Vehicle registration plates of Connecticut

Last updated

Connecticut
2015 to Present Connecticut license plate.jpg
Current series
SloganConstitution State
Size12 in × 6 in
30 cm × 15 cm
MaterialAluminum
Serial formatAB·12345
IntroducedJanuary 1, 2000 (2000-01-01)
Availability
Issued by Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
History
First issuedSeptember 1, 1905 (1905-09-01)
(pre-state plates from 1903 through August 31, 1905)

The U.S. state of Connecticut first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1905, when the state began to issue plates. [1] Since then, Connecticut has used a variety of license plate designs, and has issued different designs for passenger, non-passenger, and, more recently, optional plate types that often require an additional fee. As of 2024, plates are issued by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.

Contents

For most classes of vehicles, plates are issued in pairs, for the front and rear of the vehicle respectively, though single rear plates were issued between 1980 and 1987. Plates were validated with metal date tabs from 1937 through 1963, then with plate stickers until 2006, and finally with windshield stickers until 2010. Plate stickers continue to be used on plates for vehicles that do not have a windshield, or are part of fleets that frequently rotate plates among vehicles. All issues (including re-issues) since 2000 are currently valid.

Until 2013 Connecticut, as a rule, skipped the number 0 as the leading digit in its plates, with the exception of dealer plates. Between July 2013 and August 2015, temporary 1ABCD2 and 1AB-CD2 serial formats were used, both of which allowed 0 to be used as the leading digit. In August 2015, a permanent AB-12345 serial format was introduced, and the number 0 could be used as the first of the five digits in the serial.

