Replacing a damaged, stolen or lost car registration in Connecticut is a straightforward procedure that can be completed through the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Motorists who fail to obtain a copy of a vehicle registration if they no longer have one can be subject to certain fines and penalties, such as traffic citations for driving without valid registration documents.

When completing the process to replace a car registration in CT, applicants will be required to fill out the corresponding form and submit it along with the fee payment. The steps in the application procedure will vary to a certain degree depending on the way you are applying for a new registration. However, regardless of whether the car owner is applying online, by mail or in person, he or she will still have to furnish the required vehicle information and pay a fee.

When do you need to get a copy of your vehicle registration in Connecticut?

The most common reason to apply for a Connecticut DMV registration replacement is when you lose your registration card. However, in addition to replacing a DMV lost registration, you will also have to apply for a duplicate if and when you have your registration stolen, damaged or destroyed. Less common reasons for getting a duplicate registration include receiving a document with incorrect information on it or when you do not receive your registration document after the DMV mails it.

How to Obtain a Replacement Vehicle Registration in Connecticut

You can easily apply for a replacement vehicle registration in Connecticut through any full service DMV office within the state. If you are unable to make an office visit, you can also mail your written request to the department’s Wethersfield office or submit an online request through the DMV internet services platform. You will receive your copy of a car registration only if you successfully provide the necessary information and pay the applicable cost.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration Online

The most convenient method to replace your car registration in Connecticut is to submit a request via the DMV’s online services section. By applying online, you will immediately print a duplicate of your registration card without making an office visit.

Get your online duplicate vehicle registration by completing these steps:

  1. Access the Reprint Registration Certificate service through the DMV website.
  2. Choose whether you are applying as an individual or a representative of an organization.
  3. Log onto the system with your full name, date of birth and drivers license number.
  4. Provide your plate number and vehicle class.
  5. Follow the subsequent system prompts.
  6. Pay the applicable replacement fee.

One the system processes your duplicate car registration request, it will generate a printable registration card that you can save and reprint as needed. Note that the state DMV does not include your address on documents generated via the internet.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration by Mail

If you cannot apply for a Connecticut replacement car registration via the internet, you can also mail your request to the DMV. To get a copy of car registration by mail, follow these steps:

  1. Compose a written request and include the following information:
    1. Your plate number
    2. Type of owned vehicle
    3. Full name and address
    4. Official signature and date of signature
  2. Include the fee payment in the form of a check or money order made payable to the state DMV.
    1. Write your plate number on the check.
  1. Send the above items to the following address:
Department of Motor vehicles
Customized Services Division – Duplicate Registrations
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161

Once the Connecticut DMV receives your mail-in request for a DMV copy of a registration, it will produce a duplicate registration card and mail it to the address on file.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Person

The standard method of replacing a damaged, lost or stolen car registration in Connecticut is submitting your request in person. You can obtain a copy of your car registration through any DMV branch office in Connecticut.

The application process requires you to fill out the Request for a Duplicate Motor Vehicle Registration (Form B-341) and submit it along with the applicable fee payment. Before processing your request for a replacement registration, a DMV agent may also ask you to present an official form of identification and/or your marker plate number.

In most cases, you will receive your CT DMV duplicate registration before leaving the office.

Connecticut Stolen Car Registration Requirements

You can replace a lost car registration in Connecticut without reporting the theft to the police authorities. However, you are encouraged to file a report. By reporting your stolen vehicle documents, you will protect yourself from potential identity theft.

Note: The state DMV will require you to file a police report only if you lose your plates or have them stolen.

Connecticut DMV Sticker Replacement

As of August, 2010, the CT DMV stopped issuing registration stickers that drivers were required to place on their windshields. Instead, drivers are required to keep their registration documents inside their vehicles at all times.

Connecticut Vehicle Registration Replacement Fees

Paying the Connecticut replacement vehicle registration fee is the final step in the application process for duplicate vehicle documents. Note that the total cost will vary depending on whether you are only replacing your registration card or whether you are replacing your license plates, as well. The following list outlines the standard cost to replace your car registration documents:

  • $20 registration replacement fee
  • $25 replacement plate fee
  • $5 replacement plate fee if you file a police report for a stolen or lost plate

Note: Depending on your chosen application method, the acceptable forms of payment may vary.

Last updated on Monday, March 9 2020.