Register a vehicle in Connecticut

Online or in person

No, by appointmentThe DMV says registering a new vehicle can only be done by appointment at a DMV hub or branch office, or a participating dealership. Personal cars and SUVs can only be registered in person at a DMV hub or branch office.

Cost

$199 registration feeRegular personal-use car or SUV, from the DMV's fee chart: $120 registration, $5 plate, $25 title, $10 administrative, $15 Clean Air Act and $24 Passport to the Parks. The DMV's registration page still shows $190. Also: $10 lien fee if applicable, $40 emissions exemption fee if the vehicle is four years old or newer, $15 greenhouse gas fee if it has a certificate of origin, and sales tax on registration (the DMV lists it as depending on vehicle type and how you obtained the vehicle).

You leave with

Title mailed in about 30 daysThe DMV says titles are issued about 30 days from the registration date: to you if there is no lien, to the lienholder if there is one.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Acceptable identification
     Required for each person listed as an owner. For example a driver's license or U.S. passport; see the DMV's list of acceptable forms of ID for registering a vehicle.
   • Application for registration and title (Form H-13B) · all that apply
     Completed.
   • Proof of ownership
     If purchased in CT and newer than 20 model years, you need a title. For vehicles 20+ model years old the previous owner's registration is accepted in lieu of a title.
   • Connecticut proof of insurance
     Connecticut Insurance Identification Card from your insurance company.
   • Bill of Sale (Form H-31) · all that apply
   • Payment for fees
     See the DMV's acceptable forms of payment.

2. Check for compliance issues

   Before you schedule, check that nothing blocks registration, such as unpaid taxes or outdated emissions testing.

   Register your new vehicle (CT DMV) ↗

3. Pick the one that fits you:

   1. Option 1: Make an appointment

      Make an in-person appointment at a DMV hub or branch office. Walk-in services are not available at the Cheshire, Putnam and Stamford locations or on Saturdays.

      Make an appointment ↗

   2. Option 2: Register at a participating dealership

      The DMV says Connecticut licensed dealerships on its list can register a vehicle you bought from a private owner. Contact the dealership for an appointment. You need two checks: one for the registration fees and one the dealership forwards to the DMV for sales tax. The DMV says dealerships shouldn't impose processing fees above $25; if one does, don't complete the transaction and notify the DMV immediately.

      Dealership registration and list ↗

4. Need a temporary registration first?

   A temporary registration is available by appointment if you need a safety inspection and/or emissions test but do not yet have your permanent registration.

   Get a temporary registration (CT DMV) ↗