Passenger baseplates

1905 to 1936

ImageDates issuedDescriptionSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
1905 to 1909 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1905–09White serial on black porcelain plateC1234C1 to C9999Each serial was specific to the motorist, rather than to an individual plate (so if the motorist owned more than one vehicle, the plates on each would display the same serial). Annual re-registration commenced 1907. [2]
1910 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1910White serial on red porcelain plateC12345C1 to approximately C11400
1911 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1911Blue serial on white porcelain plateC12345C1 to approximately C14000
1912 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1912White serial on green porcelain plateC12345C1 to approximately C17700
1913 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1913White serial on blue porcelain plateC12345C1 to approximately C21800
1914 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1914White serial on green porcelain plate; vertical "CONN" and "1914" at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 25000First dated plate.
1915 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1915Yellow serial on black porcelain plate; vertical "CONN" and "1915" at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 34000
Connecticut 1916 license plate.jpg 1916White serial on black porcelain plate; vertical "CONN" and "1916" at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 49000
1917 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1917Dark blue serial on white flat metal plate; vertical "CONN" and "1917" on dark blue bands at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 62000
Connecticut 1918 License Plate.jpg 1918Dark green serial on white flat metal plate; vertical "CONN" and "1918" on dark green bands at left and right respectively12-3451 to approximately 70-000
1919 Connecticut license plate.JPG 1919Black serial on white flat metal plate; "CONN. 1919" centered at bottom12-3451 to approximately 83-000
1920 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1920Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "CONN.–1920" centered at bottom12-3451 to approximately 99-000First embossed plate.
1921 Connecticut license plate.JPG 1921Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "CONN.–1921" centered at bottom123-4561 to approximately 110-000
1922 Connecticut license plate.JPG 1922Embossed maroon serial on white plate with border line; "CONN.–1922" centered at bottom123-4561 to approximately 125-000
1923 Connecticut License Plate.jpg 1923Embossed white serial on dark green plate; "CONN. 1923" centered at bottom123-4561 to approximately 157-000
1924 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1924Embossed black serial on gray plate; "CONN. 1924" centered at bottom12-3451 to approximately 98-000Letter prefixes introduced to keep the width of plates down. [3] These were assigned to branch offices as follows: A, E and Y to New Haven; F, H and S to Bridgeport; K and V to Waterbury; N and L to New London; and P and Z to Hartford. [4]
1924 Connecticut license plate A123 format.jpg A-1234Coded by branch office
1925 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1925Embossed white serial on navy blue plate; "CONN. 1925" centered at bottom123-4561 to approximately 104-000
1925 Connecticut license plate A-1234 format.jpg A-1234Coded by branch office
1926 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1926Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "CONN. 1926" centered at bottom123-4561 to approximately 112-000
Connecticut 1926 license plate - Number A-1845.jpg A-12-345Coded by branch office
1927 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1927Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "CONN. 1927" centered at bottom123-4561 to approximately 118-000'S' prefix reassigned to Stamford. [4]
1927 Connecticut license plate county coded.jpg A-12-345Coded by branch office
1928 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1928Embossed white serial on navy blue plate; "CONN. 1928" centered at bottom123-4561 to approximately 128-000
1928 Connecticut license plate A-1234 format.jpg A-12-345Coded by branch office
1929 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1929As 1927 base, but with "CONN. 1929" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 135-000
1929 Connecticut license plate A-1234 format.jpg A-12-345Coded by branch office
1930 Connecticut license plate - 9820.png 1930As 1928 base, but with "CONN. 1930" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 133-000'Y' prefix reassigned to Danbury. [4]
1930 Connecticut license plate.jpg A-12-345Coded by branch office
1931 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1931As 1927 base, but with "CONN. 1931" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 137-000
1931 Connecticut license plate county coded.jpg A-12-345Coded by branch office
1932 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1932Embossed white serial on navy blue plate; "CONN. 1932" at bottom1234Issued in blocks by branch officeAll plates were 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 9+14 inches (23 cm) in width; this practice continued through 1956. [5] Plates with the A/B123 serial format had the state abbreviation and year offset to the right; this practice continued through 1936.
1932 Connecticut license plate A123 format.jpg A123
1932 Connecticut license plate AB format.jpg A/B123
1933 Connecticut license plate 1234 format.jpg 1933Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "CONN. 1933" at bottom1234Issued in blocks by branch office
1933 Connecticut license plate A123 format.jpg A123
1933 Connecticut license plate.jpg A/B123
1934 Connecticut license plate 1234 format.jpg 1934As 1932 base, but with "CONN. 1934" at bottom1234Issued in blocks by branch office
1934 Connecticut A123 format.jpg A123
1934 Connecticut license plate AB123 format.jpg A/B123
1935 Connecticut license plate 1234 format.jpg 1935As 1933 base, but with "CONN. 1935" at bottom1234Issued in blocks by branch office
1935 Connecticut A123 format.jpg A123
1935 Connecticut license plate AB123 format.jpg A/B123
1936 Connecticut license plate 1234 format.jpg 1936Embossed yellow serial on navy blue plate; "CONN. 1936" at bottom1234Issued in blocks by branch office
1936 Connecticut license plate A123 format.jpg A123
1936 Connecticut license plate AB123 format.jpg A/B123

1937 to 1956

ImageDates issuedDescriptionSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
1938 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1937–41Embossed black serial on silver plate; vertical "CONN" at right; tab box at bottom center12341 to 9999Validated for 1937, 1940 and 1943 with yellow tabs; for 1938, 1941 and 1946 with silver tabs; for 1939, 1942, 1945 and 1947 with light green tabs; and for 1944 with white tabs. In the A/1 123 serial format, the letter progressed before the small number (A/2 through Z/2, then A/3 through Z/3, etc.). [4]
A/ 123A/ 1 to Z/ 999
A/B 123A/A 1 to Z/Z 999
1942 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1941–461/A 1232/A 1 to 8/Z 999
1947 to 1947 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1946–47As above, but with border line9/A 1 to 9/Z 999
1947A/1 123A/2 100 to approximately Y/3 999
1948 Connecticut license plate scotchlite.jpg 1948–51Embossed black serial on reflective aluminum plate with border line; "CT" at bottom right; tab box at bottom center12341 to 9999Validated for 1948, 1951 and 1954 with yellow tabs; for 1949 and 1952 with silver tabs; for 1950 and 1955 with light green tabs; and for 1953 and 1956 with red tabs.
A/ 123A/ 1 to Z/ 999
A/B 123A/A 1 to Z/Z 999
1/A 1232/A 1 to 9/Z 999
1953 Connecticut license plate 12345 format.jpg 1951–53A/1 123A/2 100 to Z/9 999
1954 Connecticut license plate 12345 format.jpg 1953–54As above, but with narrower dies1234510000 to 99999
1954 Connecticut plate A-A 8667.png 1954As above, but non-reflective aluminumA/B 1234A/A 1000 to A/C 9999
1956 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1954–56As above, but with "CONN" at bottom rightA/D 1000 to approximately B/B 6000

