You can transfer an out-of-state vehicle registration in-person at a DMV office, by appointment only. Review steps below for preparing to transfer your registration to Connecticut.
Step 1: Locate the vehicle title
If you have the original vehicle title (not a photocopy), proceed to Step 2.
An out-of-state title needs to be provided when applicable (see title information by state).
If there is a lien on your vehicle there are two options for registration:
An original title is required; a leased vehicle requires Power of Attorney from the leasing company. If you have a lien or are leasing a vehicle, contact your lienholder or leasing company to notify them that Connecticut requires the original vehicle title to register a vehicle. (Notify the lienholder or leasing company using this DMV-provided title request form.)
If your lienholder provides a photocopy of the front and back of the title, you are eligible to receive a Courtesy Registration. Courtesy Registrations are valid for up to six months and allow time for the original title to be mailed to the DMV. Once the original out-of-state title is received, a Connecticut title will be sent to the lienholder and a registration renewal notice will be sent to you via your preferred method of contact.
The original title needs to be mailed directly to DMV from the lienholder. Request and retain the tracking number to ensure delivery.
Mail to:
State of Connecticut
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Title Section, Room 305
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Note about processing time: Allow five business days for processing once you receive confirmation that your title documents have been delivered before going to the DMV for your appointment.
An emissions test is required for vehicles older than four model-years
An emissions test is NOT required for vehicles younger than four model years
Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing will require VIN verification.
Step 3: Gather additional documents
Identification—see acceptable forms of ID when registering a vehicle. Photocopies are accepted.
Proof of insurance. Learn more about Connecticut’s minimum insurance requirements.
Completed application for registration and certificate of title (Form H-13B)
Vehicle inspection report (VIR). This is provided by the emissions technician at the time of your test or VIN verification.
Payment for fees. View estimated fee information and acceptable forms of payment.
Step 4: Make an appointment
Make an in-person appointment at a DMV office.
Schedule now
What’s a courtesy registration?
A courtesy registration is issued when a vehicle is being transferred from out-of-state and the original title is held by a lienholder who is not present. A photocopy of the front and back of the title can be used to issue a six-month courtesy registration. This applies only when there is a lienholder holding the original title.
Courtesy registrations allow time for the original title to be mailed to the DMV and are valid for up to six months. They can’t be used for ownership transfers.
Note: A registration certificate cannot substitute the requirement.
Courtesy registration next steps
If you’ve been issued a Courtesy Registration, it’s your responsibility to contact the organization or lienholder who’s holding the title and ask that they mail it to the DMV. (Notify the lienholder or leasing company using this DMV-provided title request form.)
Mail to:
State of Connecticut
Department of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Record Updates
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Fees for courtesy registration
The fee for courtesy registrations is 25 percent of the base registration cost, plus other first time registration fees. View estimated fees.
Registration renewals
The DMV sends out a renewal notice 45 days before the expiration date for the remaining months of your registration term.
If the required, original out-of-state title is not submitted to the DMV prior to the expiration of the courtesy registration, the current registration can’t be renewed until this title has been provided.
What to expect
Once the original out-of-state title is received, the registration may be renewed and a Connecticut Certificate of Title is processed and mailed to the lienholder of record.
Visit your local emissions test station to verify your vehicle’s VIN. Learn more about the VIN verification process.
When your emissions test is complete, you will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). If your vehicle fails its test, you will receive an emissions repair form and a list of Certified Emissions Repair Facilities. We recommend that you obtain and review a repair estimate before authorizing any repairs.
Tinted windows are allowed in Connecticut if each window has a valid window tint compliance sticker or if the vehicle has a manufacture’s safety certification label.
Learn more about aftermarket window tints, and what is allowed.
Vehicles manufactured with functioning side pipe exhaust systems are allowed on passenger vehicles in Connecticut; however, aftermarket modifications are not permitted and considered illegal.
Equipment laws in Connecticut may be different from other states. Things to consider when purchasing a vehicle outside of Connecticut:
Does the vehicle have tinted windows? (If so, learn more about window tint compliance in Connecticut)
Does the vehicle have an aftermarket side pipe exhaust system? (Aftermarket modifications to exhaust systems are illegal in Connecticut)
Does the vehicle have two outside rear-view mirrors? (Connecticut law requires this)
You can’t register a vehicle if property taxes are delinquent, parking tickets are unpaid, or if the person registering it has had their registration privilege suspended. Learn more about resolving these compliance issues.
