To register a car in Connecticut, you need to present specific documents at your local DMV office. The essential items are the vehicle title properly assigned to you, proof of insurance from a Connecticut-licensed carrier, a valid form of personal identification, and payment for the applicable taxes and fees. If you have a loan on the car, the lienholder will hold the title, and you'll need to provide a Registration and Title Application (form H-13B) instead.
The most critical document is the Certificate of Title. When you buy from a dealer, they typically handle the registration paperwork. For a private sale, the seller must sign the title over to you. Your proof of insurance must be from a company authorized to do business in CT and show the vehicle's VIN and effective dates. For ID, a Connecticut driver's license is ideal.
You will also need to pay several fees. The registration fee varies by vehicle type, and there is a title fee. Connecticut charges a 6.35% use tax on the purchase price of the vehicle unless you paid sales tax in another state. If the car is newer than ten years old, a VIN verification may be required, which can be done at the DMV or by a licensed dealer or law enforcement officer.
| Required Document/Fee | Specific Details and Notes |
|---|
| Vehicle Title | Must be properly assigned by the previous owner with the odometer reading disclosed. |
| Proof of Insurance | Must be a CT-issued insurance card or binder; out-of-state proof is not accepted. |
| Personal Identification | CT Driver's License/ID is preferred; passport with proof of CT residency is an alternative. |
| Payment for Fees | Major credit/debit cards, checks, and money orders are accepted; cash may have limitations. |
| Registration & Title App (H-13B) | Required if the title is held by a lienholder (bank or credit union). |
| Bill of Sale | While not always mandatory, it's highly recommended to prove the purchase price for tax purposes. |
| Odometer Disclosure | Required for vehicles under 10 years old; usually found on the title itself. |
| Previous Registration | Helpful if available, but not a primary requirement for a new registration. |
| Emissions Test | Required for most gasoline-powered vehicles registered in CT; must pass before registration. |
| Use Tax (6.35%) | Calculated on the purchase price or the current NADA book value, whichever is higher. |
Gathering these documents before your DMV visit will make the process significantly smoother. Missing just one item can result in a delayed registration.
