Vehicle owners must purchase a DMV license plate in Connecticut upon registering their cars with the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Overall, acquiring car tags requires applicants to fill out the appropriate application forms and submit supplementary paperwork verifying certain details regarding their vehicles. Moreover, when applying for car registration plates, motorists can choose from a wide variety of types, such as standard, military and vanity plates.

In the case of motorists who have vehicles that were already properly titled and registered, it is important to make sure that they remember to renew a license plate before it expires. To learn more about how to get a license plate, as well as how to replace, renew or transfer an existing one, read the sections below.

Types of License Plates in Connecticut

When acquiring new registration plates in Connecticut, you have the option of choosing among various types. Some common offerings include standard plates, disability plates, special plates, temporary registration permits and personalized plates. Furthermore, the specific fees for each CT DMV car tag will vary according to the specific license plate and type of vehicle you are applying for.

Note: While many states continue to issue car registration tag stickers, also known as tabs, the state of Connecticut does not.

How to Apply for a License Plate in Connecticut

After purchasing a vehicle from a private party, you may apply for car registration plates in Connecticut by visiting a local DMV office. Once there, you may register your vehicle and purchase new license plates in person. In order to complete this DMV license plate procedure, you must fill out an application form and submit it alongside a valid proof of identification, auto insurance and vehicle ownership documentation.

On the other hand, if you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will apply for your new DMV car tags and register the vehicle on your behalf.

How to Renew License Plate Tags in Connecticut

If you are wondering how often you should renew license plate credentials, it is important to note that registrations are valid for a period of two years in Connecticut. Whenever you need to perform the vehicle registration renewal process, be mindful that you must renew both your car tag and registration certificate simultaneously. Moreover, this procedure may take place online, in person or by mail.

Upon renewing a license plate through the official DMV online portal, you will be required to enter the PIN number you were given on your registration renewal notice. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you may enter your first and last name, date of birth and ID or driver’s license number. Conversely, you may renew car tags in person at a DMV office or via may mail by sending the appropriate paperwork to the department’s mailing address. However, when renewing Connecticut car tags in person or by mail, be mindful that you may be required to submit proof of completing an emissions test and a property tax receipt.

How to Replace License Plates in Connecticut

Vehicle owners must replace license plate credentials if these plates have undergone a significant amount of damage or have disappeared. Overall, motorists may complete this replacement procedure online through the official CT DMV portal or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office. However, motorists can only replace car tags online if the plates contain damages or mutilations. Therefore, car owners may only replace stolen plates in person after filing a police report. When replacing license plate materials online, applicants must provide their first and last name, date of birth, driver’s license or ID card number, license plate number and plate class.

On the other hand, when replacing Connecticut car tags in person due to the fact that they were stolen, drivers must obtain a police report from local law enforcement officials and submit it along with an affidavit document and an application form. Additionally, applicants must surrender their remaining license plates, if available, and present their current auto insurance card and vehicle registration certificate.

How to Transfer License Plates in Connecticut

If you wish to retain your current Connecticut car registration tags after you sell or dispose of your vehicle, you may transfer them to your new vehicle, as long as you meet all of the general registration requirements. Furthermore, you must transfer your CT DMV license plates in person when you register your recently purchased car with the department. Moreover, you must submit an appropriate payment method for the license plate transfer fees.

Connecticut License Plate Fees

When obtaining new registration plates in CT, you must pay a license plate fee for standard plates. Otherwise, you must pay an additional fee to transfer your old license plate to your new vehicle. If transferring your DMV car tags to a family member, you may qualify to pay a slightly reduced transfer fee. Furthermore, additional registration fees will vary by vehicle type. As an example, in order to get new car tags for a regular use passenger vehicle, you must pay a registration fee and a license plate fee, in addition to titling, administrative, environmental and lien fees.

When you register a passenger vehicle, you are required to pay a $7 plate fee for a standard plate. Special plates can range in price from $27.50 to $159. It costs $21 to transfer a license plate to another vehicle.

When renewing license plate credentials for passenger vehicles, you must pay a two-year renewal fee as well as an environmental fee. Conversely, when replacing car tags that were stolen, you will be charged a replacement fee, which is lower if you submit a police report and higher if you do not. In addition, you may purchase a temporary DMV license plate if your vehicle needs to undergo an emissions test and/or safety inspection prior to being registered.

License Plate Lookups in Connecticut

Before purchasing a new or used vehicle and applying for a CT DMV license plate, you can complete an online license plate lookup, which will allow you to learn more about the vehicle’s manufacturer, type of engine, safety ratings and recall information. Additionally, a DMV car tag lookup can provide you with peace of mind as you learn more about the vehicle’s previous owners and additional details pertaining to the vehicle’s history.

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