What a registration reprint is and when you need one

A registration reprint is a duplicate copy of your vehicle's registration certificate — the paper document that proves you own or lease your car and that it's registered with the state. Connecticut DMV calls this document a "Certificate of Registration." You need a reprint when your original is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn beyond readability.

The reprint is identical to your original certificate. It carries the same registration number, expiration date, and vehicle information. DMV treats it as a replacement, not a renewal, so you don't pay renewal fees — only a reprint fee. If your registration has actually expired, you'll need to renew it separately before or at the same time you request the reprint.

Connecticut allows you to request a reprint by mail, online, or in person at a DMV branch. The online option is fastest if your registration is current and your vehicle information hasn't changed.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut DMV issues registration reprints for lost, stolen, or damaged certificates, and the fee is lower than a full renewal.
  • You can request a reprint online through the Connecticut DMV website if your registration is current and your vehicle details are unchanged.
  • By mail, send a completed form with your fee to the DMV address; processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
  • In-person visits to any DMV branch office are the fastest option and let you walk out with your reprint the same day.
  • If your registration has expired, you must renew it before or alongside your reprint request.

Requesting a reprint online

The Connecticut DMV online system lets you order a reprint without leaving home, provided your registration is current and your vehicle information on file is correct. Go to the Connecticut DMV website and look for the "Vehicle Services" or "Online Services" section. You'll find an option to request a duplicate registration certificate.

You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The system will verify your vehicle record and confirm that your registration hasn't expired. If everything matches, you can complete the order and pay the reprint fee — currently $20 in Connecticut, though this amount can change. The certificate will be mailed to the address on file, typically arriving within 7 to 10 business days.

Online ordering fails if your registration is expired, if you've had a recent address change that hasn't been processed yet, or if your vehicle information has been updated. In those cases, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Requesting a reprint by mail

To request a reprint by mail, read or request the appropriate form from the Connecticut DMV website. The form you need is typically called the "process for Duplicate Registration Certificate" or similar. Fill it out completely with your name, address, VIN, current registration number, and the reason for the reprint request.

Include a check or money order for the reprint fee (currently $20) made payable to "Connecticut DMV." Mail the completed form and payment to the Connecticut DMV address listed on their website — this address changes by region, so verify it before sending. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want confirmation of receipt.

Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your request. If you need the reprint faster, in-person service is your better option. Keep a copy of what you send for your records.

Getting a reprint in person at a DMV branch

Walk-in service at a Connecticut DMV branch is the fastest way to get a registration reprint. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, your vehicle's VIN (from your dashboard or insurance card), and your current registration number if you have it. If your original registration is damaged but readable, bring that too.

You'll fill out a short form at the branch and pay the reprint fee on the spot. Most branches can print and issue your duplicate certificate the same day, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead to confirm your nearest branch is open and to check current wait times — many Connecticut DMV branches allow you to reserve a time slot online.

In-person service is also the right choice if your registration has expired or if your vehicle information has changed, because staff can handle those updates at the same visit.

What to do if your registration has expired

If your original registration certificate is lost or damaged and your registration has expired, you cannot straightforward reprint the old one. You must renew your registration first. You can do this at the same DMV visit or by combining both requests in a single mail submission.

When you renew, you'll pay the renewal fee plus any applicable taxes or inspection fees, depending on your vehicle type and how long the registration has been expired. At that point, you'll receive a new certificate with a new expiration date. There's no separate reprint fee if you're renewing at the same time.

If you're unsure whether your registration is current, check the expiration date on any insurance documents or contact the Connecticut DMV directly to verify before you submit your request.

Fees and what they cover

Connecticut charges a flat fee for a duplicate registration certificate reprint. As of the most recent update, this fee is $20, though you should confirm the current amount on the DMV website or by phone before submitting payment, as fees can change.

The reprint fee covers only the duplicate certificate itself. It does not include renewal fees, inspection fees, or registration transfer fees if your vehicle information has changed. If your registration has expired, you'll owe renewal fees in addition to the reprint fee. If you've moved and need to update your address, that may involve a separate fee depending on whether it's processed as part of a renewal or as a standalone address change.

Payment methods vary by service channel: online orders accept credit and debit cards; mail requests require check or money order; in-person visits accept cash, check, card, and sometimes electronic payment depending on the branch.

Tracking your reprint and what to expect

If you ordered online or by mail, you won't receive a tracking number. The DMV will mail your certificate to the address on file. Online orders typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days; mail requests take the same time after receipt. If more than two weeks pass and you haven't received it, contact the Connecticut DMV to confirm they processed your request.

Your new certificate will look identical to your original — same registration number, same expiration date, same vehicle information. The only difference is that it's a replacement copy. Keep it in a safe place, ideally with your insurance documents and vehicle title. Many drivers keep a photo of their registration on their phone as a backup.

If you ordered in person, you'll walk out with your certificate the same day. Staff will hand it to you before you leave the branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a registration reprint if my registration is expired?

No, you cannot reprint an expired registration. You must renew it first. You can do this at the same DMV visit or combine both requests in one mail submission. When you renew, you'll pay renewal fees plus the cost of the new certificate; there's no separate reprint fee.

How long does it take to get a reprint by mail?

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your request. Mail delivery time is not included in that estimate, so allow extra time for your envelope to reach the DMV office. In-person service is faster if you need it urgently.

What if I lost my registration number?

Your registration number appears on your insurance documents, your vehicle title, and any past DMV correspondence. If you can't find it, the DMV can look it up using your VIN and name. You can call the Connecticut DMV to ask them to provide it before you submit your reprint request.

Do I need my original registration to request a reprint?

No. If your registration is lost or stolen, you don't need it to request a reprint. You'll need your VIN, your name, and your address on file. If your registration is damaged but still readable, bring it with you to speed up the process.

Can I request a reprint online if I've moved recently?

Not if your address change hasn't been processed yet. The online system verifies that your current information matches what's on file. If you've moved within the last few weeks, use the mail or in-person method instead, or update your address first through a separate DMV request.