Skip to main content

Easy Guide: Visiting the DMV After Moving to Connecticut

I have lived in Connecticut most of my life. But if you're new here, the process to change your insurance, license, and registration is like a catch 22; all three tasks basically need to be completed at the same time. It sounds overwhelming but the best thing you can do is prepare yourself.

In this simplified guide, I've taken as much information as I can from the DMV themselves to help you stay organized.

Your Auto Insurance

The first thing you'll need to do before you can register your vehicle in CT is to obtain a new insurance policy. Insurance coverage cannot be transferred from state to state so you'll need to start from scratch.

Be sure to provide your new agent with your prior coverage information so that he or she can help you determine what kind of coverage you'd like. Each state has different insurance laws and coverages that may or may not be available. Be sure to ask questions!

Once your agent provides you with a new insurance policy, an auto ID card will be given to you so that you can begin the process of registering your vehicle.

Transferring Your Registration

Emissions

In order to transfer your registration, an emissions test will need to be completed. You can find a test center by clicking here. If your vehicle is newer than 2014, a test won't have to be completed but your VIN will still need to be verified and you can find information on completing that here.

Documents Required

Before you visit the DMV, you'll need to gather the following documents:

  1. ID- Proper identification is required. Your out of state license will suffice. 
  2. Your new auto insurance ID card
  3. A completed registration form- Print and complete it ahead of time by clicking here!
  4. Vehicle inspection report-Provided after completed emissions
  5. Payment-See fee information here
  6. Proof of ownership- The original title for your vehicle will be required. If your vehicle is a loan or lease, your lender will need to complete this form and mail it to State of CT Motor Vehicle DepartmentATTN: Record Updates, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. After this form has been sent to the DMV, wait a week before visiting the DMV to complete registration. This will allow them time to process the form from your lender.
Next, you'll need to go to the DMV in person. Registration can only be completed at a DMV "hub"

Wethersfield DMV Hub Office Google 2018
office. Hub offices are located in the following towns: 
  • Bridgeport
  • Danbury
  • Hamden
  • Norwalk
  • Old Saybrook
  • Waterbury
  • Wethersfield
  • Willimantic
Connecticut allows new residents 60 days to transfer their vehicle registration. This should be plenty of time to gather all of the necessary paperwork!

Changing Your License

Transferring your license is a little less dramatic than transferring your registration. For this, you'll also need to visit a DMV Hub Office- be sure to bring your out of state driver's license. You'll be required to take a vision test when you're there.

A road test is not usually required however, younger drivers must complete a safe driving course. You can read about that here.

The application fee for a new license is $40 and the license fee anywhere between $72 and $84.

Tips & Tricks

I'm sure everyone would agree that going to the DMV stinks. Below, I've listed some tips to get you through your visit.

  • Be sure to research and prepare every necessary document before you visit the DMV. Some documents can be completed at the DMV but it will only extend the length of your visit. The more prepared you are, the better.
  • Review this list of acceptable forms of identification if needed.
  • The DMV is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are the busiest days to visit the DMV. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least popular days and first thing in the morning is the best time; they usually open around 7:45 am.
  • Bring a book to occupy yourself while you wait.
  • Make sure you eat before you leave and bring plenty of water
  • For more information by keyword, click here to view the DMV web index.


Happy moving and welcome to Connecticut! 



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Guest Post by Jessie Donnelly: Winter Hair Care

We all battle dry, staticky hair in the winter, especially in New England. We go from trying to combat humidity in the summer, right into the cold, brittle weather of Fall and Winter.  As a hairstylist, I run into all kinds of people who claim to have great ideas to help remedy hair problems at home. I even know a lady who SWEARS by putting mayo in her hair as a deep conditioner… sorry, but that’s going a little far for me. Mostly because I hate the idea of mayo to begin with, and just the idea of it being in my hair on purpose seems horrible.  However, there are actually a few really good tips for protecting your hair, that I think are pretty simple – like not hairdresser simple, but like regular-people simple. (Tested and proven by my own family members). What's Good for the Laundry is Good for Your Head One of our biggest issues in the winter is static. The easiest and best-smelling way to make sure you don’t look too much like Albert Einstein this winter is