1957 to present

In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes. [6] The 1956 (dated 1957) issue was the first Connecticut license plate that complied with these standards. [7]

Plates continued to be validated with tabs each year through 1960. Monthly staggered registration commenced in 1961; tabs were used for expirations from May 1962 through February 1963, and stickers thereafter.[ citation needed ]

The "Constitution State" slogan was first used on the 1974 blue-on-white base. This base did not hold up well and was discontinued in 1976; remaining plates were recalled in 1990 and replaced with white-on-blue plates bearing the same serials.[ citation needed ]

From 1980 through 1987, only rear plates were issued as a cost-saving measure. When front plates became mandatory again in 1987, the design of the 1976 white-on-blue base was changed in order to distinguish between plates issued in pairs and rear-only plates, with a state shape added in the top left corner and the "Constitution State" slogan moved from the top to the bottom. [8]

The current sky blue base was introduced in January 2000. Between September 2000 and August 2002, all remaining 1957–74 and 1976–99 plates were replaced with plates on this base bearing the same serials. Hence, serials issued in 1957 can be seen on the current base.

Plate stickers continued to be issued through August 2006 (the last being used for August 2008 expirations). From September 2006 through July 2010, windshield stickers were used instead (the last being used for July 2012 expirations); these were discontinued after the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles began allowing police agencies to use license plate scanners to verify registrations. [9] [10]

ImageDates issuedDescriptionSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
1957 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1957Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "CONNECTICUT" at bottom, offset to leftnone123451 to 99999In the two-letter serial formats, serials with C or D as the first letter were reserved for Combination and Used Dealer plates respectively.
1959 Connecticut license plate.JPG AB 123AA 1 to
ZZ 999
1960 Connecticut license plate.jpg AB1234AA1000 to BH9999
1963 Connecticut license plate.JPG 1958–66123·456100·000 to 999·999
Connecticut 1971 GX-7113.jpg 1966–74AB·1234BJ·1000 to NZ·9999; ZA·1000 to ZF·9999
1974 to 1976 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1974–76Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate with border line; "CONNECTICUT" centered at bottom"CONSTITUTION STATE" centered at topAB·12341PA·1000 to approximately TP·4999
Connecticut license plate, 1976-1980 series with January 1978 sticker.png 1976–80Embossed reflective (glass-beaded) white serial on blue plate with border line; "CONNECTICUT" centered at bottom"CONSTITUTION STATE" at topAB·12341TP·5000 to YZ·9999; ZG·1000 to ZZ·9999
1980 to 1987 Connecticut license plate.jpg 1980–87123·ABC1100·AAA to 999·EVXLetters I and Q not used in this serial format. 'C' series reserved for Combination plates.
Connecticut 1987 Base License Plate.jpg 1987 – December 1999Similar to above, but with "CONNECTICUT" at top and embossed state shape at top left"CONSTITUTION STATE" at bottom123·ABC1100·EVY to 999·NZM'L' series reserved for optional Preserve the Sound plates.
Connecticut 2004 784-PAJ.jpg January 2000 – June
2013
Embossed dark blue serial on reflective gradient sky blue and white plate with dark blue border line; "Connecticut" screened in dark blue centered at top; screened dark blue state shape at top left"Constitution State" screened in dark blue centered at bottom123·ABC2100·NZN to 999·ZZX'O' series not used; 'V' series reserved for Veteran plates.
2013 Connecticut license plate.jpg June – December 20131ABCD20AAAA0 to 9AGGX9Temporary serial formats used until the completion of a computer upgrade to allow standard seven-character serials (below). Initial 1ABCD2 format revised with addition of dot separator in response to visibility concerns. Letters C, I, Q, Y and Z not used in either format; O used in the 1ABCD2 format but not in the 1AB·CD2 format.
2013 to 2015 Connecticut license plate.jpg December 2013 – August 20151AB·CD20AG·HA0 to 9AX·XX9
2015 to Present Connecticut license plate.jpg August 2015 – presentAB·12345AA·00001 to BP·27765 (as of March 17, 2024) [11] Standard seven-character serials introduced following the completion of the aforementioned computer upgrade. [12]

