Navigating vehicle registration can often feel like a maze, especially when trying to understand the costs involved. If you’re asking “How Much To Register A Car In Ct?”, you’re in the right place. Connecticut car owners face various fees when registering their vehicles, and understanding these costs is crucial for budgeting and compliance. This guide breaks down the essential information about car registration costs in Connecticut, ensuring you’re well-prepared when you visit the DMV.
Decoding Connecticut Car Registration Fees
The cost to register a car in Connecticut isn’t a fixed number; it’s influenced by several factors. While the base registration fee exists, additional charges can apply depending on your specific circumstances. Let’s explore the key elements that determine your car registration expenses in CT.
Base Registration Fees
Connecticut’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sets the primary registration fees. These fees are typically biennial, meaning they cover a two-year registration period. As of the latest information, the standard passenger vehicle registration fee in CT is around $84 for two years. However, this is just the starting point.
Factors Influencing Registration Costs
Several elements can adjust the final amount you pay for car registration:
- Vehicle Type: Different vehicle types may have varying registration fees. Commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers often have fee structures that differ from standard passenger cars.
- Vehicle Age: In some states, older vehicles might have different registration fees. While this isn’t a primary factor in CT’s base fee, other considerations like emissions testing for older vehicles could indirectly impact overall costs.
- Town/City of Residence: Property taxes on vehicles are handled at the local level in Connecticut. Your town or city will determine the mill rate and assessment practices, directly impacting your vehicle property tax bill, which is often paid in conjunction with registration renewal.
- Emissions Testing: Connecticut requires emissions testing for vehicles in certain areas and of certain ages. While the test itself has a fee (around $20), failing and needing re-tests or repairs will add to your overall vehicle ownership costs.
- Late Fees: Renewing your registration after the expiration date will incur late fees. It’s crucial to renew on time to avoid these penalties.
- Special Plates: Personalized or vanity plates come with additional fees on top of the standard registration costs.
It’s important to note that the exact fees can change, and it’s always best to consult the official Connecticut DMV website for the most up-to-date fee schedules and information.
Beyond Cars: A Look at Other Vehicle Registrations in CT
While car registration is a common concern, the Connecticut DMV handles registration for a wide array of vehicles. Understanding the processes for different vehicle types can be helpful, especially if you own other types of vehicles in addition to a car.
Boat Registration in CT: Key Information for Watercraft Owners
Connecticut’s waterways are popular for boating, and if you’re a boat owner in CT, registration is also a necessary step. While the process differs from car registration, the DMV is your point of contact. Here’s a breakdown of common questions and answers related to boat registration in Connecticut, drawing from official DMV guidelines.
Registering a Documented Vessel
Documented vessels, which are typically larger boats documented by the Coast Guard, have a specific registration process in Connecticut. This registration must be done in person at a DMV hub or branch office.
To register a documented vessel, you will need to bring the following:
- A copy of the Coast Guard Final Documentation Paper.
- A Bill of Sale (Form H-31).
- The 12-digit hull number of the vessel.
- A completed Vessel Registration Application (Form B-148).
- Payment for sales tax, if not already paid.
- Payment for the Registration Fee, which varies based on the vessel’s length.
Note: If your vessel documentation is still pending, CT numbers will be assigned temporarily until the final documentation is received.
Vessel Titling in Connecticut
Connecticut began titling vessels with a model year of 2017 and newer, effective January 1, 2016. For newer boats, you may also need to obtain a title. The fee for a vessel title is $25, and an additional $10 lien fee applies if necessary. Certain types of vessels are exempt from titling requirements, so it’s advisable to consult the DMV for a list of exemptions.
Personal Watercraft (PWCs) Registration
Personal watercraft like jet skis are registered similarly to boats in Connecticut. In addition to registration, operators of PWCs must obtain a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Exemptions from Boat Registration
Not all vessels require registration in Connecticut. Exemptions include:
- Vessels less than 19.5 feet in length powered solely by sail.
- Vessels less than 19.5 feet in length powered solely by oar or paddle (except for canoes with motors).
Canoes with motors, even if under 19.5 feet, require registration and are subject to a $7.50 registration fee.
