Connecticut License PlatesConnecticut license plates are metal plates affixed to a motor vehicle for official identification purposes. These license plates are sometimes called tags, and they display a unique set of alpha-numeric characters that link the vehicle to its registered owner and can be used to track registration and compliance with the state's vehicle laws. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues these license plates once a vehicle is registered. Note that this registration is mandatory for all motor vehicles in the state. These include, but are not limited to, passenger cars, motorcycles, campers, camp trailers, commercial trailers, service buses, school buses, and trucks.
Connecticut license plates are typically issued in pairs for most classes of vehicles (to be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle). However, vehicles like motorcycles, trailers, and similar non-passenger vehicles are usually issued with only one license plate, which is to be displayed at the rear of the vehicle. The Connecticut DMV issues several kinds of license plates to vehicle registrants. These include:
The DMV typically provides registration certificates and stickers along with the license plates it issues - these stickers indicate the expiration date of the license plates (and the vehicle's registration). You do not have to affix the stickers to your license plate; however, you must carry the registration certificate inside the vehicle.
Connecticut License Plate Design and FormatsConnecticut license plates are typically made from aluminum and display a unique combination of alphabets and numbers (the license plate number). Since August 2015, standard license plates have utilized a seven-character alpha-numeric combination for license plates consisting of two letters followed by five numbers (AB-12345). Note that motorcycles, non-passenger vehicles, and special license plates may display a 3 – 6 character plate number.
The state has also maintained the same basic design for its license plates, consisting of the plate number embossed in dark blue lettering on a sky blue and white background, with the license plate having a dark borderline. The words "Connecticut" and "Constitution State" are also written above and below the plate number, respectively, with the state shape displayed at the top left corner of the plate. Be aware that the DMV may offer variations on this design for special, vanity, and even some standard license plates.
Standard license plates (post-August 2015):
Special license plates (Save Our Lakes):
* Source: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Connecticut Vanity License PlateConnecticut vanity license plates are custom license plates featuring personalized combinations of letters and numbers chosen by the vehicle owner. The Connecticut DMV issues these plates. You can choose a standard license plate (referred to as "off-the-shelf" plates), or one of the numerous DMV-issued special plate designs to customize.
You must have a valid Connecticut vehicle registration to request vanity plates from the DMV – the department does not accept requests for vehicles registered out-of-state or ones with a temporary registration. You can choose any combination of letters and numbers for your vanity plates, including one dot; however, this dot cannot be placed at the beginning or end of your desired plate number. You also cannot add dashes or extra spaces between the letters.
The DMV offers separate online portals for Individuals and Organizations to order vanity plates. You can also request a vanity plate by completing and mailing a Special Order Plate Application (Form M-22) to:
Department of Motor VehiclesThe cost of obtaining a vanity plate depends on the requested configuration and can range from $50 to $200. Note that the DMV has the right to deny your request for a vanity plate.
Getting your vanity plates can take up to eight weeks if your request is approved.
Most Popular Connecticut Special Plate NumbersSpecial license plates represent a specific affiliation or theme that a vehicle owner represents or supports. The most common themes for these special license plates in Connecticut are:
Connecticut License Plate LookupA license plate lookup is a process through which interested parties can access the basic information associated with a vehicle using its license plate number. Some information obtainable from a license plate lookup includes the vehicle's make, model, and year, registration status, VIN, title status, accident history, odometer readings, recalls, and lien information.
Some reasons for conducting a license plate lookup in Connecticut include:
These license plate lookups are usually performed by law enforcement officials for investigative purposes. Nevertheless, you can still get vehicle-related information in Connecticut by contacting the DMV online. Be aware that, if you wish to access information on someone other than yourself, you must complete and submit a Copy Records Request (Form J-23) to the department. Note that this department does not disclose personal information on vehicle registrants, like their name, address, photograph, and driver's license number, to third parties. However, exemptions may be made for government agencies that need this information to perform their official functions and other authorized parties.
You can also perform reverse license plate searches at RecordsFinder and several other third-party websites and mobile apps. Websites like these allow you to search for and obtain comprehensive vehicle information and history reports, all from the comfort of your home. Bear in mind that information availability will be determined by federal and state regulations, like the Driver's Privacy Protection Act and Section 14-10 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Connecticut?The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is charged with issuing license plates for motor vehicles used in the state; you must register your car with this department to receive these license plates. This registration can only be done in person and by appointment at any DMV hub office, branch office, or a DMV-authorized dealership. To complete the registration process and get license plates, you will need to take the following steps:
When going for your appointment, be sure to carry along all required documents (you will be informed of what these are when scheduling your appointment), a valid ID, and applicable fees. These fees will be determined by the type of vehicle being registered and its intended use. Be aware that dealerships may charge an additional service fee when you choose to register your vehicle through them. However, the DMV caps this fee at $25, and you should notify the department immediately if any dealerships try to charge you more than this.
