How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Connecticut?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Connecticut residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles oversees the state's vehicle registration system and handles all registration services directly through DMV offices and online platforms.
Connecticut Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Connecticut vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Current Vehicle Registration: Registration renewal notice received by mail or email, or previous registration certificate
- Valid Photo Identification: Connecticut driver's license, non-driver ID card, or U.S. passport for all registered owners
- Personal Information: Complete personal details exactly as they appear on your driver's license or ID card
- Vehicle Information: License plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Social Security Number: Required for all online renewal transactions
- Insurance Compliance: Current Connecticut liability insurance meeting state minimum requirements (electronically verified during renewal process)
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Biennial Renewal System: Connecticut requires vehicle registration renewal every two years for most vehicle types
- Advance Notice: The DMV sends registration renewal notices approximately 45 days before the expiration date via mail or email
- Renewal Window: Vehicle owners may renew online immediately upon receiving their renewal notice
- Late Fee Assessment: A $10 late fee applies to all renewals completed more than five days after the expiration date
- Grace Period: Late fees are assessed beginning on the sixth day after expiration
- Extended Expiration: Vehicles with registrations expired longer than the renewal period require in-person DMV office appointments
Connecticut Registration Renewal Schedule
Unlike states with staggered renewal systems, Connecticut operates on individual vehicle renewal dates. Each vehicle's registration expires exactly two years from its last renewal date, regardless of the owner's name or other factors.
Special Vehicle Categories:
- Organizations and Commercial Fleets: May qualify for specialized online renewal portals
- Senior Citizens (65+): May be eligible for extended renewal periods in certain circumstances
- Military Personnel: May qualify for deployment-related extensions through military waiver programs
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Connecticut in 2025
2025 Connecticut Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows the base registration fees established by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Registration Period | Base Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars, SUVs, vans (regular) | Two years | $120 |
| Passenger cars (combination) | Two years | $132 |
| Passenger cars (electric) | Two years | $120 |
| Motorcycles (regular) | Two years | $63 |
| Motorcycles (classic) | Two years | $63 |
| Motorcycles (commercial) | Two years | $90 |
| Motor homes (regular) | Two years | $112.50 |
| Trucks and vans (based on GVWR) | Varies | $120-$890 |
Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial trucks | Based on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | Varies by weight class |
| Buses (livery/interstate) | Up to 7 seats + $4 per additional seat | $266 |
| Buses (school) | One year | $107 |
| Buses (public service) | One year | $56 + $2 if standees |
| Ambulances | Prorated Jan-Feb | $44 |
| Taxis and livery vehicles | Up to 7 seats + $4 per additional seat | $266 |
Trailer Registration Fees
| Trailer Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular trailers | Two years |
| Commercial trailers | One year |
| Semi-trailers | 1-5 years available |
| Heavy-duty trailers | One year |
Additional Mandatory Fees
All Connecticut vehicle registrations include multiple fee components:
| Fee Component | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Plate fee | $5 | Standard license plate issuance |
| Administrative fee | $10 | Processing and handling |
| Title fee | $25 | Title documentation (if applicable) |
| Lien fee | $10 | Lien recording (if applicable) |
| Clean Air Act fee | $15 | Environmental compliance (passenger vehicles) |
| Greenhouse gas fee | $15 | Environmental fee (certificate of origin vehicles) |
| Passport to the Parks fee | $15 (increasing to $24 effective July 1, 2025) | State park access program |
| Emissions exemption fee | $40 | For vehicles four years old or newer |
Property Tax Consideration: Connecticut municipalities assess annual property taxes on motor vehicles based on 70% of the vehicle's depreciated value using Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and standardized depreciation schedules. Property taxes are separate from registration fees and vary by municipality.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Connecticut
Online Renewal Availability
Online registration renewal is available for most Connecticut vehicle types through the official Connecticut DMV online services portal. The system operates 24 hours daily and provides immediate processing for eligible renewals.
Eligibility Requirements for Online Renewal
Eligible Vehicle Types: Almost all passenger vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, SUVs, vans, and recreational vehicles qualify for online renewal.
Excluded Vehicle Types: Ambulances, construction vehicles, factory/industrial vehicles, fire apparatus, hearses, state service buses, STV-government vehicles, and vanpool vehicles require in-person renewal.
Account Requirements: Customers must provide personal information exactly matching their Connecticut driver's license or non-driver ID card.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Compliance
- Confirm your vehicle type qualifies for online renewal
- Review the compliance issues checker to identify potential renewal barriers
- Verify current Connecticut liability insurance coverage
- Complete any required emissions testing if applicable
- Resolve any outstanding property tax obligations with your municipality
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Personal information exactly as it appears on your Connecticut driver's license or non-driver ID
- Connecticut driver's license or non-driver ID number
- Date of birth and Social Security Number
- Current address matching your driver's license or ID
- Vehicle license plate number
- Credit or debit card for payment (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover)
- Any applicable renewal documentation (military waivers, inspections, IRS forms)
Step 3: Complete Online Application
- Access the individual renewal portal for personal vehicles
- Organizations should use the organizational renewal portal
- Enter all required personal and vehicle information
- Confirm insurance coverage through electronic verification
- Review all applicable fees and charges
- Submit secure payment
Step 4: Receive Registration Documentation
- Print your temporary registration certificate immediately upon completion
- Retain printed certificate in your vehicle for legal compliance
- Your renewed registration certificate remains accessible online for 30 days at no additional charge
- Access archived certificates through the registration access portal
Alternative Renewal Methods
In-Person Renewal
All vehicle types and renewal situations can be completed at Connecticut DMV offices by appointment:
- Schedule appointments through the DMV appointment system
- Bring your renewal notice or current registration certificate
- Present valid Connecticut driver's license or state-issued photo identification for all vehicle owners
- Provide current insurance documentation if requested
- Complete optional beneficiary designation forms if desired
Mail-In Renewal
Limited mail-in renewal is available for standard renewals:
- Complete the bottom portion of your official renewal notice
- Include payment by check or money order (no cash accepted)
- Mail documents to:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 150456
Hartford, CT 06115-0456
Express Office Services: Select AAA locations and Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union offices provide DMV registration services with convenience fees of $6-$8 per transaction.
Contact Information
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5700
24-Hour Automated Services: (860) 263-5700
Title Questions: (860) 263-5710
Official Website: Connecticut DMV
DMV Customer Service Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding state holidays)
Connecticut residents can locate their nearest DMV office through the official office locator, which provides current hours, services available, and appointment scheduling for all hub offices, branch offices, and express locations throughout the state.
