ConnecticutCar Registration

Bonus

Features

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits

24-Hour Towing Service

24-Hour Mechanical First Aid

24-Hour Tire Change Service

Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer.

Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.

Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire.

Congratulations on your 60-dayRoadside Assistance membershipWhen out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere.

Rental Car Discounts

24-Hour Lost Key Service

24-Hour Emergency Delivery

24-Hour Emergency Battery Service

Map Routing Service

Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

If keys are locked inside a customer’s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer’s expense for labor and key making.

A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies.

Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.

We will, at no charge, provide customers with a four-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify.

Theft And Hit & Run Protection

A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers’ vehicles. Whenever you travel, you will like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD’s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD’s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection.

Follow the link in your confirmation email to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon.

*PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership.

Congratulations!Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online

Keeping You Safe Mile After MileOnce your purchase is processed, you will receive an email with the information you will need to start your 60-day Roadside Assistance membership.

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Table of

Contents

Registration Insurance Requirements

Vehicle Registration

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration

License Plates

Updating Your Vehicle Registration

DMV Hours and Locations

Registering Your Vehicle in Connecticut

Replacing Your Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Safety Tips

7

6

14

23

19

31

9

17

27

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Whenever you purchase a car, whether it is new or used, you must complete vehicle registration in your state of residence before you can drive legally. In addition, when you change your residential address to another state, you will have to follow the procedure to transfer your registration.

The entire process looks very complicated, but it does not have to be. Our easy-to-follow guide will provide you step-by-step information on how you can register your vehicle. Learn how you can also transfer your out-of-state registration and renew proper credentials at the appropriate time. Additionally, we will make sure you have all the necessary documents and forms on your person, so you do not experience any delay to your car registration process. Sit back and relax while we guide you towards getting your vehicle registration in no time.

Vehicle

Registration

Getting a vehicle is exciting yet also requires significant investment. It does not matter if it is your first car or if you have already purchased many vehicles in the past, making the decision to obtain a car is a big step and it must be taken carefully to avoid any inconveniences.

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Registration Insurance

Requirements

Before you start the registration process, you should know that every car in Connecticut is required to have liability insurance in order to drive on any CT road or highway. This is vital since you must carry proof of it all the time and you may need to show it to a law enforcer if you have a traffic

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accident, and you will definitely need it in order to register your car or renew your registration. Why do you need insurance? The DMV needs to ensure that you have protection in case you are part of an accident that may cause you injuries, damages or death.

Connecticut requires all cars carry insurance by a licensed insurance company and they must carry the liability insurance with the following limits:

$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident

TipEven though the DMV establishes the minimum requirements of liability insurance, you are highly recommended to acquire higher limits.

$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident

$25,000 for property damage liability per accident

Liability insurance pays for any injuries or property damages caused by you or others who are driving your car with your permission. If you are caught driving without proper liability insurance, you will subject to fines and other penalties. When you buy your insurance, you will receive an insurance identification card, which you must present for registration and carry with you all the time.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist covers at least $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident.

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Registering Your

Vehicle in Connecticut

Whether your car is new, used or if you are out of state or on active duty, here you will find all the information you need to register you vehicle. You will find tips to navigate your specific circumstances as well as some of the fees attached to vehicle registration.

Each state sets specific requirements for residents to drive legally. If you are living in or moving to Connecticut, you review the following information to avoid having your registration delayed.

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When you buy a new car at a dealership, you will not have to worry about titling and registering since the dealership usually takes care of all the process; therefore, they will submit most of the required documentation and will take care of the fees and taxes. However, if you bought a new

Register a New Vehicle

Visit your closest DMV or Limited Services

Present your certificate of title

Provide your current Connecticut Insurance Identification Card

Complete the Connecticut Registration and Title Application (form H-13B)

Present one acceptable proof of identification for all owners listed on the registration application.

Pass VIN verification

Present the odometer statement if the car was purchased at a licensed dealer

car from a private party or if the dealership did not process the registration and titling for you, you will have to register it yourself. Let us outline the process you will need to follow:

TipIf your vehicle is leased, most of the requirements will remain the same. However, you will have to comply with some additional requirements.

Present a Bill of Sale

Pay the fees and registration taxes

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If you bought your car from a private party or from an individual, you will have to register it by yourself. On the other hand, if you bought it from a dealer, they will handle this process. To register your vehicle you just have to complete the following steps:

Register a Used Vehicle

TipConnecticut requests all drivers to take their cars to emissions testing every two years unless the vehicle is exempted from it.

