Renewing your Connecticut vehicle registration online or by mail
Connecticut sends renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires. You can renew online through the DMV website, by mail using the notice they sent you, or in person at a DMV branch. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your new registration within two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks — but requires only the notice, a check or money order, and a stamp.
The fastest route is online at ct.gov/dmv. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and a credit or debit card. The system will confirm your vehicle information, calculate any fees owed, and process payment when ready. Your new registration will be mailed to the address on file.
If you've lost your renewal notice or your registration has already expired, you can still renew online using your VIN and driver's license number. Connecticut does not charge a penalty for late renewal as long as you renew before your registration has been expired for more than one year.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV branch.
- Online renewal at ct.gov/dmv is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes, with your new registration arriving within two weeks.
- Mail renewal requires only your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a stamp, but takes three to four weeks.
- You can renew online even without your renewal notice if you have your VIN and driver's license number.
- Connecticut does not charge a late penalty for renewal as long as you renew before your registration expires by more than one year.
What documents and information you need
For online renewal, have your current registration number and VIN ready before you start. Both appear on your registration card and on the renewal notice Connecticut mailed you. You'll also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
For mail renewal, send the renewal notice itself along with a check or money order made payable to "State of Connecticut." Include your phone number on the check. Mail everything to the address printed on the back of your renewal notice. Do not send cash.
If you're renewing in person at a DMV branch, bring your current registration card, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment by check, money order, or card. Some branches accept cash, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.
Renewal fees and what they cover
Connecticut renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and whether you own or lease it. The DMV website shows the exact fee for your vehicle once you enter your VIN during online renewal. Fees typically range from $85 to $200 for standard passenger vehicles, but commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers have different rates.
Your renewal fee covers registration for one year from your current expiration date. If your registration expired more than 30 days ago, you may owe a reinstatement fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The online system will calculate this automatically and show you the total before you pay.
Some vehicles may require an emissions test before renewal. Connecticut requires emissions testing for vehicles model year 1996 and newer in most areas of the state. If your vehicle needs testing, you cannot complete online renewal until you pass the test and the results are recorded with the DMV.
When your registration expires and how to check the date
Your registration expiration date appears on your registration card in the upper right corner. Connecticut registrations expire on the last day of the month shown on your card. For example, if your card shows "06/2025," your registration expires on June 30, 2025.
You can also check your expiration date online at ct.gov/dmv by entering your VIN and registration number. This is useful if you've misplaced your card. The website will show your current expiration date and whether a renewal notice has been mailed to you.
Connecticut mails renewal notices starting 60 days before expiration. If you don't receive a notice by the time you're 30 days from expiration, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 to request a duplicate or to update your mailing address on file.
Renewing by mail step by step
Start by locating your renewal notice. It will have a postage-paid return envelope attached or printed on the back. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, made payable to "State of Connecticut." Write your phone number on the check itself.
Place the check, your renewal notice, and any other documents the notice requests into the return envelope. Do not fold the registration card itself. Seal the envelope and mail it. The postmark date counts as your renewal date, so mail it before your expiration date to avoid a late fee.
Processing takes three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new registration card will be mailed to the address on file. If you don't receive it within four weeks of mailing, call the DMV to confirm they received your payment.
Renewing in person at a Connecticut DMV branch
Connecticut has DMV branches in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and Norwich. You do not need an appointment for registration renewal. Bring your current registration card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment by check, money order, or card.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Branches are typically less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. You can check current wait times on the DMV website before you go.
In-person renewal is processed when ready, and you'll receive your new registration card before you leave. This is the fastest method if you need your registration quickly or if you have questions about your renewal.
What to do if your registration has already expired
If your registration expired fewer than 30 days ago, you can renew online or by mail without penalty. The system will process your renewal as normal, and your new registration will be valid from the date you renew.
If your registration expired more than 30 days ago but less than one year ago, you'll owe a reinstatement fee in addition to your standard renewal fee. The amount varies but is typically $20 to $50. You cannot drive legally until your renewal is processed and your new registration is in hand or on file with the DMV.
If your registration expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV branch. Bring your current registration card, proof of residency, and payment. The branch will process your renewal and issue a temporary registration that allows you to drive home or to an inspection station if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle hasn't passed emissions testing?
No. Connecticut requires emissions testing for most vehicles before renewal. You must schedule a test at an approved emissions station, pass the test, and wait for the results to appear in the DMV system before you can complete renewal. This usually takes one to three business days after your test.
What happens if I renew online but don't receive my new registration within two weeks?
Contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 with your confirmation number from your online renewal. They can confirm the payment was received and provide an estimated delivery date. If payment was not processed, you'll need to renew again. In the meantime, keep your online confirmation as proof of renewal.
Can I renew my registration if I've moved and my address on file is wrong?
Yes, but update your address first. Go to ct.gov/dmv and use the address change form, or call 860-263-5700 to update it by phone. Once your address is corrected, you can renew online or by mail, and your new registration will be sent to your current address.
Do I need to renew my registration if I sold my vehicle?
No. When you sell your vehicle, notify the DMV within 10 days using the bill of sale form on ct.gov/dmv. Your registration will be cancelled, and you won't receive a renewal notice. The new owner is responsible for registering the vehicle in their name.
What if my renewal notice shows the wrong vehicle information?
Call the DMV at 860-263-5700 before you renew. They can correct errors in your vehicle information and send you a corrected notice, or they can process the renewal over the phone with the correct details. Do not renew with incorrect information on your notice.