Military personnel requirements for vehicle registration

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.

Requirements for military personnel registering a vehicle in Connecticut

You can register and title your vehicle in Connecticut if you:

Were a Connecticut resident at the time of induction
Are currently serving active duty or separated from duty (must be within two years of the date of honorable discharge or separation from service with a qualifying condition)

If stationed outside Connecticut, complete the required documents and mail to:

Department of Motor Vehicle
Customized Services Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161-5049

This can be done in person as well. Schedule an appointment to complete your transaction.

Vehicle information & fees
Fee waiver
Registration renewal

New or used vehicles
Used vehicles previously registered in CT

New or used vehicles

For military personnel registering new or used vehicles, you’ll need to provide:

Your current Connecticut Insurance Identification Card. The insurance card must be in the name of registered owner(s) of vehicle. If the vehicle is being leased, the insurance card may be in the name of the lessee.
Completed application for registration and title (Form H-13B).
The original Certificate of Origin or Previous Title properly assigned to you on the back or the form by the selling dealership or seller.
Federal Odometer Statement if purchased through a dealership.
Verification of Vehicle Identification Number or VIN (Form AE-81) completed by an inspection authority as listed on the AE-81 form, and an administrative fee of $10.

If the vehicle is in CT, you’ll need to bring it to an emissions testing facility for testing prior to registration, unless it is an emissions exempt vehicle. Find a testing center.
Please see information about emissions compliance procedures for out-of-state military personnel.

Bill of sale or paid invoice from the dealership.
Completed application for waiver of registration fee for someone in the military (Form B-276).
Identification - please see acceptable forms of identification when registering a vehicle in CT.

If the identification of military personnel is not available due to deployment, a copy of the change-of-duty station orders will be acceptable along with a Power of Attorney for the person signing the application for registration and title (Form H-13B).

Applicable fees

VIN verification administrative fee: $10
Emissions-exempt administrative fee (for vehicles four years old or newer): $40
Title fee(s): $25 for title and $10 for each lienholder listed
Required sales tax

See acceptable forms of payment.

Used vehicles previously registered in CT

For military personnel registering used vehicles that were previously registered in Connecticut, you’ll need to provide:

Your current Connecticut Insurance Identification Card. The insurance card must be in the name of registered owner(s) of vehicle. If the vehicle is being leased, the insurance card may be in the name of the lessee.
Completed application for registration and title (Form H-13B).
The previous Connecticut title, which must be properly assigned to you on the back of the form.
Federal Odometer Statement if purchased through a dealership.
Bill of Sale (Form H-31).
Completed application for waiver of registration fee for someone in the military (Form B-276).
Identification - please see acceptable forms of identification when registering a vehicle in CT.
- If the identification of military personnel is not available due to deployment, a copy of the change-of-duty station orders will be acceptable along with a Power of Attorney for the person signing the application for registration and title (Form H-13B).

Applicable fees

Title fee(s): $25 for title and $10 for each lienholder listed
Required sales tax

See acceptable forms of payment.

Fee waiver & eligibility

Eligibility
In order to waive fees related to vehicle registration, you must have been a Connecticut resident at the time of your induction into the U.S. military—including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard (cadets and midshipmen).

National Guard members and Reservists are eligible for the fee waiver if you have been called to active duty for any length of time and show your active-duty orders.

Active-duty military members must show their current military ID cards or, if discharged, show honorable discharge Form DD214.

To obtain a waiver of the registration fee, complete the application for waiver of registration fee for someone in the military (Form B-276) and, if applicable, provide a copy of Form DD214 with each registration transaction.

Fee information
Fees that are waived include:

New and renewal registration fees
Temporary plate fee
Safety plate fee
Clean air act fee

Fees that are NOT waived include:

Title and lien fees
Vehicle or record transfer fees
Duplicate registration fee
Sub reg fees (replace lost or stolen plate)
Special plate fees
Sales tax or other fees mentioned on this webpage

Note: Late fees for registration renewal and emission testing may be waived if the registration is renewed or vehicle is emission tested within 60 days of the date the military member is discharged from military service (honorable discharge Form DD214 must be presented).

Renewing your vehicle registration

An invitation to renew your registration will automatically be mailed to the address on file 45 days prior to your expiration date. Please read and follow the instructions that are included on your invitation.

Mail back the completed invitation and required waiver of registration fee (Form B-276) in the return envelope provided.

If the envelope is missing, mail your renewal and fee waiver form to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 150456
Hartford CT 06115-0456