Connecticut lets you renew most vehicle registrations online through the DMV website, without visiting an office

You can renew your Connecticut vehicle registration online if your vehicle is registered in your name, you have a valid Connecticut driver's license or ID, and your registration is not suspended or revoked. The process takes about 10 minutes and you pay by credit or debit card. You'll receive your new registration documents by mail within two weeks.

Not all vehicles are may be able to access for online renewal. Commercial vehicles, vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, registrations that require emissions testing, and vehicles registered to businesses or multiple owners must be renewed in person at a DMV office or through the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website works for most personal vehicles and costs the same as renewing in person or by mail.
  • You need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid Connecticut driver's license or ID to start the process.
  • Your new registration documents arrive by mail within two weeks; you cannot print them when ready online.
  • If your vehicle requires emissions testing or has a commercial registration, you must renew by mail or in person at a DMV office.

What you need before you start

Gather your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN (found on your registration, insurance card, or the driver's side dashboard), and your Connecticut driver's license or state ID number. You'll also need a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The Connecticut DMV website will ask you to enter this information to verify your identity and vehicle ownership.

If you've moved since your last registration, update your address with the DMV before renewing online. You can do this on the same website or call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to update it by phone first.

Steps to renew online

Go to the Connecticut DMV website and select "Renew Registration" from the main menu. You'll be directed to enter your driver's license or ID number and date of birth. The system will pull up your vehicle registration information. Review it for accuracy — if your address, vehicle details, or name are wrong, stop and contact the DMV office to correct them before proceeding.

Once you confirm your information is correct, the system will calculate your renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and type. Pay by credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. Your new registration card and any required documents will arrive by mail within two weeks.

When you cannot renew online

Commercial vehicles, vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, and any registration that requires an emissions inspection must be renewed in person or by mail. If your registration has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online — you must visit a DMV office to resolve the issue first.

Vehicles registered to businesses, trusts, or multiple owners also require in-person or mail renewal. If you're unsure whether your vehicle is may be able to access, call the DMV at 860-263-5700 before attempting to renew online. They can confirm your vehicle's status in about five minutes.

Renewing by mail if you prefer not to go online

You can renew by mail by sending your current registration card and a check or money order to the Connecticut DMV. Mail renewals take three to four weeks to process, so send your documents at least six weeks before your registration expires. Include a note with your name, address, and phone number.

Mail your renewal to: Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. You can also renew in person at any DMV office during business hours. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you can pay by cash, check, or card.

What happens after you renew

Your new registration card will arrive by mail within two weeks. Until it arrives, you can drive legally with your old registration card and the confirmation email or number you received when you completed the online renewal. If a police officer stops you, show them your old registration card and the confirmation number.

If your registration documents don't arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 with your confirmation number. They can check the status and reissue your documents if needed. Keep your confirmation number until your new card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if it's already expired?

Yes, you can renew online even if your registration has expired, as long as it was not suspended or revoked. However, driving with an expired registration is illegal. Renew as soon as possible. If your registration was suspended or revoked, you must visit a DMV office to resolve the issue before you can renew.

What if I get an error message when I try to renew online?

Common errors occur when the information you enter doesn't match the DMV's records exactly — for example, a middle initial or address format difference. Call the DMV at 860-263-5700 and they can help you troubleshoot. You may need to update your information before you can renew online.

Do I need to print anything after I renew online?

No. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email, but you cannot print your registration card online. Your physical registration card will arrive by mail within two weeks. Until then, keep your old card and the confirmation number with you when you drive.

Can I renew my registration if I just bought the vehicle?

No. You must first register the vehicle in your name at a DMV office or by mail. Once your initial registration is complete and you receive your registration card, you can renew online at your next renewal date.