What Connecticut License Plates Look Like and What They Cost

Connecticut license plates are white with blue lettering and the state name across the top. Standard passenger plates display six characters — either three letters followed by three numbers, or a mix depending on when the plate was issued. The state's "Constitution State" slogan appears at the bottom of most plates.

A new Connecticut plate costs $120 for a standard passenger vehicle, valid for two years. Renewal costs $60 every two years after that. If you register a vehicle for the first time in Connecticut, you pay the full $120 at registration. The fee covers both the plate itself and your vehicle registration for that two-year period.

Connecticut offers specialty plates — including environmental, military, and organizational designs — at the same $120 initial cost, though some specialty plates have an additional donation component that goes to the named organization.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut plates cost $120 for a new registration (two years) and $60 to renew every two years after that.
  • You obtain plates through the Connecticut DMV when you register your vehicle, not as a separate transaction.
  • Renewal notices arrive by mail about 45 days before your registration expires, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, the DMV will issue a replacement for a $20 fee.
  • Connecticut allows personalized plates with up to seven characters for an additional $50 fee on top of the standard registration cost.

How to Register a Vehicle and Get Your First Plate

When you buy a vehicle in Connecticut, you register it at your local DMV branch or through the Connecticut DMV website. You will need the vehicle's title, proof of insurance, and a completed process for Registration (Form H-10). If you are financing the vehicle, bring the lien holder information as well.

The DMV issues your plate at the time of registration. You do not order it separately or wait for it to arrive by mail — you receive it when ready at most branches, though some locations may mail it within a few business days. Your registration is valid for two years from the date of issue.

If you move to Connecticut from another state, you have 60 days to register your vehicle and obtain a Connecticut plate. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, and a completed H-10 form. The $120 fee applies whether your vehicle is new to the state or already registered elsewhere.

Renewing Your Registration and Plate

Connecticut sends renewal notices by mail approximately 45 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee amount and instructions for three renewal methods: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV branch.

Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about five minutes. You will need your registration number and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN). If you renew online, your new registration is valid when ready, though your physical plate remains the same — Connecticut does not issue new plates at renewal unless you request a replacement.

If you renew by mail, send your completed renewal notice and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days. In-person renewal at a DMV branch is processed the same day. You can renew up to 90 days before your registration expires, so you do not have to wait for the notice to arrive.

Replacing a Damaged, Lost, or Stolen Plate

If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, contact your local DMV branch or call the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700. A replacement plate costs $20 and takes about one week to receive by mail. If your plate was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

When you request a replacement, the DMV will issue a new plate with the same number as your original, so you do not need to update your registration or insurance documents. If you want a different number — for example, if you are ordering a personalized plate — that is a separate request and costs the personalization fee ($50) plus the $20 replacement fee.

Personalized and Specialty Plates

Connecticut allows personalized plates with up to seven characters (letters, numbers, or a combination). The personalization fee is $50 on top of your standard $120 registration fee, so your total first-time cost is $170. Renewal of a personalized plate costs $60 plus the $50 personalization fee, for $110 every two years.

You can request a personalized plate when you first register your vehicle or at any renewal. Order through the DMV website or at a branch. The DMV checks your requested characters against a list of prohibited combinations and will reject requests that are offensive, already taken, or too similar to existing plates. Processing takes about two weeks.

Specialty plates include designs supporting veterans, environmental causes, colleges, and various organizations. Most specialty plates cost the same as standard plates ($120 new, $60 renewal), but some include a voluntary donation to the organization. For example, a Connecticut Wildlife plate includes a $10 donation to the state's wildlife fund. You can switch from a standard to a specialty plate at any renewal without additional cost beyond the standard renewal fee.

What Happens If Your Registration Expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Connecticut and can result in a fine of $100 to $500. Police can stop you for an expired plate, and your vehicle may be subject to impound in some cases. If your registration expires, renew it as soon as possible.

If you miss your renewal important date, you can still renew at any DMV branch or online without penalty — Connecticut does not charge a late fee for expired registrations. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until your registration is current. If you are unsure whether your registration is still valid, check the expiration date on your plate or contact the DMV.

Transferring Your Plate to a New Vehicle

Connecticut does not allow you to transfer a plate number from one vehicle to another. When you sell or trade in your vehicle, your plate stays with that vehicle or is surrendered to the DMV. When you register a new vehicle, you receive a new plate number.

If you had a personalized plate on your old vehicle, you can request the same personalization on a new plate for your new vehicle. Contact the DMV and request a personalized plate with your preferred characters. You will pay the standard registration fee plus the $50 personalization fee for the new vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut registration before I receive the renewal notice?

Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person up to 90 days before your registration expires. You do not need to wait for the renewal notice to arrive. Check your current registration card or plate for the expiration date.

What do I do if I move out of state but still own a Connecticut-registered vehicle?

If you move permanently to another state, you should register your vehicle in that state and surrender your Connecticut plate to the DMV. If you keep the vehicle registered in Connecticut while living elsewhere, your registration remains valid as long as you renew it on time, but you may face questions from law enforcement about why your vehicle is registered in a different state than your driver's license.

How long does it take to get a personalized plate?

Personalized plates take about two weeks to process and arrive by mail. Standard plates are issued when ready at most DMV branches or within a few business days if mailed. If you need a plate urgently, request a standard plate instead of a personalized one.

Can I keep my old plate number if I buy a new vehicle?

No. Connecticut does not allow plate transfers between vehicles. Your old plate number stays with your previous vehicle, and your new vehicle receives a new plate number. If you had a personalized plate, you can request the same personalization on your new vehicle's plate for the $50 personalization fee.

What if my plate is damaged but still readable?

If your plate is bent, faded, or partially damaged but the numbers are still visible, you can request a replacement for $20. The DMV recommends replacing plates that are difficult to read, as unreadable plates can result in traffic stops. Contact your local DMV branch to request a replacement.