Updating Registration After Documentation
If you initially registered your vessel with CT numbers and subsequently receive your documentation paper, you need to update your registration. Submit a Vessel Registration Application (Form B-148) along with your current registration certificate (showing the CT numbers) and a copy of your documentation. A $3 fee applies if updating within the current registration year; otherwise, the standard Registration Fee based on vessel length applies.
Non-Resident Vessel Use in Connecticut
Out-of-state residents with a valid vessel registration from another state can use their boat in Connecticut waters for up to 60 days within a calendar year. Beyond 60 days, you’ll need to apply for a Connecticut certificate of decal.
Obtaining Copies of Vessel Registration Documents
If you need copies of your vessel registration, bill of sale, or other related documents, you can request them from the DMV Marine Vessel Section. Fees apply for copies, typically $20 per document or search. Certified copies incur an additional $20 fee.
Renewing Vessel Registration
To renew your vessel registration, you can wait for an “invitation to renew” or contact the DMV Marine Vessel Unit directly. You’ll need to provide your vessel number when inquiring.
DMV Marine Vessel Section Contact Information:
- Mailing Address: Department of Motor Vehicles Marine Vessel Section, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
- Call Center: 860-263-5700 (Hartford area/outside CT), 800-842-8222 (within CT)
Handling Renewal Invitations for Sold Vessels
If you receive a renewal invitation for a vessel you no longer own, return the required portion of the invitation to the DMV Marine Vessel Unit, indicating that you’ve sold the vessel and providing the buyer’s name if known, or “person unknown” if not.
Registration Fee Credit for Traded Vessels
If you sell or trade in a registered vessel and purchase a new one, you may be eligible for a registration fee credit from your previous vessel to be applied to the new registration. You’ll need to submit the registration certificate for the old vessel indicating its status (sold, traded, etc.). A $1 processing fee applies to this credit.
Registering Repossessed or Row Boats
Registering a repossessed vessel or a vessel previously used only as a rowboat requires an in-person visit to a DMV hub or branch office. Appointments can often be made online.
For Row Boats, you’ll need:
- A completed notarized ownership affidavit (Form B-203).
- A completed vessel registration application (Form B-148).
- Payment for the registration fee (based on vessel length).
- Acceptable form of identification.
Registering Gifted Vessels
For vessels received as gifts, you must submit a Gift Affidavit (Form AU-463) along with a Vessel Registration Application (Form B-148). Include the prior registration number if the vessel was previously registered. The Registration Fee is based on vessel length.
Registering Vessels from Deceased Owners
To register a vessel previously owned by a deceased person, you’ll need:
- A completed Vessel Registration Application (Form B-148).
- The previous owner’s registration certificate.
- A Supplemental Assignment of Ownership/Bill of Sale (Form Q-1), signed by the estate’s executor.
- A certified Probate Certificate (Form PC-450 or PC-212B) naming the estate’s Administrator or Executor.
Registering Vessels Without Hull Numbers
For vessels lacking a hull number, complete both a Vessel Registration Application (Form B-148) and a Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Application for Hull Number (Form EPB-502). A temporary registration will be issued until DEEP assigns a hull number after inspection. Vessels built before 1973 are exempt from hull number requirements.
Registering Home-Built Vessels
Registering a homemade vessel requires a Notarized Ownership Affidavit (Form B-203) and a Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Application for Hull Identification Number (Form EPB-502). Similar to vessels without hull numbers, a temporary registration is issued pending DEEP inspection and hull number assignment.
Sales Tax on Vessels
Sales tax on vessels in Connecticut is calculated based on the purchase price. For purchases before July 1, 2018, the rate is 6.35%. For purchases on or after July 1, 2018, the rate is 2.99%. This also applies to trailers used to transport vessels.
Property Tax Compliance for Vessel Registration
Importantly, you cannot register or renew your boat registration if you owe property tax on a motor vehicle in Connecticut. You must resolve any outstanding motor vehicle property tax issues before you can proceed with vessel registration.
Staying Informed About CT Vehicle Registration
Understanding the costs associated with “how much to register a car in CT” and other vehicle types is essential for responsible vehicle ownership. Always refer to the official Connecticut DMV website for the most current fee schedules, forms, and regulations. By staying informed, you can ensure a smooth and compliant vehicle registration experience in Connecticut.
