Personalizing your vehicle with a vanity plate is a popular way to express individuality on the road, but the application process in Connecticut requires more than just a creative idea. In 2026, the Connecticut DMV (CT DMV) has streamlined the custom plate program, moving most of the experience online while maintaining strict eligibility standards. Whether you are looking for a standard light-blue background or one of the state’s many specialty designs, your first step is ensuring your vehicle record is in perfect standing.
This guide details the specific eligibility requirements, the updated fee schedule for 2026, and the exact steps to secure your personalized combination.
Mandatory Pre-Application Requirements (Checklist Before You Apply)
Before you begin brainstorming combinations, the CT DMV requires your vehicle to meet three non-negotiable criteria. If these are not met, the system will block your request immediately.
- Active Registration: Your vehicle must already be registered in Connecticut. You cannot apply for a vanity plate for a car with a temporary registration or one that is currently registered out-of-state.
- The 45-Day Window: If your current registration is set to expire within the next 45 days, you must renew your registration before the vanity plate application will be accepted.
- Address Accuracy: The DMV will mail your new plates to the address they have on file. If you have moved recently, you must complete a Connecticut DMV change of address at least 24 hours before submitting your plate order.
Step-by-Step: How to Secure Your Custom Vanity Plate Combination
Step 1: Verify Availability
The most common cause of frustration is selecting a combination that is already taken. Use the CT DMV Plate Lookup Tool to check your desired 7-character sequence. Remember that only one “dot” is allowed, and it cannot be placed at the very beginning or end of the plate.
2. Submit Your Application
- Online (Fastest): Most passenger and commercial vehicles can apply through the Order Special Plates Portal. You will need your CT Driver’s License number and your current plate number.
- By Mail: For “Classic Vehicle” plates or specific specialty designs that require organization sign-off (like the Hartford Whalers or Police Memorial plates), you must mail Form M-22 (Special Order Plate Application) to the DMV Special Plate Unit in Wethersfield.
3. Wait for Production
Unlike standard plates, vanity plates are manufactured on demand. The average wait time for delivery is 6 to 8 weeks. You will continue to use your current plates until the new ones arrive in the mail.
Vanity Plate Fee Schedule (Initial Cost and Renewal Surcharge)
The cost of a vanity plate in Connecticut is a one-time “customization” fee paid at the time of order, followed by an additional $15 surcharge added to your standard biennial registration renewal fee.
| Plate Style | Initial Vanity Fee | Renewal Surcharge |
| Standard (Light Blue) | $94.00 | $15.00 |
| Special Interest (e.g., Long Island Sound) | $139.00 – $159.00 | $15.00 |
| Classic Vehicle (Custom) | $94.00 | $15.00 |
| The Pizza State (Vanity) | $134.00 | $15.00 |
Note: New for 2026, the Borinqueneers Commemorative Plate is available for a $60 fee, though vanity configurations on this background may vary in cost.
Important Guidelines and Restrictions (Character Limits and Forbidden Content)
To maintain your driving privileges, you must adhere to the state’s “decency and clarity” standards. The CT DMV reserves the right to recall any plate if it is deemed offensive after issuance.
- Character Limits: Most passenger vehicles allow up to 7 characters. Motorcycles are generally limited to 6 characters.
- Forbidden Content: Any combination that refers to illegal substances, profanity, or sexual innuendo will be automatically rejected.
- No Re-makes of Lost Titles: If your vehicle’s ownership is in question, resolve your paperwork and get a Connecticut DMV lost title before changing your plate, as the two systems must sync for the registration to remain valid.
FAQ’s
Yes. If you sell your current vehicle, you can transfer your vanity combination to your replacement vehicle. You will need to process this through the DMV during the new vehicle registration to ensure your Connecticut driving record reflects the change correctly.
If your combination is rejected for content or unavailability, the DMV will notify you via mail or email. You will generally be issued a refund for the vanity portion of the fee, or given the opportunity to select an alternative combination.
No. Once your new vanity plates arrive, you can simply destroy or recycle your old ones. However, you must ensure you have moved your registration stickers (if applicable) or confirmed that your digital registration is updated.
Conclusion
A Connecticut vanity plate is a unique investment in your vehicle’s identity. By checking availability through the online portal and ensuring your current registration is more than 45 days from expiration, you can secure your custom combination with minimal friction. Your next step is to use the DMV’s digital lookup tool to see if your preferred 7-character message is available before starting the formal application.
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