Connecticut plate replacements can be done online, by mail, or at a DMV office. Whether yours was stolen in a parking lot or damaged by road salt, here is the full process and cost.
My Connecticut Plate Was Stolen, What Do I Do Right Now?
Act immediately. A stolen Connecticut plate can be put on another vehicle and used to run red lights, evade E-ZPass tolls, or commit crimes, with your plate number attached. Every hour you wait makes disputing those violations harder.
- Call your local police or Connecticut State Police to file a theft report, get the report number
- Notify your auto insurance company of the theft
- Apply for a replacement at ct.gov/dmv, by mail, or at a CT DMV office within 5 business days
- Request a new plate number; do not reuse the stolen number
- Keep a copy of the police report in your vehicle until new plates arrive
- Watch for any E-ZPass, red light, or violation notices linked to your old plate, dispute with your report number
How to Get a Replacement Connecticut Plate
Online
Visit ct.gov/dmv and navigate to plate replacement. Enter your vehicle details and pay by card. Replacement plate arrives by mail in 7-10 business days.
By Mail
Complete DMVR-1 form and mail with payment and a copy of your police report (if stolen) to your regional CT DMV office.
In Person
Visit any CT DMV office. Standard plates issued same day. Bring your ID, registration, police report number if stolen, and payment.
Document Checklist
- Valid Connecticut driver’s license or state ID
- Current vehicle registration
- Payment for replacement fee
Situation-Specific
- Damaged plate to surrender (damaged replacements)
- Police report number (stolen replacements)
Connecticut Plate Replacement Fees
| ITEM | FEE |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement | $5.00 per plate |
| Personalized plate replacement | Higher — varies by plate type |
| Replacement decal sticker only | $5.00 |
Connecticut requires two plates on all standard passenger vehicles, one front and one rear. If both were stolen or damaged, you pay the replacement fee for each separately. Motorcycles require only a rear plate.
Damaged or Lost Plates
Damaged Plate
Bring the damaged plate to a CT DMV office. You will surrender it and receive a replacement same day for standard plates. You may keep your existing plate number.
Lost Plate
Apply online at ct.gov/dmv, by mail using DMVR-1 form, or in person. No police report required. You may keep your existing number.
Keep or Change Your Plate Number?
| SITUATION | RECOMMENDATION | REASON |
|---|---|---|
| Stolen | Request new number | Stolen plate is in circulation, violations trace to your old number |
| Damaged | Keep existing number | No risk of misuse |
| Lost | Keep existing number | Usually safe unless theft is suspected |
| Personalized | Always retained | Your combination is reserved exclusively to you |
Connecticut Requires Two Plates
Connecticut requires front and rear plates on all standard passenger vehicles under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-18. If only one plate was stolen or damaged, you replace only that one. Motorcycles require only a rear plate.