Requirements to Register Your Commercial Vehicle - Intrastate (Operating Within Connecticut Only)

The documents you need to register a vehicle will vary on whether 1) your title is from Connecticut or a different state, 2) your vehicle has a lien, or 3) if your vehicle is leased.  This service is offered by appointment only at DMV offices.  Make an appointment here. 

 

International Registration Plan (IRP):  If you are planning to travel outside Connecticut (Interstate), please visit the International Registration Plan webpage.

Please carefully read the instructions below to be sure you have the correct documents prior to visiting a DMV office.

Here are the steps to take:

 

Step 1: Check for outstanding issues

• Prior to registering your vehicle, be sure you do not have any issues (such as property taxes or insurance lapses) that may stop you. Check online here.  

Step 2: Gather your documents

Documents required:

• Identification.  You must present an acceptable form of identification to register your vehicle. See full list of acceptable forms of identification.  
• Proof of insurance.  Your insurance card must include this information.
• Completed registration application (Form H-13B). Download and fill out this form before coming into the office.
• Bill of sale. For vehicles recently purchased. You can use this form.  
• Payment:  The registration fees for a commercial vehicle vary by Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).  See registration fee chart for commercial vehicles.  (There is an additional $10 fee for processing a vehicle with a lien).  In addition, sales tax will be charged on recently purchased vehicles. 
• Proof of ownership.  An original title is required.  If it is a vehicle from outside Connecticut, please see Title Information By State to know if title is needed. If vehicle is not title in that state, valid registration from previous owner is needed. If registration is expired, you will need to obtain a letter of registration verification from the previous state DMV.

A leased vehicle requires an original power of attorney from the leasing company.  If you have alien or are leasing a vehicle, you must contact your lienholder or leasing company to notify them that Connecticut requires the original vehicle title to register a vehicle. 

Please notify the lien holder or leasing company using this letter and ask them to mail the title to the address below:

State of Connecticut
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Record Updates
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161    

Upon confirmation of receipt of your title documents, please allow 5 business days for the vehicle to be processed into the system before visiting a branch office.

If the original title is not available, you can request a six-month registration (called a courtesy registration) to give your lienholder or leasing company time to mail your original title to Connecticut DMV. This applies only when there is a lien holder holding the original title. More information on how to apply for a courtesy registration.

Step 3: DOT Number for Your Vehicle (may be required)  

A commercial vehicle may require a DOT Number to be registered.  See more information on the FMCSA website.   

 

Step 4: Make an Appointment at a DMV Office

This service is provided by appointment only at DMV office.  Make an appointment here. 

 

Step 5: Heavy-Vehicle Use Tax Payment (vehicles 55,000 lbs. or more)

Within the first two months of your vehicle’s first registration, you are required to file and pay a special federal highway use tax to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing form no. 2290 (IRS E-filing).  This is a required annual payment.  You will be required to submit proof to DMV at the time of registration renewal.  Acceptable proof of payment is a copy of IRS form 2290 receipted for payment by IRS listing the vehicle ID number for which tax was paid.

 

Step 6: Federal Annual Inspection Report

All commercial vehicles (trucks, tractors, buses, trailers) with a gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight rating of: more than 10,000 pounds when used in interstate commerce; or more than 18,000 pounds in gross weight used in intrastate commerce; or vehicles that are designed or used to transport more than eight (8) passengers, including the driver, for compensation; or vehicles that are designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, not for compensation; or any vehicle transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding must receive a Federal annual inspection in accordance with sections 14-163c and 14-163e of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) and 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §396.17. 

The results of the Federal annual inspection must be recorded on a report as specified in 49 CFR §396.21. That report must be carried on the vehicle(s) in accordance with sections 14-163c and 14-163e of the CGS and 49 CFR §396.17 and 49 CFR §396.21.

When completing SECTION 8 of the H-13B, you must indicate “YES” under “IF DOT #, HAS THE VEHICLE BEEN INSPECTED? Ref 49 CFR 396.17” as proof that this requirement has been met.

Additional SECTION 8 requirement. For owners of vehicles wanting to operate above legal weight limits that require an oversize or overweight permit, you MUST indicate “YES” under “GROSS WEIGHT DECLARED REQUIRES CT DOT OS/OW PERMIT”. Regardless, owners once registered must contact the Connecticut DOT at dot.osowpermits@ct.gov to obtain the required oversize or overweight permit. You may also visit their website at https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Permits/Highways/Oversize-Overweight-Permits.

Do not forget to sign up for your Connecticut Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO) Portal account. https://cvoportal.ct.gov/. This website serves as a One-Stop-Shop for Commercial Motor Vehicles conducting business in the State of Connecticut.