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May 26, 2016

Connecticut Vehicle Identification Numbers

The state of Connecticut requires VIN verification to register your vehicle in the state. Usually residents will receive a VIN verification either at the emissions testing center or through the DMV. If your vehicle does not pass the state’s emission testing or you do not receive a waiver, the registration on the vehicle will not be renewed. During the emissions test a VIN verification will be conducted and you will receive a VIN verification form which is necessary to register your car in the state of Connecticut. Residents of Connecticut should be aware of these laws before they purchase a vehicle and it may change where, or from whom, you purchase a vehicle:

  • If you purchase a vehicle from an authorized Connecticut dealer, the vehicle must be emission compliant at the time of the sale;
  • If you purchase a car from a private individual and that vehicle was registered in the state of Connecticut you will not receive any notification. However, it is your responsibility to have the car tested within 30 days of transferring the title;
  • If you purchase a vehicle from a different state, the vehicle must be emission compliant before you can register the car in the state of Connecticut;
  • If you do not have the vehicle tested, it doesn’t pass the emission testing, or it has not been granted a waiver during the testing cycle, the DMV will not renew the registration on the vehicle.

    Connecticut Emissions Testing

    Sample VIN verification form

Connecticut requires emission testing every two (2) years on all vehicles except those which are exempt; however, these vehicles must still get a VIN verification to be registered:

  • 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 model year cars;
  • Model year cars 1993 and older vehicles;
  • Vehicles with a gross weight of 10,001 pounds or greater;
  • Composite Vehicles;
  • Electric Vehicles (this does not include hybrid vehicles);
  • Motorcycles or bicycles with motors attached;
  • Farm Vehicles;
  • Diesel-Powered Type II School Buses which are under 10,000 pounds GVWR;
  • Certain vehicles which are not designed primarily for highway use; and
  • Vehicles with Dealer, Repairer, or Transporter Plates.

Exempt Vehicles from Connecticut Emissions Testing

If your vehicle is exempt from emissions testing in Connecticut for any reason, then you must get a VIN verification from a DMV Inspection Lane. DMV Inspection Lanes are open during certain hours and at specific DMV Inspection locations. It would be wise to plan to spend the day if your vehicle is required to go to a DMV Inspection Lane. Vehicles that must go to a DMV Inspection Lane include:

  • Camp Vehicles;
  • Camping trailers, pop-up campers, and commercial trailers;
  • Commercial Vehicles over 18,000 pounds GVWR and Commercial Trailers over 10,000 GVWR seeking temporary registration;
  • Composite and Salvaged Vehicles – this includes all antique and modified antique vehicles, reconstructed vehicles, and car kits;
  • Drivers Education Vehicles;
  • Grey Vehicles – Vehicles manufactured outside of the United States;
  • School Transportation Vehicles 10,000 pounds GVWR and under;
  • Service Buses;
  • Taxis; and
  • Wreckers.

For more information or descriptions of the vehicles that must go to a DMV Inspection Lane, you can go to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website for

Inspections Performed at the DMV

DMV Inspection Lane

Why should you run a VIN Check in Connecticut?

Besides the typical reasons (to check for theft, accidents, liens against the vehicle, and to see if the vehicle has been labeled as salvaged or damaged by flood,) the laws in Connecticut require you to have annual emission testing when you get your car inspected. At the time of the inspection a Vehicle Identification Number Check is completed, and you would not want to find out that your new car was stolen or had been labeled as salvaged. In Connecticut, your ability to register your vehicle is linked to the VIN number.

Lemon Laws in Connecticut

The Lemon Law of Connecticut can be found in “Connecticut General Statue Chapter 743b, ‘Automotive Warranties.'” Under the laws of the state, there is an arbitration program to help resolve disputes between consumers and automobile manufacturers. For more information on that program contact, 800-538-CARS or email DCP.LemonLaw@ct.gov.

The Lemon Law only applies to vehicles which:

  • Are two (2) years old or less (or has 24,000 miles or less);
  • Have substantial defects that affect the use, safety or value of the vehicle (defects which do not significantly impair the use, safety or value or the vehicle, defects which are not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, and defects caused by abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications made by the consumer);
  • Have had at least four (4) attempts to repair the problem by either the manufacturer, an agent for the manufacturer, or an authorized dealer for the same issue [if the problem is serious enough that the defect it likely to cause serious injury or death then Connecticut recognized two (2) attempts as a reasonable number of attempts)]; and
  • Has been out of service for at least 30 days and in the possession of the manufacturer, an agent for the manufacturer, or an authorized dealer.

