How to Renew Your Car Registration in Connecticut

You must apply for a car registration renewal in Connecticut before your vehicle’s registration expire, as driving an automobile without valid registration may result in fines if an officer pulls you over. As a reminder to renew your registration credentials, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will mail you a renewal notice about 45 days before your vehicle’s license plates expire.

To apply for DMV registration renewal in CT, you may submit your request online or by mail. To learn more about these application methods, review the sections below.

Connecticut Tag Renewal Requirements

Before you can renew your registration online or by mail, you need to make sure you are eligible to renew. To comply with the state’s registration requirements, for instance, you may need to settle any outstanding parking tickets, provide the DMV with proof of car insurance and pay delinquent property taxes. Additionally, your vehicle must comply with the state’s emissions testing requirements.

In many cases, you can perform a car reg check to determine whether you need to meet any additional requirements before renewing your car registration credentials, such as submitting your vehicle for an emissions test.

Note: Download our free guide for information about renewing car registration.

If you wish to check vehicle registration status online at the DMV’s website, you will need your name, date of birth and driver’s license number.

If you cannot provide this information, you may contact a local DMV office directly to learn more about the steps you must take to resolve these types of compliance issues with the department.

Renewing Vehicle Registration in Connecticut

After performing your car registration check and settling any compliance issues with the DMV, you may renew your registration and license plate tags online or by mail.

Be aware, however, that you cannot renew your credentials online if your registration has been expired for 30 days or longer.

Applying Online

To apply for a CT DMV car registration renewal online, you must be able to provide the personal identification number (PIN) from the reminder notice you received in the mail.

If you cannot provide a PIN, you must provide your first and last name, birth date and Connecticut driver’s license or identification card number. You must also be able to pay the applicable fee with an accepted form of credit.

By Mail

If you cannot renew your registration credentials online or you prefer to submit your application materials by mail, you may forward your renewal notice and payment for the applicable fee to the DMV’s main office in Hartford.

Find detailed information on vehicle renewals by downloading our free guide.