The DMV will deliver your license plates and a registration card after it processes your registration request; this typically takes about 2 – 8 weeks, depending on the types of plates requested. The department may issue temporary plates you can use before receiving your permanent ones.
You can contact the DMV online for more information on its license plate issuance process and requirements. Inquiries can also be directed to the department at (860) 263-5700 (for residents within the Hartford area and out-of-state persons) or (800) 842-8222 (for residents in other locations in Connecticut).
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in ConnecticutVehicles that weigh more than 26,001 pounds and are used to transport people or property or designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver (or at least 10 passengers for school buses), are considered commercial motor vehicles in Connecticut. Vehicles used to transport hazardous materials are also considered commercial vehicles; however, farm vehicles, firefighting apparatus, and other similar emergency vehicles are exempt from this definition.
Under state law, any commercial vehicle designed or used in connection with a business enterprise must carry commercial license plates. On the other hand, passenger license plates are typically issued for vehicles that are used for private or non-business transportation and are designed to comfortably and safely carry not more than 10 passengers (including the driver). Note that the DMV also issues combination license plates for vehicles that are used for both private passenger and commercial reasons, provided that the vehicle does not weigh more than 12,500 pounds.
The table below summarizes the main distinctions between passenger license plates and commercial license plates in Connecticut:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use | Personal/private transportation | Commercial activities |
| Plate number arrangement |
Seven-character alpha-numeric combination for standard plates (AB-12345) * personalized plates may have less than seven characters |
|
| Design & Color |
Dark-blue lettering on a sky-blue and white background * design variations available for personalized plates |
Dark-blue lettering on a sky-blue and white background * may have commercial or business-related symbols or text |
| Vehicle Types/Use Limitations | Cars, SUVs, vans, personal trucks | Delivery trucks, trailers, and other similar large vehicles used for transporting goods or services |
| Requirements for obtaining |
|
Same as passenger license plates |
How to Renew License Plate in ConnecticutYou must renew your Connecticut license plates every two years. The state's DMV typically sends vehicle registrants a renewal notice via regular mail or email approximately 45 days before their registration (and license plates) expire. This notice will include:
If you do not get a renewal notice and are unsure of your plate's expiration date, you can check/verify your registration status online. The DMV also provides a website that you can use to check for issues that may prevent/delay your renewal.
Renewals can be done in person, via mail (following the instructions on the renewal notice), or online through the DMV's vehicle registration renewal portal (this portal is available for individuals only; organizations must use a separate portal). Note that you must first schedule an appointment with the DMV to renew your plates in person. Likewise, individuals looking to renew their plates online are advised to gather all necessary documents, including a credit or debit card for payment, and have a printer ready before commencing the process.
License plate renewals can take anywhere from 3 – 5 minutes to two weeks or longer to process, depending on your location and preferred renewal method. Renewal fees also vary by vehicle and registration type; your renewal notice typically contains detailed information on these fees.
How to Transfer a License Plate in ConnecticutYou can transfer your license plates from an old car to a new one in Connecticut. Many vehicle owners choose to do this for plates that have a special meaning to them. Be aware that this is only permitted when you own both the old and new car. You cannot sell a vehicle along with the license plates – you must remove these plates and either cancel your registration with the DMV, transfer them to another car, or keep/dispose of them.
To transfer your plates, you must meet all the requirements for a new vehicle registration. These include confirming that there are no outstanding compliance issues for both vehicles, scheduling an appointment with the DMV, and submitting all requested documentation and fees.
Note that when you transfer license plates, their expiration date will change relative to the date of transfer. Additionally, any time left on your old plates (from the old renewal date) will count as equity credit that can be used to pay the required fees.
Connecticut License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Connecticut adheres to federal regulations like the Driver's Privacy Protection Act that protect vehicle registrant's privacy. State laws like Title 14, Section 14-10 of the Connecticut General Statutes also stipulate how personal information found in DMV records may be accessed and by whom. Personal information, as used here, refers to any information that can identify a person; these include the person's name, address, contact information, photograph or computerized image, Social Security Number, and driver's license number. Per state requirements, this information can only be released to government agencies, courts, insurers, and other authorized parties that need this information to carry out their official and recognized duties.
