What You Need to Know About Connecticut's Registration Form

Connecticut's vehicle registration form is the document you submit to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register a car, truck, or motorcycle in the state. The form itself is called the process for Registration, and you'll fill it out whether you're registering a new vehicle, renewing an existing registration, or transferring ownership from another state.

The form asks for your personal information, vehicle details, and proof of ownership. You submit it along with supporting documents — typically a title, proof of insurance, and an ID — either in person at a DMV office or by mail. The DMV processes your process and issues registration plates and a certificate of registration, which you keep in your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut's process for Registration form requires your name, address, driver's license number, and the vehicle's VIN, make, model, and year.
  • You must submit the form with a title document (showing ownership), proof of insurance, and a valid ID to the DMV in person or by mail.
  • The DMV processes most applications within two to three weeks if submitted by mail, or you can receive plates the same day at a DMV office.
  • If you're registering a vehicle from out of state, you'll need the out-of-state title and proof that you've passed a Connecticut emissions test.
  • The form is available on the Connecticut DMV website, at any DMV office, or through the mail if you call the DMV to request it.

Where to Get the Registration Form

The Connecticut DMV publishes the process for Registration on its official website at ct.gov/dmv. You can read and print it directly, or you can request a paper copy by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700. Most DMV offices also have printed copies at the front desk if you prefer to fill it out in person.

If you're renewing a registration you already have, the DMV may send you a renewal notice in the mail with a pre-filled form. Check that notice first — if your information hasn't changed, you can often renew without downloading a new form.

How to Fill Out Each Section of the Form

The form is divided into sections for owner information, vehicle information, and transaction type. Start with the owner information section: write your full legal name, current Connecticut address, and phone number. If the vehicle has two owners, both names go on the form, and both must sign it.

In the vehicle information section, enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — a 17-character code found on your title, insurance documents, or the driver's side dashboard. Below that, enter the vehicle's make (brand), model, year, and body type (sedan, truck, SUV, and so on). If the vehicle has a personalized plate number you want to keep, note that in the designated box.

Next, select the transaction type: new registration, renewal, transfer from out of state, or transfer of ownership within Connecticut. This tells the DMV what documents to expect and how to process your process. If you're unsure which box applies, the DMV website has a flowchart that walks you through the options.

At the bottom of the form, you'll see a section for odometer reading (the current mileage). This is required for all new registrations and transfers. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided — both owners must sign if there are two.

Documents You Must Submit With the Form

The process for Registration alone is not enough. You must include a title document that proves you own the vehicle. If you're registering a vehicle you just bought in Connecticut, submit the signed title from the seller. If you're transferring from another state, submit that state's title. If you've lost the title, you can request a duplicate from the state where the vehicle was last registered, or the Connecticut DMV can help you obtain one — ask at your local DMV office.

You also need proof of insurance. Connecticut law requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance. Bring your insurance card, a letter from your insurance company, or a screenshot of your policy showing the vehicle's VIN, your name, and the policy dates. The insurance must be active on the date you submit the form.

Bring a valid ID — a Connecticut driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you're registering the vehicle in someone else's name (for example, a business name), bring documentation showing your authority to register it on their behalf, such as a power of attorney or corporate resolution.

If you're registering a vehicle from out of state, you'll also need proof that the vehicle passed a Connecticut emissions inspection within the past 60 days. Schedule an inspection at a certified emissions testing station before you submit your registration form.

Submitting Your Form by Mail or In Person

You can submit your completed form and documents by mail to the Connecticut DMV. Mail everything to: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Include a check or money order for the registration fee — the amount depends on the vehicle's weight and whether it's a new registration or renewal. The DMV website lists current fees by vehicle type.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. The DMV will mail your registration certificate and plates to the address you provided on the form. During that time, you can drive the vehicle using a temporary registration receipt if the DMV issues one — check your confirmation letter.

If you prefer to submit in person, visit any Connecticut DMV office during business hours. Bring the completed form, all supporting documents, and payment. Most offices accept cash, check, or card. You'll receive your plates and certificate the same day in most cases, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DMV website for office hours and locations near you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

The most frequent error is writing the VIN incorrectly. Double-check every character — the VIN is how the DMV links your registration to your vehicle's history. A single wrong digit can delay processing. If you're unsure of your VIN, look it up on your title, insurance card, or previous registration before you fill out the form.

Another common mistake is submitting an unsigned form or having only one owner sign when two owners are listed. The DMV will reject unsigned forms and return them to you. If the vehicle is registered to two people, both must sign in the designated spaces.

Make sure your address on the form matches the address on your ID. If they don't match, bring documentation showing your recent move — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days. The DMV uses your address to mail your registration, so errors here can result in lost documents.

If you're paying by check or money order, write it for the exact amount listed on the DMV website. Overpayment or underpayment can hold up processing. If you're mailing your form, include a copy of your check or money order receipt for your records.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

Once the DMV receives your form and documents, a staff member reviews them for completeness and accuracy. If everything is in order, they process your registration and generate your certificate and plates. If something is missing or incorrect, the DMV will contact you — usually by phone or mail — and ask you to provide the missing information or resubmit the form.

If you submitted by mail, you'll receive your registration certificate and plates in the mail within two to three weeks. Keep the certificate in your vehicle at all times — it's proof of registration. Display the plates on the front and rear of your vehicle as required by Connecticut law.

If you submitted in person, you'll walk out with your plates and certificate the same day. You can begin driving with the new registration when ready. If the DMV needs additional information, staff will tell you before you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a vehicle if I don't have the original title?

If you've lost the title, you can request a duplicate from the state where the vehicle was last registered. The Connecticut DMV can also issue a duplicate title if the vehicle is already registered in Connecticut. Contact your local DMV office to start the process — you'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or insurance documents.

Do I need to take an emissions test before I fill out the registration form?

If you're registering a vehicle in Connecticut for the first time (from out of state or a new purchase), yes — you need proof of a passing emissions test dated within 60 days. Schedule the test before you submit your registration form. If you're renewing an existing Connecticut registration, an emissions test is required every two years, and the DMV will notify you when it's due.

What if I'm registering a vehicle that belongs to a business, not a person?

Write the business name in the owner information section instead of a personal name. You'll need to bring documentation showing your authority to register the vehicle on the business's behalf, such as a power of attorney, corporate resolution, or partnership agreement. The DMV will also need the business's tax ID number.

How long does registration take if I submit the form in person at a DMV office?

Most in-person registrations are processed the same day, and you'll receive your plates and certificate before you leave. Wait times vary depending on how busy the office is and the time of day. Submitting early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter waits than late afternoon or weekends.

Can I renew my registration online instead of using the paper form?

Connecticut offers online renewal for some registrations through the DMV website. If you're may be able to access, the DMV will include a link in your renewal notice. Online renewal is faster than mail and doesn't require you to visit an office. However, not all registration types can be renewed online — new registrations and transfers must use the paper form.