Visit your closest DMV or Limited Service office

Present the previous certificate of title and certification of your ownership

Provide your current Connecticut Insurance Identification Card

Complete the Connecticut Registration and Title Application (form H-13B)

Present one acceptable proof of identification for all owners listed on the registration application

If your car is four years old or newer and was purchased out-of-state, it will require a VIN verification, if it is older, it will require an emissions test

Present the Federal Odometer Statement if the car was purchased at a licensed dealer

Present a Bill of Sale

Pay the fees

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If you bought a new vehicle in a different state or a used vehicle that was previously registered in another state or country, you will need to register in person with the CT DMV. Just follow the steps below.

You have 60 days since you establish residency in Connecticut to transfer your out-of-state registration.

Register an Out-Of-State Vehicle

Take your car to your closest emission test center to get an emissions test (unless exempted) and a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection.

After you have them ready, visit your closest DMV or Limited Service office.

Present your out-of-state certificate of title and registration certificate.

Present the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) or the VIN verification report.

Complete the Connecticut Registration and Title Application (form H-13B).

Provide your current Connecticut Insurance Identification Card.

Present one acceptable proof of identification for all owners listed on the registration application.

Pay the fees.

TipIf your out-of-state vehicle is not registered in the other state, you must obtain a temporary registration before moving it to CT.

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The registration process for military members is the same that you would follow depending on your vehicle’s condition as new, used or out-of-state. The only difference is that military members are exempt from paying the following charges:

Registration for Military Members

New and renewal registration fees

Temporary plate fee

Safety plate fee

Clean Air Act fee

Therefore, you will be required to complete the Application for Waiver of registration Fee for Someone in the Military and attach it to the rest of the documents.

Learn more about registration taxes here.

FeesSince the registration fees will vary depending on your vehicle’s weight and model, we recommend that you verify them in the official fee chart created by the DMV.

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Renewing Your

Vehicle Registration

Is it time to renew your vehicle registration? Your vehicle registration might be at risk of expiring, which will mean that your vehicle will be deemed invalid to be driven legally. Of course, this can be avoided by simply making sure you renew your vehicle’s registration before the expiration date. Luckily, we have created a walkthrough for you to follow and have your registration renewed in no time. Just complete the following steps according to your preferred method and the process will be a piece of cake.

Visit the DMV’s AutoRenew

Click on continue

Enter your PIN, plate number, class code and email address. You will find this information and instructions on the renewal notice

Renewing Online

Thanks to technology and the DMV, maintaining your vehicle-related documents is simpler than ever before. The internet allows you to complete many vehicle services from the convenience of your home. You may renew online if you are registered online with the Connecticut DMV and have a personal identification number (PIN) needed for the online renewal. Renewing online is simple if you follow these steps:

Important dates or timeframesYour Connecticut registration is renewed on a bi-yearly basis.

Approximately 60 days before your registration expires, the DMV will mail you a renewal application. Three portions compose this application. The first one contains any compliance messages for the issues you need to resolve before renewing. The middle portion is your actual registration so you must keep it since it will be your new certification. The bottom part is what you will mail back if you decide to renew by mail. In case you do not receive the notice, you may request one online.

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Have your insurance card ready

TipYou will not be allowed to renew online if you have outstanding tickets or delinquent taxes. Make sure you pay everything on time.

Pay your renewal fee

Print your receipt

Confirm your renewal using the verification website.

Complete the bottom portion of the renewal application.

Have a current emissions inspection.

Attach proof of payment of municipal property taxes, if applicable.

Renewing by Mail

In case you are out of state and you cannot renew online, or if you prefer not to renew online or in person, the DMV allows you to renew by mail. However, to renew using this method you must have received a renewal ID in your notice. Renew by mail using the below process:

Send the renewal notice, documents and fees to:

Department of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 150444 Hartford, CT 06115-0444

Enclose a check or money order for the fees included in your renewal notice.

If you are using this method, do it at least 10 days before the expiration expires so you avoid a late renewal.

Renewing In Person

Sometimes renewing online or by mail is not possible, or you simply prefer to conduct your transactions in person. To do so, just follow these simple steps:

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Visit your closest DMV or Limited Service

Present your proof of insurance

Present your current CT registration card or your plate number

You must have a current a valid inspection sticker

Present your driver’s license or your ID

Pay the fees

FeesSince the registration fees will vary depending on your vehicle’s weight and model, we recommend you to verify them in the fee chart where you will find a complete list of fees. You will also have a detailed summary on your renewal notice.

