Car Registration Requirements for New Connecticut Residents

New residents relocating to Connecticut with a vehicle from another state must complete the registration transfer process within a specified timeframe. The Department of Motor Vehicles oversees this process, requiring proof of residency, vehicle ownership documentation, insurance compliance, and completion of emissions testing where applicable.

Timeline for New Connecticut Residents

New residents have 90 days following establishment of residency to transfer their out-of-state vehicle registration. This deadline begins on the date residency is established in Connecticut.

Operating a vehicle beyond the 90-day period without completing the registration transfer may result in enforcement action. Drivers who fail to register within the required timeframe can face fines between $150 and $300 if stopped by law enforcement. Additionally, a $20 late fee applies to emissions testing requirements not met by the due date.

Establishing Connecticut Residency

Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-1 defines a resident for vehicle registration purposes as any person who occupies a dwelling in Connecticut for more than six months in a year. The statute also includes persons, firms, or corporations owning or leasing motor vehicles used in intrastate business within Connecticut, as well as firms or corporations maintaining their principal office or place of business in the state.

The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may presume residency based on occupancy of a Connecticut dwelling exceeding six months annually. Once residency is established through these criteria, the 90-day registration transfer timeline begins.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in Connecticut

New residents transferring vehicle registration must gather several documents before scheduling an appointment at a Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Proof of Identity

Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Connecticut or out-of-state driver's license
• U.S. passport or passport card
• State-issued identification card
• Permanent resident card
• Military identification (active duty or retired)

Identification requirements must be government-issued with photo verification.

Proof of Ownership

Vehicle ownership must be documented through:

• Original out-of-state certificate of title
• Manufacturer's certificate of origin (for new vehicles)
• Previous registration certificate (for vehicles 20 years or older without title)

The title must be properly signed and dated by all listed owners and lienholders if applicable.

Connecticut Registration and Title Application

Form H-13B must be completed with accurate information, including vehicle identification number, odometer reading, purchase price, and owner information. Both the buyer and seller sections must be completed when transferring ownership. The application form is available through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Vehicle Inspection Report

A Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) is issued upon completion of emissions testing and VIN verification. New residents must obtain this report from an authorized testing facility before registration can be processed.

VIN Verification

Vehicles previously registered out-of-state require VIN verification to confirm the vehicle identification number matches the title documentation. This service is available at authorized inspection stations throughout Connecticut. The verification process involves examining the VIN stamped on the vehicle and comparing it to documentation.

Proof of Insurance

Connecticut law requires minimum liability insurance coverage meeting the following amounts:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability
• $25,000 per accident for property damage liability
• $25,000 per person for uninsured motorist coverage
• $50,000 per accident for uninsured motorist coverage

Insurance documentation must be current and issued by a company authorized to provide coverage in Connecticut.

Application Submission Methods

Vehicle registration for new residents transferring from out-of-state is processed exclusively through in-person appointments at the Department of Motor Vehicles hub or branch offices. Online registration options are not available for initial out-of-state transfers.

Appointments can be scheduled through the DMV's online appointment system. Walk-in service is not offered. Applicants must bring all required documentation and acceptable payment methods to their scheduled appointment.

Connecticut Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Connecticut mandates emissions testing for most passenger vehicles but does not require periodic safety inspections for all registered vehicles.

Emissions Testing

The Connecticut Emissions Program requires testing for vehicles registered in the state. Testing is conducted through a network of privately owned automotive service facilities certified as emissions testing centers.

Testing Requirements:

Most vehicles between 4 and 25 model years old must undergo emissions testing every two years. New residents must complete emissions testing before registering their vehicle, regardless of when the last test was performed in their previous state.

Exempt Vehicles:

• Vehicles newer than four model years old
• Model year 2001 and older vehicles
• Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
• Full electric-powered vehicles (non-hybrid)
• Motorcycles
• Farm vehicles
• Diesel-powered Type II school buses under 10,000 pounds GVWR

Testing Fees:

The emissions test fee is $20. All test centers accept cash. Some facilities may accept checks or credit cards, although acceptance of these payment methods is not required.

Registration Fees and Costs in Connecticut

Connecticut calculates registration fees based on vehicle type, weight classification, and registration duration. The standard registration period is three years for passenger vehicles.

Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees

Standard passenger cars, SUVs, and vans used for regular purposes require the following fees:

• Registration fee: $120 (three-year period)
• Plate fee: $5
• Title fee: $25
• Administrative fee: $10
• Clean Air Act fee: $15
• Passport to the Parks fee: $15 (increases to $24 effective July 1, 2025)
• Lien fee: $10 (if applicable)
• Emissions exemption fee: $40 (vehicles four years old or newer)
• Greenhouse gas fee: $15 (vehicles with certificate of origin)

Total base registration cost for a standard passenger vehicle ranges from $190 to $230, depending on vehicle age and financing status.

Combination Vehicle Registration Fees

Vehicles used for both private passenger and commercial purposes require:

• Registration fee: $132 (three-year period)
• Additional fees identical to passenger vehicle registration

Commercial Vehicle Registration

Commercial registration fees are calculated based on gross vehicle weight rating. Fees vary according to vehicle specifications and intended use.

Additional Costs

New residents should budget for:

• VIN verification service: typically $10 (fees vary by provider)
• Emissions testing: $20
• Property tax assessment (municipal requirement separate from DMV fees)

Contact Information

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: Connecticut DMV

Connecticut Emissions Program
Phone: (877) 469-2884
Official Website: CT Emissions