What the Borinqueneers plate is and who can get it
Connecticut offers a Borinqueneers commemorative license plate to honor the 65th Infantry Regiment, a unit of the Puerto Rican Army National Guard with a long military history dating back to 1919. The plate displays the regiment's insignia and name. Any Connecticut resident can request this plate when registering or renewing a vehicle, regardless of military service or Puerto Rican heritage — there is no service requirement or residency restriction tied to the plate itself.
The plate costs the same as a standard Connecticut registration plate. You do not pay an additional fee to choose the Borinqueneers design over the default state plate. The design remains on your vehicle for as long as you own it, unless you choose to switch to a different plate style at your next renewal.
Key Takeaways
- The Borinqueneers plate is available to any Connecticut resident during vehicle registration or renewal, with no military service requirement or heritage restriction.
- You request the plate through the Connecticut DMV when you register or renew your vehicle, either online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
- The plate costs the same as a standard Connecticut plate — no surcharge or additional fee applies.
- You can switch to a different plate design at your next renewal if you change your mind about the Borinqueneers design.
- The Connecticut DMV website displays images of the Borinqueneers plate so you can see the design before you make your choice.
How to request the plate during registration or renewal
When you register a new vehicle or renew your registration with the Connecticut DMV, you will see plate design options. The Borinqueneers plate appears alongside other commemorative designs and the standard blue-and-white Connecticut plate. Select it from the list and complete your registration as normal.
If you are registering online through the Connecticut DMV website at ct.gov/dmv, the plate options appear during the design-selection step. You can view images of each design before you choose. If you are renewing by mail, the renewal notice will include a form where you can mark your plate choice. If you visit a DMV office in person, staff will show you the available designs and let you choose before processing your registration.
You do not need to submit any additional paperwork or proof to request the Borinqueneers plate. Your choice of plate design is part of the standard registration process, and no documentation of heritage or military connection is required or requested.
Registration and renewal channels in Connecticut
You can handle registration and renewal through three channels: the Connecticut DMV website, by mail using the renewal notice sent to your address, or at a DMV office. The online option is usually fastest — you can select your plate design, pay the registration fee, and receive your new registration document within days.
If you prefer to visit in person, Connecticut has DMV offices in multiple locations across the state. You will need your current registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Bring these documents along with your vehicle if you are registering a new car for the first time in Connecticut. Mail-in renewal is also straightforward: fill out the form included with your renewal notice, select the Borinqueneers plate option, and return it with your payment.
Processing times vary by method. Online renewal typically takes three to five business days. Mail-in renewal takes one to two weeks after the DMV receives your completed form. In-person renewal at a DMV office is usually completed the same day, though wait times depend on office traffic.
What happens if you want to change your plate later
You can switch to a different plate design at your next vehicle renewal. You cannot change your plate design mid-registration cycle — you must wait until your renewal date arrives. When you renew, straightforward select a different design option instead of the Borinqueneers plate. This applies whether you are renewing online, by mail, or in person.
If you lose or damage your Borinqueneers plate, you can request a replacement through the Connecticut DMV. Replacement plates cost a small fee, typically under $10, and can be ordered online, by mail, or at a DMV office. You will need to provide your vehicle registration number and proof of ownership. Replacement plates usually arrive within one to two weeks if ordered by mail, or can be picked up at a DMV office if you order in person.
Understanding the 65th Infantry Regiment and the plate's history
The 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers (from Borinquen, the Taíno name for Puerto Rico), was established in 1919 and has served in multiple wars and conflicts. The regiment earned recognition for its service and sacrifice, and Connecticut created the commemorative plate to honor this military unit and its cultural significance to Puerto Rican communities.
Connecticut offers several other commemorative plates alongside the Borinqueneers design, each honoring different groups, causes, or historical events. The Borinqueneers plate is one of many options available to residents who want their vehicle registration to reflect their values or heritage. Choosing a commemorative plate does not affect your vehicle's registration status, insurance, or any other aspect of vehicle ownership — it is purely a design choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be Puerto Rican or a military veteran to get the Borinqueneers plate?
No. Any Connecticut resident can request the Borinqueneers plate. There is no heritage requirement, military service requirement, or other restriction. The plate is a commemorative design available to all vehicle owners.
Does the Borinqueneers plate cost more than a regular Connecticut plate?
No. The plate costs the same as a standard Connecticut registration plate. You do not pay a surcharge or additional fee to choose this design over the default state plate.
Can I get the Borinqueneers plate if I am not registering a new vehicle?
Yes. You can request the plate during your vehicle renewal. When your registration is due to renew, select the Borinqueneers design from the available options during the renewal process, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
What if I already have a different plate and want to switch to the Borinqueneers plate?
You can switch at your next renewal date. You cannot change your plate design before then. When your renewal notice arrives, select the Borinqueneers design instead of keeping your current plate.
Where can I see what the Borinqueneers plate looks like before I request it?
The Connecticut DMV website at ct.gov/dmv shows images of all available commemorative plates, including the Borinqueneers design. You can view these images before you register or renew your vehicle to make sure you want this design.