Notes

  • 1 Plus remakes of serials issued on previous bases: 123–456 and AB-1234 formats
  • 1 Plus remakes of serials issued on previous bases: 123–456, AB-1234, and 123-ABC formats (serials from 100-AAA to 999-NZM)
  • 2 Plus remakes of serials issued on previous bases: 123–456, AB-1234, and 123-ABC formats (serials from 100-AAA to 999-NZM)

Current plate types

Non-passenger types

A number of non-passenger types now use the AB·12345 serial format introduced on passenger plates in 2015.

ImageTypeDesignSerial
format
Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg All TerrainAs Motorcycle plate, but with "All Terrain" at bottomG·1234This type probably started in the 1970s. Used on off-road recreational vehicles.
Connectiut 2002 HAM Radio License Plate.gif Amateur Radio As passenger base, with lightning bolt used as separator FCC call signThis type started in the mid-1950s.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Ambulance As passenger base, but with "Ambulance" in place of slogan1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Apportioned As passenger base, but with red serial and border line, and "Apportioned" in place of slogan12345·AThis type appears to have started in the mid-1980s, from 1000·A.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Bus As passenger base, but with "Bus" in place of slogan1234
AB·12345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Camp TrailerAs passenger base, but with "Camp Tr." in place of slogan123·456
AB·12345
This type started in 1924. Used on private trailers.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Camper As passenger base, but with "Camper" in place of slogan12345
123·456
This type started in 1969.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Classic Motorcycle Blue on white1234Used on collectable motorcycles that are at least 20 years old. Previously "Early American," black on white.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Classic VehicleBlue on white00·ABCDUsed on collectable vehicles (except motorcycles) that are at least 20 years old. Previously "Early American," black on white. The earliest of the "Early American" plates were issued in 1952. These were porcelain plates, black on a white background. Original sequence of 12345 was replaced by 1A·123 format, which carried over after the black on white design was changed to the new blue on white on March 29, 2014. 00·ABCD serial format introduced 2015; shared with standard Motorcycle plates. [13]
CT comb 3CF-593.png Combination"Constitution State" legend; "COMB" embossed vertically at right. This type started in 1922, with the same size, colors and format as regular passenger plates but with a 'C' prefix.C·123456Previously CA·1234, C·12345, 12345, 123·CAB, 1C·2345, 12C·345 on past bases remade on the current base; 12345·C, 1CA·234, 12C·A34, 1234·CA, and 1234·DA on the current base.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Combination – Handicapped"Constitution State" legend. Wheelchair embossed to right of serial; "COMB" embossed vertically to right of wheelchair.123·R
123·S
123·T
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Commercial As passenger base, but with red serial and border line, and vertical "COMM" embossed to left of serialA·12345
AB·12345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Connecticut News Photographer "Constitution State" legend.12·C/N/P
Blank License Plate Shape.svg ConstructionAs passenger base, but with red serial and border line, and "Construction" in place of slogan1234This type probably started in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Generally used on construction vehicles with little or no highway use.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg FactoryAs passenger base, but with red serial and border line, and "Factory" in place of slogan1234This type started in the mid-1920s.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Farm As passenger base, but with red serial and border line, and "Farm" in place of slogan12345This type started in 1933.
Connecticut Fire 2585.png Fire Apparatus As passenger base, but with red serial and border line, and "Fire Apparatus" in place of slogan1234This type started circa 1963.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Handicapped As passenger base123·A Wheelchair symbol.svg
1234·Z Wheelchair symbol.svg
1234·Y Wheelchair symbol.svg
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Hearse As passenger base, but with "Hearse" in place of sloganU·123
U·8123
AB·12345
This type started in the mid-1920s; the 'U' prefix was for "undertaker". [14]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg InterstateAs passenger base, but with "Interstate" in place of sloganZ1234Z
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Livery As passenger base, but with "Livery" in place of sloganL1234LThis type started in 1910. Used on limousines and for-hire cars, but not taxis.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Medal of Honor 1
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Medical Doctor MD·1234MD·0001 to MD·0999 followed MD·1000 to MD·9999
CT 2004 MC.jpg MotorcycleSimilar to passenger base, with "Conn" at top and "Motorcycle" at bottom123·456
00·ABCD
00·ABCD serial format introduced 2015; shared with Classic Vehicle plates.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Motorcycle – HandicappedAs standard Motorcycle plate123·M Wheelchair symbol.svg
123·N Wheelchair symbol.svg
Blank License Plate Shape.svg MunicipalAs passenger base, but with "Municipal" in place of sloganAB
12·AB
123·AB
ABC
12·ABC
123·ABC
This type started in the mid-1970s. Used on town/city government vehicles, including police cars and dump trucks. The letters in the serial indicate the municipality.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Municipal – Preserve the SoundUses a "MUNICIPAL CT" sticker in place of validation sticker.AB
12·AB
123·AB
ABC
12·ABC
123·ABC
Letters signify municipality.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg New York Press As passenger baseNYP·123Used by news reporters to park in Working Press zones in New York City. [15] [16]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Official1
Blank License Plate Shape.svg School Bus Gradient sky blue and white with school bus graphic at left; "CONNECTICUT" at top and "SCHOOL BUS" at bottomS1234S
12A34
AB·12345
School buses used Service Bus plates prior to the mid-1990s. In the 12A34 serial format, the letter progressed S, A, B.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg School Bus/Livery BusAs School Bus plate, but with "SCHOOL BUS/LIVERY BUS" at bottom1SL23
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Service BusAs passenger base, but with "Service Bus" in place of slogan12345This type started sometime in the 1940s. Used on private transportation vehicles that carry persons without charge. Until the mid-1990s, these included school buses.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Snowmobile As Motorcycle plate, but with "Snowmobile" at bottom12345This type started in 1969.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg State Service Bus123
AB·12345
This type started sometime in the 1970s. Plates are typically used on buses belonging to the State Vocational schools, the State University system, and prisoner transport buses.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Taxi As passenger base, but with "Taxi" in place of sloganT1234TThis type started in 1931.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Trailer As passenger base, but with red serial and border line, and "Trailer" in place of sloganV·12345
W·12345
AB·12345
This type probably started in the early 1930s. Used on commercial trailers.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg TransporterEmbossed maroon serial on yellow plate with border line; embossed state shape and "CONNECTICUT" at top; "TRANS." at bottom1234This type probably started in the late 1940s. Has a variety of uses, including for the movement of unregistered vehicles for the purposes of inspection or sale, and on vehicles being repossessed.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg VanpoolAs passenger base, but with "Vanpool" in place of slogan1234This type started in 1980. Used on carpool commuter vans.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Wrecker Embossed black serial on orange plate with border line; embossed state shape and "CONNECTICUT" at top; "WRECKER" at bottom12345
AB·12345
This type started circa 1954.