If you believe that your vehicle is a lemon you should contact the manufacturer of the car immediately and begin to gather all documentation related to this car, including a record of all contacts with both the dealer and the manufacturer, copies of receipts and dates that the vehicle was either at the repair shop or was otherwise unavailable for you to use, and notes with names of telephone conversations you have had regarding this vehicle. You should mail a letter, by certified mail, to the manufacturer of the car, detailing the problems and requesting either a replacement vehicle of comparable value or a refund (although this is not required by all manufacturers, it can save you time if the manufacturer agrees and may help you if you proceed to the next step.)

The state of Connecticut provides arbitration for situations such as these. The process can be started by downloading the Arbitration Form, completing it, and mailing it, along with a $50 check to:

Department of Consumer Protection

450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 901

Hartford, CT 06106

The Department of Consumer Protection will make a ruling on your application.

Note that the form will ask you for specific dates such as: the date you took possession of the car, the name of the dealer who sold you the car, the name of the business where the vehicle has been serviced, details of the defects of the car (including dates of repair and the number of days that the vehicle was at the dealership or another repair shop,) financial information (the purchase price of the vehicle, sales tax, expenses you have incurred due to towing, renting another car, hotels if appropriate, and injuries if any have occurred) and, copies of work orders, copies of the sales contract, copies of the registration of the vehicle, copies of any warranties, and copies of any correspondence between you and the dealer or you and the manufacturer.)

If you would like to file a complaint against a dealer or a repair shop:

  • Complete the Consumer Complaint Form (K-35 form) online;
  • Print and sign two copies of the form;
  • Send one copy to the dealer or repairer that this complaint concerns, and send the other copy to:
    • Department of Motor Vehicles

    Consumer Complaint Division

    60 State Street

    Wethersfield, CT 06161

    860-263-5405

    • Be sure and include all copies of paperwork related to your complaint (warranty, invoice, bill, and any additional expenses); and
    • Include a telephone number and an email address where you can be reached.
Lemon Law for Used Cars in Connecticut

Unlike most states, Connecticut does provide some protection for those who have purchased used cars. If you have purchased a used car from a licensed dealer in the state of Connecticut, the law covers mechanical and operational defects that were present at the time of purchase, if the following is true:

  • The owner paid at least $3,000 for the vehicle;
  • The car is six (6) years old or less; and
  • The vehicle is used for personal, family, or household uses.

If the above conditions have been met, then the dealer has 30 days (or 1,500 miles) after the date of purchase to repair the car at no charge to the owner. If the owner paid $5,000 or more then the dealer has 60 days (or 3,000 miles) to repair the vehicle. If the vehicle is not repaired within this time frame then the consumer should fill out the Dealers and Repairers Complaint Form (Form K-35) and mail it, along with receipts and documentation to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

Consumer Complaint Center

60 State Street, Room 102

Wethersfield, CT 06161

860-263-5405

Connecticut law where the Lemon Law is found

Arbitration Process for the state of Connecticut

Connecticut Lemon Law Automobile Dispute Settlement Program

Arbitration Form

Dealers and Repairers Complaint Form

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State St
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
1985 State St
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
85 N Mountain Rd
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
2 Lee Mac Ave
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

DMV
Department of Motor Vehicles
540 Main Ave
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
7 Custom Dr
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

New Britain DMV Office
Department of Motor Vehicles
85 N Mountain Rd
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
95 Sylvan Ave
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
1557 Main St
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
4 Pearson Way
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

DMV
Department of Motor Vehicles
151 Torrington Rd
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
173 Salem Turnpike
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

DMV: Derby Photo License Center
Department of Motor Vehicles
12 Main St
1 860-263-5700
Closed today

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
2210 Thomaston Ave
1 860-263-5700
Open until 4:00 PM