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Replacing Your

Vehicle Registration

What do you do when your registration is lost, stolen or illegible? You can get a replacement through the DMV. Remember that driving without your plates, registration sticker or card is a huge risk for you, as you may be pulled over and receive a traffic ticket. Also, take into account that, if your registration card is damaged and cannot be read, you must also request a replacement. To replace your registration, use the process you will find below

Replacing Registration in Person

Replacing a registration is a simple process that you can do in person or by mail, just you follow these steps and you will have your duplicate in no time:

TipIf you are using a check to pay your registration duplicate, make sure to include your plate number on it.

Complete the Request for Duplicate form

Provide your plate number

Visit your closest DMV or Limited Service office

Pay your duplicate fee

Provide your address

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Replacing Registration by Mail

In case you prefer to do it by mail, you only have to:

Create a written request including:

• Your marker plate number

• Your type of vehicle

• Your name and address

• Your signature

Submit the request, the fee to:

Department of Motor Vehicles Customized Services Division - Duplicate Registrations 60 State Street Wethersfield, CT 06161

Enclose a check or money order payable to the DMV.

FeesDuplicate registration.................................$20

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Have you gone through big changes in your life that lead you to change your name or move neighborhoods? Either way, it is essential to keep this information updated in all your DMV documents, which include your registration card. In case you have never updated your registration card information and you are looking for guidance on how to do it, you have come to the right place. The only thing you will have to do it to inform the DMV of these changes and ask them to update your information. To better understand the process, follow the steps that best fit your situation below.

Updating Your

Vehicle Registration

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Changing Your Name Have you gone through a divorce, marriage or gender identification change? If so, your name may have legally changed and as a result, you will be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your vehicle registration card. Changing the name on your registration card must be done after changing it at the Social Security Administration. Once you complete this step, follow the steps below to change your name on your registration:

TipIf you are changing the name of a deceased person, please visit the Deceased Person’s Vehicle page.

Change your name on your driver’s license

Present your original certificate of title, which displays the name change on the back. If it is a non-titled car, complete a Supplemental Assignment of Ownership

Visit a DMV or Limited Service office

Present your current CT insurance card

Complete and sign a Connecticut Registration and Title Application (form H-13B)

Include a copy of the document that authorized your name change such as:

• Divorce decree

• Marriage certificate

• Court order

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Changing Your AddressIn the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your registration card. All you must do is stick to the process and once you have completed every step properly, you registration card will be updated. Now, you may choose between changing your address by mail or in person. Let us review the processes below:

In Person

To change your address in person:

By Mail

If you are out of state or prefer changing your address by mail, follow the steps below:

Important dates or timeframes:You must notify the DMV within 48 hours of your address change

Present completed and signed Change of Address form

Visit a DMV or Limited Service office

Obtain an address label form a Police Department or calling the DMV phone center

Cross out your old address on your registration card and write the new one in the space provided

Send it to:

Department of Motor Vehicles 60 State Street Wethersfield, CT 06161-5070 Attn: Data Entry Change of Address Unit

Download, print, complete and sign the Change of Address form

Obtain an address label form a Police Department or calling the DMV phone center.

Cross out your old address on your registration card and write the new one in the space provided.

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FeesThere is no cost to change your name or your address on your registration card. However, if you change your name, you must request a registration replacement reflecting your new name.

Duplicate registration.................................$20

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License

Plates

Once you register your car in Connecticut, you must prove that your registration is current and valid by displaying your license plates with their current stickers. License plates are as important as your driver’s license since they identify your car from other cars. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also issues license plates and registration stickers when you register your car for the first time or renew your registration.

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In the event that something happens to your license plates, you may rest assured that the DMV will provide you with all the means to replace it as soon as possible and be back on the road. You may request a replacement in person. Just follow the below steps:

Replacing Your License Plates

Get a written police report

Visit your closest DMV or Limited Service office

Return the remaining plates, if any

Pay the fee

Present your registration certificate

Present your CT insurance card

Complete a Lost or Stolen Marker Plate and a Registration Affidavit

TipWith this method, you will get a new set of plates. If you want to get your original plate number, complete and send a Replacement Plate Application with the fee.

CT license plates are white with black letters and all passenger vehicles must carry one on the front and one on the back of the car. The plates identify what type of registration you have and in case something happens to you or your car, they work as a means of locating it or you through the DMV. Your license plates may be replaced in case something happens to them, you may also get special interest plates. When you decide to leave the state, you may need to surrender them.

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In Connecticut, you will find a wide variety of custom license plates that will adapt to everybody’s needs. Personalized (vanity) plates contain a combination of up to seven letters and numbers and are one of the many types of plates you may order at the DMV apart from the general plates. Special plates are the ones with special backgrounds. So far, Connecticut offers the below 10 types of special plates:

Getting Custom License Plates

Animals

Cities and Towns

Colleges

Police and Fire

Environment

Military

Organizations

Varied

Recreation

These above are special interest license plates, which are designed to reflect your interests and personality.

