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updateUpdated 2026-10-12

Connecticut License Plate Lookup

Get the full NHTSA vehicle report for any Connecticut plate — make, model, year, recalls, and crash safety ratings — free with no signup. Vehicle data only.

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CONNECTICUTAB·12345

2.9M

Registered Vehicles

Connecticut (FHWA)

Since 1903

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles

AB·12345

Connecticut DMV License Plate Quick Facts

Agency	Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Issuance year	1903
Current format	AB·12345 — Seven characters on the current 'Constitution State' design: two letters, a center dot separator, and five digits. Connecticut was an early adopter of state-issued plates (1903) and is a two-plate state.
Plates required	Two (front and rear)
Replacement fee	$25
Registration validity	2 years
Registered vehicles	2.9M (approx.)
DMV contact	1-860-263-5700 · portal.ct.gov/dmv

How do I look up a Connecticut license plate?

Need a Connecticut DMV license plate lookup-style vehicle report? Use the CT license plate lookup tool above — same NHTSA data, no DMV trip required.

1
Enter the Connecticut license plate number in the search field above. Spaces and dashes are optional.
2
Confirm CT is selected in the state dropdown — plate numbers can repeat across states, so the state is required for accurate matching.
3
Press Search Plate. You'll see make, model, year, trim, engine, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds.

Run a CT plate lookuparrow_forward

What does a Connecticut license plate lookup reveal?

Every license plate lookup ct on this page returns NHTSA vehicle data instantly. Driver and registered-owner personal information is protected under the DPPA's 1994 federal restrictions and is not part of any free vehicle report.

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DPPA notice — vehicle data only

This Connecticut license plate lookup returns vehicle information only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database. We do not return the registered owner's name, address, phone number, email, driving record, or any other personal information about the driver. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not lawfully accessible through any free public lookup.

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Registered owner name, address, contact details, and driving records are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and are not returned by this site or any other free public lookup. This tool provides vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy — sourced from NHTSA and EPA public databases.

What does a Connecticut license plate format look like?

Seven characters on the current 'Constitution State' design: two letters, a center dot separator, and five digits. Connecticut was an early adopter of state-issued plates (1903) and is a two-plate state. A free Connecticut license plate lookup also works on legacy plate formats listed in the table below.

CONNECTICUTAB·12345

Connecticut license plate formats through the years

Era	Format	Example
1903–1936	Sequential numeric (CT was one of the earliest plate-issuing states)	12345
1937–1973	Numeric / alphanumeric variations	AB-12345
1974–1986	3 digits + 3 letters (white on blue)	123 ABC
1987–1999	3 digits + 3 letters ('Constitution State', white on blue)	123 ABC
2000–2017	2 letters + 5 digits ('Constitution State' refreshed)	AB·12345
2018–present	2 letters + 5 digits (current 'Connecticut' design)	AB·12345

Connecticut license plate laws you should know

Below are the four laws that most often trip up Connecticut drivers. Rules are enforced at the stop, the inspection station, and at registration renewal.

Two plates required

Connecticut requires two plates — front and rear — on every passenger vehicle under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-18. Failure to display either plate can result in fines.

Front plate rule

No exemption exists for vehicles lacking a front mounting bracket. Owners must install a bracket or face a citation under § 14-18.

Registration stickers & display

Connecticut does not issue physical registration stickers. Registration is verified electronically by law enforcement using the plate number and ALPR systems. Carry the registration card at all times.

Inspection / smog check

Connecticut requires biennial OBD-II emissions testing through the Connecticut Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP). All gasoline vehicles 4 model years or older must be tested. There is no statewide safety inspection requirement, but a pre-registration safety inspection is required for vehicles being titled in Connecticut for the first time.

Types of Connecticut license plates

Connecticut issues dozens of plate designs. These are the main categories you'll encounter on the road or see at the DMV counter.

Standard Connecticut / Constitution State

Default plate with the 'Constitution State' tagline issued in the AB·12345 format. Two plates required.

Personalized / Vanity

Up to 7 characters on the standard or specialty backgrounds. $139 initial + $30 every 2 years through CT DMV.

Disabled / Disabled Veteran

ISA wheelchair symbol; qualifies for accessible parking statewide. DV plates carry waived fees for qualifying veterans.

Military specialty

Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Family, and branch-specific plates.

Special interest

UConn Huskies, Long Island Sound, Greenways, Conserve Wildlife, and dozens of cause plates.

Early American / Classic

For vehicles 20+ years old used primarily for exhibitions, parades, and club events. Restricted to occasional use.

How much does a Connecticut license plate cost?

Typical Connecticut DMV fees for plates, registration, and related services. Always confirm current amounts on the official DMV site before paying.

Biennial registration (passenger, gas)	$120 every 2 years ($60/year)
Triennial registration (electric)	$57 every 3 years
Replacement plate (per pair)	$25
Personalized plate (initial)	$139
Personalized plate (renewal)	$30 every 2 years
Title fee	$25

Source: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles — https://portal.ct.gov/dmv

What if my Connecticut plate is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Follow these steps to replace a Connecticut license plate. Do not keep driving with a missing plate — it is a citable offense in most states.

1
File a police report immediately if the plates were stolen.
2
Visit any Connecticut DMV office or use the online portal at portal.ct.gov/dmv.
3
Complete the Application for Replacement Plates and submit with the police report (if applicable).
4
Pay the $25 replacement fee for a new plate pair.
5
Surrender any remaining plate from the pair before substitute plates are issued.

Connecticut DMV contact & privacy

Official agency

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles

call1-860-263-5700

languageportal.ct.gov/dmv

DPPA privacy notice

Personal information tied to a Connecticut license plate — driver name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and driving record — is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by this site. This page and the lookup tool provide vehicle-level data only: make, model, year, trim, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Connecticut license plate lookups, DMV rules, and plate replacement.

How do I run a Connecticut license plate lookup?expand_more

Enter any Connecticut plate in the search field above and press Check Plate. You'll get the vehicle's make, model, year, trim, open NHTSA recalls, and crash ratings — free, no signup required.

Does Connecticut require a front license plate?expand_more

Yes. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-18 requires passenger vehicles to display two plates — one on the front and one on the rear. There is no exemption for vehicles sold without a front bracket.

How much does a replacement Connecticut plate cost?expand_more

The replacement fee is $25 for a new plate pair. Replacements are processed at any Connecticut DMV office; a police report is required if the plate was stolen.

What is the current Connecticut license plate format?expand_more

The standard Connecticut passenger plate uses a 7-character format: two letters, a center dot, and five digits (e.g., AB·12345) on the 'Constitution State' design.

Are Connecticut license plate records public?expand_more

No. Owner information tied to a Connecticut plate is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-10. Free lookups return only vehicle-level data.

Does Connecticut require emissions testing?expand_more

Yes. Connecticut requires biennial OBD-II emissions testing (VEIP) for all gasoline vehicles 4 model years or older. There is no annual safety inspection, but a pre-registration safety inspection is required for vehicles being titled in CT for the first time.

How do I get a personalized Connecticut plate?expand_more

Personalized plates are ordered through Connecticut DMV at portal.ct.gov/dmv for $139 initial fee and $30 every 2 years for renewal. Up to 7 characters are allowed.

How often do I renew my Connecticut registration?expand_more

Connecticut vehicle registration is valid for 2 years for gasoline vehicles ($120) and 3 years for electric vehicles ($57). The DMV mails a renewal notice approximately 45 days before expiration.

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