Connecticut License Plate Lookup

Bumper’s Connecticut license plate search tool utilizes a database of public records, including data from the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, NMVTIS, NHTSA, and third-party providers like J.D. Power. Whether you’re driving through the scenic Litchfield Hills, exploring the arts scene in Hartford, or navigating the historic streets of New Haven, our reports can provide detailed information on Connecticut-registered vehicles. From casual curiosity to serious research, we offer a range of insights to try and meet your needs.

As one of the most densely populated states, Connecticut is home to over 3.5 million people, many of whom rely on their vehicles daily. Our license plate lookup tries to provide valuable insights into a vehicle’s history, including the number of past owners, previous accidents*, and any potential liens. This tool could reveal critical details that may not be immediately visible, assisting in your pre-purchase research.

For buyers, this information can be essential to making informed and safe purchases, while for sellers, transparent records can build trust with potential buyers. Vehicle owners can also benefit by staying informed about their car’s legal status, ensuring there are no surprises during future transactions. Whether transferring ownership or simply checking for potential issues, knowing a vehicle’s background is a key part of avoiding costly mistakes.

With our CT license plate lookup, you can access a vault of vehicle-specific info from government and third-party resources, all with data about vehicles in or from Connecticut. Our massive Connecticut vehicle reports comprise a huge range of information, including vehicle history reports, title checks, vehicle market value, depreciation calculations and more.

Unlock 50 Connecticut license plate reports a month with a Bumper subscription!

Information that may be obtainable through a lookup

A successful CT Plate Number Check can provide a wealth of information about a vehicle. This may include:

1. Accident history*: Reveals any major accidents the vehicle has been involved in
2. Theft records: Indicates if the vehicle has been reported stolen
3. Vehicle usage: Information on whether the vehicle has been used in loan contracts or repossessions.
4. Mileage discrepancies: Reports any recorded mileage rollback incidents.
5. Natural disasters: Notes any damage from fire, floods, or other natural disasters.
6. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Allows users to access additional specifics about the car’s model, engine, and overall condition.

We can help you run license plate searches for any state, from nearby Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts to summer vacationers from Florida!

That said, if you already have a Connecticut vehicle’s identification number (or VIN), we can help you run a VIN search!

Types of license plates in Connecticut

Standard plates

Since 2015, the standard license plate in Connecticut features dark blue numbers on a reflective gradient of sky blue and white, with a matching dark blue border. “Connecticut” is printed at the top center, accompanied by a state shape on the top left. At the bottom, “Constitution State” is centered in the same color.

Specialty plates

Connecticut offers a wide variety of special license plates, allowing drivers to showcase their support for causes, organizations, or affiliations. From charity plates to plates honoring veterans or specific professions, these options provide a personalized way to display pride and contribute to meaningful causes.

Military plates

Connecticut offers military license plates to honor veterans and active service members. These plates are available for various branches and recognitions, with fees varying based on the plate type. Plates can be requested online or through a special order plate application.

Animal plates

Connecticut’s animal population control license plates help support the state’s Animal Population Control Program by funding vaccination and sterilization benefits for pets adopted from municipal pounds. These plates are available for various vehicle types, with a $50 fee for new plates, a $70 fee for remaking a current plate with the animal background, and a $139 fee for vanity plates.

Cities and towns plates

Drivers in Connecticut can choose from cities and towns license plates that allow residents to show pride in their local community. Plates are available for cities such as Meriden and Norwich, as well as the town of Stafford. These specialty plates provide a unique way to represent your hometown while on the road.

College plates

Connecticut residents can select from college license plates for various vehicle types, allowing drivers to show support for their favorite schools. Fees for some plates, like those for the University of Connecticut, include $55 for off-the-shelf plates, $75 to remake your current plate with a university background, and $144 for vanity plates. In addition to regular renewal fees, there is a $55 renewal charge for some plates. Plates can be requested online or via an application.

Environmental and special interest plates

Connecticut offers a variety of environmental license plates that support conservation efforts, including Connecticut Greenways, Conserve Wildlife, Long Island Sound, and more. These plates allow drivers to demonstrate their commitment to environmental causes while contributing to important programs. Fees vary depending on the specific plate.

Recreational style plates

Residents in Connecticut can select various recreational license plates, including the Amateur Radio Call Letter Plate, Classic Vehicle Plate, and Candlewood Lake Authority Plate. Each plate has specific requirements and fees, such as $25 for new amateur radio plates and $47 for classic vehicle plates. Many plates offer vanity options and require the vehicle to be registered in Connecticut. Some, like the New England Air Museum plate, may require contacting a representative for the application.

Police and fire organization plates

These plates in Connecticut let members of law enforcement and firefighting services display their affiliation. Available for vehicles registered in the state, these plates vary in fees and eligibility, with some offering personalization. Applications can be submitted online or at the DMV with proof of membership.

Plates for organizations with varied interests

The state also issues special plates supporting various causes, such as the Children First Foundation, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, and Cure Prostate Cancer. Most plates cost at least $50 for a random number, with personalized options available for $139.

Organization plates

Connecticut offers a variety of specialty plates supporting organizations and causes, including options like the Amistad license plate, Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks plate, Candlewood Lake Authority plate, and Red Sox Foundation plate, as well as plates for organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, Special Olympics, and the USS Connecticut Commissioning Committee. Most plates start at $50 for a randomly assigned number, with personalized options available for $139. Fees may vary based on the specific plate.

Vanity plates

In Connecticut, you can customize standard-issue or special plates as vanity plates, allowing for a personalized combination of letters and numbers. Vanity plates can be ordered online for registration types such as passenger, combination, commercial, camper, and camp trailer, but vehicles with out-of-state or temporary registrations are not eligible. The order cannot be changed or canceled once placed, and refunds are not issued. Vanity plates can include up to seven characters with no dashes or extra spaces, and only one dot is allowed, which cannot be placed at the beginning or end of the plate number.

Connecticut vehicle registration and plate renewal

Registration process

For registering a vehicle in Connecticut, start by gathering the necessary documents including your name, driver’s license or non-driver ID number, date of birth, street address, license plate number, and Social Security Number. Acceptable forms of ID for registration vary, and special cases apply to out-of-state residents, U.S. military members, or individuals without standard ID. You’ll need to handle registrations for newly purchased vehicles at DMV hubs or branch offices by appointment. Also, review the specific steps for adding, dropping, or changing a name on a registration or title and for obtaining In-Transit Registration for vehicles purchased in Connecticut by out-of-state residents.

Plate renewal

Start the plate renewal process by preparing to receive a renewal invitation 45 days before your current registration expires. Address any issues like unpaid property tax, emissions testing, and insurance requirements beforehand. Most types of registrations can be renewed online, except for specific vehicles like ambulances and construction vehicles.

When renewing online, make sure all your documents are in order and that your printer is ready to print the renewed registration, accessible online for 30 days. Fees for renewal vary based on registration type and payment can be completed using major credit cards or specific debit cards. Confirm payment and renewal status, and if necessary, use the DMV’s AutoRenew feature to maintain updated registration. Late fees are applied if renewal happens post-expiration. This timely renewal prevents legal and operational complications that may arise from expired registration.

Conducting a Connecticut license plate lookup is a vital step for vehicle owners, buyers, and sellers to try and ensure they have detailed information about a vehicle’s history and current status. The Connecticut DMV’s online verification tools and reputable third-party platforms like Bumper provide detailed vehicle reports essential for these purposes.

*Disclaimer: Bumper reports are based on data available and may not include historical accident records in all states.