If you are interested in one of them, just click on the type of plate you want and you will find the process to order. However, if you are looking forward to customizing the characters on your plate, you may want to order a personalized license plate. A personalized plate is a plate for which you are able to choose the numbers and letters on it. The message on your plate may have from two up to seven characters.

If you want to apply, you must:

Have a valid CT registration.

Not have delinquent taxes or other issues.

You must apply for the plates by mail. Submit the Special Order Plate Application and the fees to:

Department of Motor Vehicles Customized Plates Unit 60 State Street Wethersfield, CT 06161 Phone: 860-263-5154

It will take approximately eight weeks for your license plates to arrive.

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In most scenarios, you will be required to surrender your plates to the DMV when you move from Connecticut to another state or you do not plan to use the plates anymore. If you sell your car, the plates must stay with you and then you can choose between transferring them to a new vehicle and surrendering them at the DMV. Surrendering your plates is simple you only have to:

Surrendering Connecticut License Plates

Visit your closest DMV or Limited Service office

Return your registration marker plates. In case the plates were lost or stolen, submit the Marker Plate Notice form online or download it

Request your plates’ cancellation

Ask for a receipt; you may need it to request a proration of your municipal property tax bill

If you prefer not to visit the DMV, mail the plates and a written request to obtain a receipt to:

Department of Motor Vehicles 60 State Street Wethersfield, CT 06161 Attn: Plate Return

FeesReplacement plate with police report................$5 Replacement plate without police report.......$25

The special plates’ fees and replacement costs will vary depending on the type of plate you order. You will find the fees by clicking on the particular plate you are interested in purchasing.

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Vehicle Safety

Tips

The most important thing before you begin driving any vehicle is that both you and the vehicle are well prepared for any trip you make. This means checking and making any changes to your vehicle or your behavior to make sure that you are able to drive safely at all times.

One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include basic items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches, a whistle, etc. During winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel.

Emergency Kit

One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows. Therefore, it is best to consider these tips to drive safely during the winter.

Winter Driving

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Don’t Rush!

Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows, so instead of driving fast and risking an accident in your rush to get to your destination try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and help to avoid rushing other drivers by not tailgating them if they are going slower.

Don’t Panic if You Skid or Slip

In the case that your vehicle does ski or slip while driving make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, all you need to do is apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you even leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, exhaust, etc. are all working properly. It is also important that you remove all ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive.

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Driving while using your cellphone is one of the most dangerous things you can do because during those few seconds your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. So, make sure you do not text, use of the Internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible.

Using Your Phone

Every year thousands are killed because of drinking and driving. This is something that is very easily prevented, it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking these steps.

Even before you begin drinking, you should arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. In the case that they also become intoxicated, it is important that you arrange to take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away his or her keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk, and they exhibit signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically, turning abruptly, etc. call 911 and contact authorities immediately. Also, make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety.

Drinking And Driving

Driving is not always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while on the road driving. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring.

Things To Avoid

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Car Accidents

The best way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this you only need to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic and will not fail while you drive, especially at high speeds.

Wasting Gas

As the price of gas goes up you may begin to start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Well, saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring that you waste less gas.

You can start saving gas by not using air conditioning, not leaving your engine running and not speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly, you can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned, and check that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle’s needs.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent any on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physically harassing another driver, preventing another driver from merging or passing.

However, if you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. If you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment to breathe and relax before moving on.

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DMV

Hours and Locations

If you ever need to visit a DMV or Limited Service office in person, it is essential that you find the office nearest to you to avoid having to travel too far. Find the DMV closest to your location, along with further information regarding the office such as its business hours and contact information, here.

If you would like to see the wait time at each DMV or Limited Service office, click here and select the district office you are interested in contacting.

If you have any questions, you can contact the following numbers:

Within the Hartford area or Out of State: 860-263-5700

Anywhere Else in Connecticut: 800-842-8222

Commissioner’s Executive Offices: 860-263-5735

Information on Driver License Suspensions: 860-263-5720

If you need to contact the main Connecticut DMV or Limited Service office through mail, please send your letters to the following address:

Department of Motor Vehicles 60 State Street Wethersfield, CT 06161

All DMV Telephone Centers operate according to the following business hours:

Important dates or timeframes

Monday to Friday

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Automated Phone System: 24 Hours

General Information: dmv.phonecenter@ct.gov

Regarding Driver License Suspensions: dmv.suspension@ct.gov

If you require contacting the DMV through email, please use the following addresses:

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