Dmv
Department of Motor Vehicles
2 Lee Mac Ave
1 860-263-5700

DMV
Department of Motor Vehicles
1625 Highland Ave
Closed today

Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
1 860-582-8111

Milford Photo License Center
Department of Motor Vehicles
70 W River St
1 860-263-5700
Open until 6:00 PM

DMV- Photo License Center
Driver’s License Office
386 Main St
1 860-263-5720

AAA Stamford
Insurance Agency
1101 High Ridge Rd
1 203-388-2189
Open until 5:00 PM

AAA Avon
Auto Insurance Agency
70 E Main St
1 860-236-3261
Open until 5:30 PM

State of Connecticut DMV – Wethersfield Office
Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State St
1 860-263-5154

Connecticut Department of Correction
Prison
24 Wolcott Hill Rd
1 860-692-7480

AAA Waterbury
Insurance Agency
835 Wolcott St
1 203-721-8284
Open until 5:00 PM

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
137 Henry St
1 860-263-5700

Consumer Protection Department
State Government Office
165 Capitol Ave # 3
1 860-713-6050

Stamford Tax Collector
Tax Collector’s Office
888 Washington Blvd
1 203-977-5888

Connecticut Department of Transportation, Training Center
Training Centre
2780 Berlin Turnpike
1 860-594-2000

Connecticut Department
City Government Office
280 West St
1 860-258-0371

State of Connecticut
State Government Office
200 Folly Brook Blvd
1 860-616-2501

Centralized Infractions Bureau
State Government Office
225 Spring St
1 860-263-2750

DRS
Tax Department
25 Sigourney St
1 860-297-5962

Connecticut Department of Transportation
Department of Transportation
140 Pond Lily Ave
1 203-389-3100

Bridgeport Tax Collector
City Tax Office · Bridgeport City Hall
45 Lyon Terrace #121
1 203-576-7271

Juvenile Court
Courthouse
71 Main St
1 203-797-4407

Clerks Office
State Government Office
54 W Main St
1 203-238-6130

Clerks Office
State Government Office
121 Elm St
1 203-789-7461

Hartford Tax Collector’s Office
City Tax Office · Hartford City Hall
550 Main St #3
1 860-757-9630

Norwalk Tax Collector
City Tax Office
125 East Ave #105
1 203-854-7731

Hartford Superior Court – Civil
State Government Office
95 Washington St
1 860-548-2700

Department of Administrative
State Government Office
165 Capitol Ave # 491
1 860-713-5000

Putnam Satellite Office
Department of Motor Vehicles
165 Kennedy Dr
1 800-842-8222
Closed today

Transportation Department
Department of Transportation
80 Fowler Ave
1 860-482-8482

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
Parson’s Government Center, 70 W River St
1 860-263-5700
Open until 6:00 PM

Darien Tax Collector
City Tax Office · Darien Town Hall
2 Renshaw Rd
1 203-656-7314

Bristol Tax Collector
City Tax Office · Bristol City Hall
111 N Main St #14
1 860-584-6270

Connecticut Juror Information
State Government Office
146 White St
1 203-207-8735

Dept of Transportation
State Government Office
603 Derby Ave
1 203-799-5073

Torrington Tax Department City Office
City Tax Office
140 Main St #134
1 860-489-2209

Connecticut Fire Academy
Fire Protection Service
34 Perimeter Rd
1 860-627-6363

Vernon Tax Collector
City Tax Office
8 Park Pl
1 860-872-8591

Wallingford Tax Collector
City Tax Office · Wallingford Town Hall
45 S Main St
1 203-294-2135

West Haven Tax Department
City Tax Office
355 Main St
1 203-937-3525

Peekskill Office-NYSDMV
Driver’s License Office
1045 Park St
1 718-477-4820

New Canaan Tax Collector
City Tax Office
77 Main St
1 203-594-3064

Wilton Tax office
City Tax Office
238 Danbury Rd
1 203-563-0125
Open until 4:30 PM

New Haven City Tax Collector
City Tax Office
165 Church St # 161
1 203-946-8054

New Milford Tax Collector
City Tax Office
10 Main St
1 860-355-6085

Department of Motor Vehicles West Haverstraw
Department of Motor Vehicles
50 Zugibe Ct
1 718-477-4820
Open until 4:00 PM

Southbury Tax Collector
City Tax Office
501 Main St S
1 203-262-0654

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