Cancel your registration and plates

Service update (12/21/24):

Please be advised, our Norwalk branch is currently closed as there is a water main break in the area. Customers have been notified and are being re-routed.

All appointment types EXCEPT those for Knowledge Tests: appointments will be honored in Bridgeport or Danbury
Knowledge Tests: appointments will be honored in Norwalk

We apologize for the inconvenience, as delays are expected.

Registration cancellation overview

The Connecticut DMV offers options online, by mail, and in-person to cancel your vehicle registration and plates or vessel registration. We call this terminating your registration.

You will need to do this if you no longer have the registered vehicle or vessel or if you have moved out of state. Otherwise, your vehicle or vessel will be subject to property tax assessment in the town of record until your registration is cancelled.

Once the registration has been cancelled, the vehicle will be removed from the next cancellation list that is provided to municipalities on October 1 each year.

Prior to canceling your registration, please verify your current Connecticut registration status.
Plates can be discarded at your discretion.

Note: You may cancel the registration of a deceased individual by mail.

Estimated time to cancel your registration and plates online (for individuals): 7 minutes

Get started

Cancel online
Cancel by mail
Cancel in person

Who is eligible
How to
Fees
Receipt

Who is eligible

Individuals: Please continue reading the below for information on how to terminate your vehicle registration & plates or vessel registration.

Organizations: Please click here to enter your information and terminate your vehicle registration & plates or vessel registration.

Note: Registrations that have a Revoked or Suspended status are not eligible.

How to

Step 1: Gather what you’ll need (for individuals only)

Your first and last name exactly how it appears on your driver’s license or non-driver ID card
Your driver’s license or non-driver ID card number
Your date of birth
Your license plate number or your CT vessel registration number
A credit or debit card
Your street address on your driver’s license or non-driver ID card
Your social security number

Step 2: Cancel your vehicle or vessel registration online

Individuals:

Get started

Organizations: Please click here to enter your information and terminate your vehicle registration & plates or vessel registration.

Fees

It is free to terminate your vehicle or vessel registration.

If the vehicle/vessel is eligible for a refund, you will be given the option to request one during the online termination process. Checks will be mailed to you from the Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller.

Receipt

Your plate disposition receipt will serve as proof that your vehicle or vessel registration has been terminated.

If you need a copy of your registration cancellation or plate disposition receipt that you’ve previously terminated online, locate your receipt using the DMV’s online system and print a copy. This option is available to individuals who have terminated their registration online as of 10/31/2022 or later.

If you have terminated your registration prior to 10/31/2022, you can confirm your registration cancellation status online and print a copy.

Cancel your registration and plates by mail

Step 1: Complete these forms to cancel your vehicle registration and plates by mail

Marker plate notice (Form E-159)
Request for registration refund (Form F-82)

Step 2: Send printed copies of the completed forms to the DMV

DMV Registry Record Section
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161-5057

Note:

A receipt will be mailed to the address on file with DMV. If you’ve moved out of state, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for the receipt to be mailed to your new address.
If you received a property tax bill on a vehicle that you sold and need proof of sale, fill out a copy records request (Form J-23t). On the form, please request the "bill of sale" and follow instructions for how to order.

To cancel the registration of a deceased individual, the executor or family member will need to return the plates of the deceased individual via mail along with the original probate document naming the administrator or executor of the estate. If the plates are either lost or stolen then the Executor will need to submit, by mail Form E-159 along with copy of an acceptable probate document to the address on the form.

The following probate court documents are acceptable:

• PC-160 decree.

• PC-212B petitioner's probate certificate. This document must state that transfer of ownership is allowed.

• PC-260 decree granting administration of probate will.

• PC-264 or PC-264S decree/transfer of personal property without probate proceedings.

• PC-450 fiduciary's probate certificate.

Cancel your registration and plates in person

Complete a request for registration refund (Form F-82) and bring it with you to your appointment. You only need to include this form if you are requesting a refund.
You’ll need to complete Form E159 if you don’t have your plates.
Refund requests can be submitted when cancelling your registration and plates in-person.

Cancel vehicle or vessel registration