Can be completed at over 230 locations statewide
Sales and Use Tax
Under Connecticut General Statutes Title 12, vehicles are subject to sales and use tax at the time of registration.
Sales Tax Rates (Licensed Dealership Purchase)
- Vehicles $50,000 or less: 6.35% of purchase price
- Vehicles over $50,000: 7.75% of purchase price
- Full trade-in credit allowed against Connecticut sales tax
Use Tax (Private Party or Out-of-State Purchase)
- 6.35% of purchase price or fair market value
- Credit allowed for sales tax paid to another state
- Applies to vehicles registered in Connecticut purchased outside the state
Municipal Property Tax
Under Connecticut law, motor vehicles are subject to an annual property tax assessed by municipalities.
Assessment Calculation
- Taxable value: 70% of Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
- Depreciation schedule reduces value based on vehicle age
- Minimum assessment: $500.00
Motor Vehicle Mill Rate Cap
- Maximum mill rate: 32.46 mills (effective statewide)
- One mill = $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value
Vehicle Inspection Fees
Emissions Testing
- Required for most vehicles before registration
- $20.00 per test (cash payment at testing stations)
- Testing is required every two years
- Over 200 authorized testing locations statewide
Late Emissions Fee
- $20.00 late fee assessed by DMV if testing deadline not met
County Local Registration Fees
Connecticut does not impose county-level registration fees. All registration fees are uniform statewide as established by Connecticut General Statutes. However, municipal property tax rates vary significantly by town.
Municipal Property Tax Mill Rates (Motor Vehicle - 2025)
Most Connecticut municipalities apply the maximum 32.46 mill rate for motor vehicles. Contact your local tax assessor for specific rates.
County Tax Assessor-Collector Offices
The following offices process vehicle title and registration transactions in major Connecticut cities:
Bridgeport Tax Collector
45 Lyon Terrace, Room 112, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: (203) 576-7271
Official Website: Bridgeport Tax Collector
New Haven Tax Collector
200 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: (203) 946-8112
Official Website: New Haven Tax Collector
Hartford Tax Collector
550 Main Street, Room 107, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 757-9660
Official Website: Hartford Tax Collector
Stamford Tax Collector
888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06904
Phone: (203) 977-4040
Official Website: Stamford Tax Collector
Waterbury Tax Collector
235 Grand Street, Waterbury, CT 06702
Phone: (203) 574-6851
Official Website: Waterbury Tax Collector
Norwalk Tax Collector
125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
Phone: (203) 854-7731
Official Website: Norwalk Tax Collector
Danbury Tax Collector
155 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810
Phone: (203) 797-4521
Official Website: Danbury Tax Collector
New Britain Tax Collector
27 W Main Street, Room 115, New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: (860) 826-3303
Official Website: New Britain Tax Collector
West Hartford Tax Collector
50 S Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107
Phone: (860) 561-7440
Official Website: West Hartford Tax Collector
Greenwich Tax Collector
101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: (203) 622-7894
Official Website: Greenwich Tax Collector
