Registering an Out-Of-State Vehicle in Connecticut: Step by Step

Welcome to Connecticut!

If you recently moved to The Constitution State, welcome! No doubt you’ve got your hands full with unpacking, organizing, renovating, and all the other joys of relocation. And while all these elements are necessary parts of a move, we’re here to remind you of one very important task: Get your vehicle roadworthy in Connecticut. Meaning, in and amongst all the other things on your to-do list, don’t forget to transfer your out-of-state car title to and register your car locally. Doing this early on will ensure your vehicle is legal in the state of CT.

Not sure how to get these things done? No worries! Our simple guide will have you titled, registered, and ready to roll in no time.

How to Title and Register Your Vehicle After Moving to Connecticut

New residents must title and register their out-of-state vehicles within ninety (90) days of moving to Connecticut. Conveniently, both processes can be done at the same time.

Note: if your vehicle is less than 20 years old it will not require a title transfer, as  cars manufactured more than 20 years ago do not need to be titled in the state of Connecticut.

For vehicles younger than twenty years old, you can follow these steps to transfer your car title in Connecticut:

1. Locate your original certificate of title: The CT DMV requires the certificate of title in order to register a vehicle. If you’ve lost this document or it’s been damaged somehow, your first step is to obtain a replacement (duplicate) title from your previous state of residence before proceeding.
2. Complete an H-13B form: This form, which can be downloaded from the Connecticut DMV site, asks for basic information about your vehicle, such as the make, model, and VIN. It also has sections where you must add your personal information.
3. Book an emissions test for your vehicle (if necessary): You must obtain a passing emissions test for any vehicle over four years of age in order to register your car. However, you can skip this step if your car was manufactured less than four years ago.

Note: emissions tests are not required on the following vehicles:

• Motorcycles
• Fully electric vehicles (Not hybrids)
• Vehicles younger than four model-years old
• Models from 1998 or before
• Motorized bicycles

1. Get a VIN inspection: All out-of-state vehicles require a VIN inspection. It’s a good idea to schedule an inspection at least one week before you renew your registration. VIN verifications are only admissible within thirty (30) days of procurement, so you don’t want to go too long between your inspection and your application for registration.
2. Purchase auto insurance: To register your car, you must have proof of insurance that meets Connecticut minimum coverage requirements. If your out-of-state insurance provider can transfer your policy to Connecticut, (meaning, they have a branch in CT) you can continue with them. Otherwise, you will be required to obtain local insurance in the Constitution State.

The liability minimums are:

• $25,000 liability coverage per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, per person
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

6. Visit a titling office or renew online: Once you’ve gathered all relevant documents, completed your H-13B, and performed all necessary inspections, it’s time to get registered. The CT DMV requires (at the time of this publication) that appointments be made before visiting a local branch. Check with your closest office for hours and availability.

And there you have it: the simple guide to registering your out-of-state vehicle in the state of Connecticut.  And once you’ve got your title and plates squared away, remember that when it’s time to renew your registration, you can turn to eTags for fast, easy, online service…no appointments or lines necessary. Simply head over to our CT page and get started. We’ve got a team of tag and title experts ready to lend a hand…because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!