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Please note:

Get your REAL ID by May 7, 2025: A REAL ID is a verified driver’s license or identification (ID) card that’s a federally accepted form of identification, sometimes referred to as a verified ID. Learn more.

Boat decals: Boat decals for the year 2026 will be distributed in April.


Register your new vehicle or vessel

Learn how to register your vehicle or vessel with the DMV and what registration type you need

Register your new vehicle or vessel

Learn how to register your vehicle or vessel with the DMV and what registration type you need

Registration overview

Registration process & requirements

Registering your new vehicle or vessel (i.e., boat) is easy, but it can only be done by appointment at a DMV hub or branch office, or a participating dealership.

Remember to bring all required documents and identification to your appointment, along with an acceptable form of payment.

IMPORTANT
Before you schedule an appointment, check to make sure there are no outstanding compliance issues on your vehicle that could prevent you from registering:

Registration fees

  • Passport to the Parks: Learn more about the $15 Passport to the Parks fee that’s included in all non-commercial vehicles with new registrations, renewals, or plate transfers. This minimal fee allows residents with Connecticut plates on their vehicles to park for free at all state parks and beaches, while also funding public programs across the park system—from improved park maintenance to more lifeguards on duty.  Effective July 1, 2025, the Passport to the Parks fee will be $24.
  • Fee overview: Fees for specific registration and usage types can be found below within each vehicle and usage type category, or you can review a chart of all registration-related fees.

Additional registration information

Check registration status to verify if your vehicle is already registered with a plate. (You will need your vehicle class and license plate number.)