Let’s say you’re on the move. Or maybe you’re about to move, or have just moved to the state of Connecticut. And let’s say you’ve brought your vehicle with you. You’ve probably got two hundred things to arrange, to take care of, to settle, as you acclimate to your new place of residence. The one thing, the task that should be the least of your worries, is getting your car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle (or all of the above, if you’re one of those folks!) registered.
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Well, you’re in a huge amount of luck if you’ve stumbled upon this article. Here at eTags we make it our business (literally and figuratively) to make things easy for you. At least all things automobile related – specifically when it comes to titles, registrations, transfers, and all that good stuff. Let’s just say it’s our thing.
So, how do you go about registering a vehicle that you’ve brought in from another state?
The process isn’t all that dissimilar from registering a local car. With only a few more elements – which of course, we will outline – you can get this done in a snap. Ready? Here goes:
First, it is important to note that you have 90 days from establishing residency in Connecticut in which you must register your out of state vehicle. Your best bet is to make sure you get the process started well within this time period so as to avoid any issues.
Second, you will need to be sure to have your certificate of title from out of state. The title – which proves ownership of the vehicle – must be in your name (and/or your co-owner’s name) and must be undamaged. A clean title is the only title that will be accepted by the DMV, so if your title is torn, water-marked, or bears any sort of corrections or cross-outs, it will be considered defaced. You will have to order a duplicate (replacement) title from the state that issued the document originally before you can proceed.
Next, you will be asked to provide proof of registration. This usually comes in the form of a card or slip of paper issued by your former state of residence. The registration will list your name (and any co-owner), the vehicle, your former legal address, and the period in which your registration is valid. This document is needed to show the legality of the vehicle being driven on public roads.
You will not be able to use your previous license plate; on the contrary, you will be issued new plates and a new registration card from the state of Connecticut.
Bringing a vehicle into the Constitution State requires that an emissions test be performed and passed. The exceptions to this rule are:
- Motorcycles
- Fully electric vehicles (Not hybrids)
- Vehicles younger than four model-years old
- Models from 1998 or before
- Motorized bicycles
The above do not have to undergo emissions testing before being registered in Connecticut.
If your vehicle does fall under the category of a required emissions test, the facilitator will also provide a VIN (vehicle identification number) verification on the same passing certificate. If your vehicle is exempt from emissions testing, you will still have to provide a VIN verification in to get registered in CT.
All applications for vehicle registration must be accompanied by the completed form H13B.
This form is available online to be printed, filled, and signed. The form will ask for the vehicle owner(s) name and address, the vehicle make, model, year, body style, odometer reading, fuel type, and color, among other details. Because you already own the vehicle, you are not required to supply any seller information. However, if there exists a lien or lessor on the car, this section will have to be filled. Section 6 will need to have your signature, (and a co-owner’s, if one exists) and date.
You will be asked to present a valid form of identification upon your application for registration in CT. Because the state of Connecticut requires that you establish residency before registering a vehicle, you should have already acquired a local driver’s license. But other acceptable forms of CT identification are as follows: 
- Drive-only license
- Drive-only learner’s permit
- Non-driver ID card
- Out-of-state license with a photo
- Out-of-state ID card with photo
- Canadian or U.S. territory license
- S. passport or U.S. passport card
- Military ID card (active or dependent)
- Tribal ID card from federally recognized tribe with photo.
All Connecticut vehicle owners with registered vehicles are obligated to carry auto insurance issued in the state of Connecticut. The Constitution Sate requires drivers to maintain the following minimum coverages:
- $25,000 liability coverage per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, per person
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
It’s good to note that if you’ve brought insurance with you from another state, it will not be valid in Connecticut.
You will either have to contact your provider and see if they operate in CT and whether they can roll over your policy to your new place of residence.
As a general rule, the above list is what you will need in order to get your out-of-state car, truck, SUV, or motorbike registered in the state of Connecticut. Of course there are often other factors to consider, other variables that we have not listed here, but this is a great start. For nitty-gritties, like lienholders or lessors, you can always contact us and get the lowdown on how to transfer your vehicle to CT with one of those elements present.
And while it may seem like a lot to undertake, remember that we’re here for you. We’ve got a dedicated team of Connecticut tag and title experts, as well as a whole family of customer service folks who are ready to assist you in registering your ride in the Constitution State. Simply head over to eTags, choose Connecticut from our drop-down menu, and pick “Transfer Your Title” (this happens at the same time as obtaining you registration), and let us guide you from there. Because, as always, here at eTags, we’re here to help!
