Connecticut vehicle registration renews every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
Connecticut sends you a renewal notice about 45 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal number, which you need to complete the process. You have three ways to renew: online through the Connecticut DMV website (the fastest option), by mail using the notice itself, or by visiting a DMV office in person. You cannot renew after your registration has already expired — Connecticut does not offer a grace period, so your vehicle is not legal to drive once the expiration date passes.
The cost of renewal varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $130 and $160 for a two-year renewal, but trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles have different rates. If you have not received a renewal notice 45 days before expiration, contact the DMV directly rather than waiting — the notice may have been lost in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut registration renews every two years, and you must renew before the expiration date on your current registration — there is no grace period.
- The DMV mails a renewal notice about 45 days before expiration; this notice contains your renewal number and can be used to renew by mail or online.
- Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website is the fastest method and requires your renewal number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method.
- If you renew by mail, send the notice with payment to the address printed on it; if you renew in person, bring your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and payment to any DMV office.
- Your new registration and plates arrive by mail after processing; online renewals typically process within one business day, while mail renewals take one to two weeks.
Renewing online through the Connecticut DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option. Go to the Connecticut DMV website, select "Vehicle Registration Renewal," and enter your renewal number (found on the notice the DMV mailed you), your VIN, and your date of birth. You will need to pay by credit card or debit card. The system will confirm your renewal when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number by email.
Your new registration and plates will arrive by mail within five to seven business days. You can continue driving on your current registration and plates until the new ones arrive — you do not need to stop driving when you submit the online renewal. If you do not have your renewal notice, you can still renew online by entering your VIN and other vehicle information, but having the notice makes the process faster.
Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the website is temporarily down for maintenance, you will see a message directing you to try again later or use an alternative renewal method.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
If you prefer to renew by mail, use the renewal notice the DMV sent you. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash), and mail both the notice and payment to the address printed on the notice itself. Include a note with your current phone number if the notice does not have one, so the DMV can contact you if there is a problem.
Mail renewal takes one to two weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new registration and plates will arrive separately by mail after processing is complete. Do not mail your current registration or plates — keep them until the new ones arrive. If your renewal notice was damaged or lost, contact the DMV to request a replacement before mailing.
Mail your renewal at least two weeks before your registration expires to allow time for processing and delivery. If you are cutting it close to the expiration date, online renewal or in-person renewal at a DMV office is faster.
Renewing in person at a Connecticut DMV office
You can renew your registration at any Connecticut DMV office. Bring your renewal notice, your current vehicle registration, proof of insurance (your insurance card or a printed declaration page), and payment in the form of cash, check, money order, or card. Some offices accept card payments; call ahead to confirm your local office's payment methods.
DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. You do not need an appointment for registration renewal at most offices, but some locations now use an online check-in system — check the DMV website for your local office's procedures.
In-person renewal is usually the fastest method if you can visit during a quiet time. You will receive your new registration on the spot, though your new plates will still arrive by mail within five to seven business days. If you need temporary plates to drive before the new ones arrive, ask the DMV staff — they can sometimes issue a temporary registration.
What to do if your renewal notice did not arrive
If you did not receive a renewal notice 45 days before your registration expires, contact the Connecticut DMV directly by phone at 860-263-5700 or visit the DMV website to request a replacement notice. Have your VIN and current registration number ready when you call. The DMV can email or mail a new notice to you, or you can proceed with online renewal by entering your VIN and vehicle information directly into the renewal system.
Do not wait until your registration is about to expire to contact the DMV. If you notice the notice is missing more than 30 days before expiration, you have time to get a replacement and renew by mail or online. If your registration has already expired, you cannot legally drive the vehicle, and you will need to contact the DMV about late renewal procedures and any associated penalties.
Proof of insurance requirements for renewal
Connecticut requires proof of current auto insurance to renew your registration. If you renew online, the DMV will verify your insurance electronically using your VIN and driver's license number — you do not need to upload or submit anything. If you renew by mail or in person, bring your insurance card or a printed declaration page from your insurance company showing your policy number, coverage dates, and the vehicle's VIN.
Your insurance must be active on the date you renew. If your policy lapsed or you switched insurance companies, make sure the new policy is in effect before you submit your renewal. If the DMV cannot verify your insurance electronically during online renewal, you will receive a notice asking you to provide proof — respond promptly to avoid delays in receiving your new registration.
Scams and safety alerts for registration renewal
Do not respond to emails, texts, or phone calls claiming to be from the Connecticut DMV and asking you to renew your registration or pay a fee through a link or by wire transfer. The DMV does not contact you by email or text to request renewal payments. If you receive such a message, delete it and report it to the Connecticut Attorney General's office.
Scammers sometimes create fake DMV websites that look similar to the real one. Always type the official Connecticut DMV web address directly into your browser rather than clicking a link in an email or search result. The real website is ct.gov/dmv. Never enter your Social Security number, driver's license number, or banking information on a website you are not certain is official.
If you use a third-party service to renew your registration (such as a mail-forwarding service or a vehicle registration company), you will pay a convenience fee on top of the state renewal fee. These services are not affiliated with the DMV and are not necessary — you can renew directly through the DMV for the state fee alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I drive after my registration expires?
Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Connecticut. You can be stopped by police and issued a ticket, which carries a fine and may result in points on your driving record. Your vehicle is not insured for liability if you are involved in an accident while driving with expired registration, which means you could be personally liable for damages.
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle failed inspection?
No. Connecticut requires a current vehicle inspection to renew registration. If your inspection has expired or your vehicle failed inspection, you must pass inspection before you can renew your registration. Schedule an inspection at a state-approved inspection station, and once you pass, you can renew your registration when ready.
How long does it take to receive new plates after I renew?
New plates arrive by mail within five to seven business days after the DMV processes your renewal. You can continue driving on your current plates until the new ones arrive. If you need plates sooner, visit a DMV office in person to ask about expedited plate options, though these may carry an additional fee.
Do I need to renew my registration if I sold my vehicle?
No. If you sold your vehicle, you do not renew the registration. Instead, you must notify the DMV of the sale by submitting a Notice of Sale form within 10 days. You can file this form online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Failure to report the sale can leave you liable for tickets or violations issued to the new owner.
Can I renew my registration if I have unpaid parking tickets or DMV fines?
Connecticut may place a hold on your registration renewal if you have outstanding DMV fines or certain unpaid violations. Contact the DMV to check for any holds on your account before attempting to renew. If a hold exists, you will need to resolve the outstanding issue before the DMV will process your renewal.