As such, you may not be able to find a vehicle owner in Connecticut using only a license plate. Nonetheless, websites like RecordsFinder can provide you with access to non-personal vehicle-related information, like a car's VIN, make, model, year of manufacture, and similar details. You can also access information on over 269 million registered vehicles across the US through these websites simply by inputting the vehicle's plate number or VIN.
Yes, you can replace lost license plates in Connecticut. However, you must first notify your local police department of this development and get a police report. You can then make an appointment with the Connecticut DMV, where you will be required to submit:
You will be issued two "off-the-shelf" plates during your appointment. If the lost or stolen plates were vanity plates, you can apply to have them re-made 10 months after they were reported lost or stolen.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement officials can access a wide range of personal and non-personal information when they run a Connecticut license plate. These include:
License plate searches are an invaluable resource that can be used for several purposes. People frequently use these services to verify that a pre-owned car they wish to buy is not being sold with a cloned VIN. A license plate lookup is also an excellent way to track the vehicle's history and access information like odometer readings, liens, accident history, and salvage records.
Websites like RecordsFinder offer simple-to-use reverse license plate search services that provide information like the vehicle's VIN, make and model, tank size, engine type, and price.
Connecticut license plates are valid for two years and typically have to be renewed by midnight on the expiration date listed on your registration card. However, the DMV gives registrants a five-day renewal grace period, after which they will be charged a $10 late renewal fee. Be aware that it is against the law to drive with expired license plates in Connecticut; this offense is punishable by fines of up to $300. Note that this amount is for situations involving first-time offenders whose registration has expired for less than 30 days. Penalties for second-time offenders or individuals driving with a license plate that has expired for more than 30 days are usually much steeper and may include having your registration suspended.
You also risk having your vehicle towed and impounded by law enforcement officers when you drive with expired plates in Connecticut; the vehicle will only be released after you renew the plates and pay all associated fees.
No, you do not need to return your Connecticut license plates to the DMV if you are relocating out of state or selling the vehicle. However, you must officially "cancel" these plates; otherwise, you will remain subject to property tax assessments and other similar vehicle-related fees.
You can cancel your license plates online – the DMV offers separate portals for individuals and organizations - or in person at any DMV branch or hub office. Note that you must book an appointment for in-person visits to DMV offices. You will be required to complete a Request for Registration Refund (Form F-82) if you wish to request a refund for remaining equity on your registration and a Marker Plate Notice (Form E-159) if you do not go along with the plates.
You can also cancel your plates via mail by sending printed copies of the completed Form-82 and Form E-159 to:
DMV Registry Record SectionYou should also include a self-addressed stamped envelope when mailing these forms if you have moved out of state; this will be used to send a receipt back to you.
Yes, you can keep your Connecticut license plates when relocating out of state. However, you must cancel these plates with the DMV (at no cost). Doing this terminates your registration and ensures you are no longer subjected to property tax assessments and other vehicle-related fees. The DMV offers two sites for license plate cancellation: one for individuals and another for organizations. The department also advises verifying your current registration status before initiating a cancellation request.
Passenger license plates in Connecticut are 12 inches by 6 inches, while motorcycle plates are 7 inches by 4 inches.
The Connecticut DMV may issue temporary registration to vehicle owners who need to complete a safety inspection or an emissions test but are yet to get their permanent registration. Temporary registrations are available for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, campers, camp trailers, and motorcycles. You must make an appointment with a DMV office to get one. At the office, you will need to provide a valid photo ID and your current Connecticut Insurance Identification Card. If the vehicle you need the temporary plates for is not previously registered in your name, you must provide the following additional documents:
DMV-issued temporary registrations are usually good for up to 10 days; however, the department may renew your temporary registration if there is a compelling reason. The cost for obtaining these temporary registrations varies based on vehicle type and the vehicle's declared value.
To renew your license plates in Connecticut, follow these steps:
You can replace a lost or stolen Connecticut license plate by taking the following steps:
The DMV charges a $5 replacement fee for individuals with an acceptable police report and a $25 for those who do not have one (keep in mind that these fees are subject to change). Individuals with correct documentation are usually issued two "off-the-shelf" plates by the end of the appointment. If the missing/stolen plates were vanity plates, you can apply to have them remade 10 months from the date they were reported lost or stolen.
If your plates were simply damaged, are still in your possession, and your registration is current, you can request a replacement online (organizations wishing to replace damaged license plates have to use a separate site). Replacing a damaged Connecticut license plate will cost you $25, regardless of whether it's a regular or vanity plate; however, a discounted fee is offered for Long Island Sound and flag-style Veteran plates.