How to register a vehicle in CT purchased in another state

Registration process for vehicles purchased outside of CT

You have 90 days to register a vehicle in Connecticut after purchasing it from another state, or 90 days from when you’ve established residency if you’re new to CT. Registration can only be done in person at a DMV office, by appointment only.

Pre-registration information
If your new vehicle is not registered before you transport it to Connecticut, you will need to make an appointment at a DMV office and get a temporary registration. Please see requirements for getting a temporary registration for inspection purposes.

Once you have a temporary registration, you can follow the steps outlined below in the “How to” section.

Additional information

Vehicle modifications
Please be aware that some of the equipment laws in Connecticut may be different from those in the state in which the vehicle was last registered.

Examples include tinted windows and side pipe exhaust systems. In general, the tinting of the windshield or windows in the doors of the vehicle is not allowed. However, window tinting performed by the manufacturer, at the time of manufacture, or for medical reasons, may be allowed. If your rear windows are tinted with other than a factory tint, Connecticut law requires the vehicle to have two outside rearview mirrors. Functioning side pipe exhaust systems are not allowed on passenger vehicles in Connecticut, unless the vehicle is manufactured with them.

Leasing a vehicle
Please see important information about leasing a vehicle from another state.

Registering a trailer
Please see information about registering trailers/camp trailers, as well as required documents if the trailer was purchased outside of CT. Please see requirements for registering a camp trailer.

Registration restrictions
Vehicles cannot be registered if delinquent property tax or parking tickets are owed or if the registrant has had their registration privilege suspended.

Make an appointment at the DMV

Schedule now

Step 1: Complete emissions testing and/or VIN verification
Step 2: Gather required documents before scheduling an appointment
Step 3: Make an appointment at a DMV office

Step 1: Complete emissions testing and/or VIN verification

If your vehicle is a model year four years prior to the current year or older, then it needs to pass an emissions test.

Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing will need a vehicle identification number (VIN) verification.

Step 2: Gather required documents before scheduling an appointment

Documents required:

Identification - see acceptable forms of ID.
Proof of insurance. Your current insurance must meet Connecticut’s minimum insurance requirements.
Completed application for registration and title (Form H-13B).
Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). This will be provided by the technician at the time of your vehicle’s emissions test or VIN verification.
Payment for fees. Review estimated registration fee information and acceptable forms of payment.
Proof of ownership. An original title is required, and a leased vehicle requires an original power of attorney from the leasing company. If you have a lien or are leasing a vehicle, you must contact your lienholder or leasing company to notify them that Connecticut requires the original vehicle title to register a vehicle. Please use this DMV-provided form to notify the lienholder or leasing company and ask them to mail the title to the DMV.
- Mail to:
  State of Connecticut
  Department of Motor Vehicles
  ATTN: Record Updates
  60 State Street
  Wethersfield, CT 06161

After you’ve received a confirmation of receipt of your title documents, please allow five business days for the vehicle to be processed into the system before visiting a DMV office.

If the original title is not available, you can request courtesy registration, good for six months, to give your lienholder or leasing company time to mail your original title to the Connecticut DMV. This applies only when there’s a lienholder holding the original title.

Step 3: Make an appointment at a DMV office

If you’re also transferring your driver’s license to Connecticut in addition to registering your vehicle purchased out of state, you can choose an appointment type that allows you to complete both transactions during when you’re at the DMV.