Optional issues

ImageTypeDesignSerial formatNotes
CT IUOE 478.jpg
Optional Issues – Passenger123·ABC
1ABC2
Types confirmed as using 1ABC2 format: Blue Knights, Combat Wounded, Ducks Unlimited, Fraternal Order of Police, Garden Clubs, Greenways, Laos War Veteran, Meriden, Norwich, Olympic Spirit, Silent Service, UCONN. Letters I, O, and Q are used in any letter position. Elks previously used 123-ELK; UCONN 1999 NCAA National Champions: 123·PEP; Olympic Spirit: 123·WIN; Penn State University: 123·PSU.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Special issues – Combination1CAB2
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Candlewood Lake Authority
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Caring for Pets 123·PET
123·DOG
123·CAT
123·TLC
123·WAG
123·WOF
1ABC2
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Keep Kids Safe123·ZZYPreviously 123·KID, 123·TOT, 123·ZZZ.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Olympic Spirit123·WIN
1ABC2
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Police Memorial123·OFC
1ABC2
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Preserve the Sound – Passenger123·LBC
Connecticut New England Patriots license plate.svg Home of the Patriots – PassengerIn 1998, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft sought to relocate the team's home to downtown Hartford, Connecticut. Kraft and then-Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland were photographed at a related press conference shaking hands and holding a "Home of the Patriots" sample plate.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Preserve the Sound – Camp Trailer
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Preserve the Sound – Camper"CAMP" embossed vertically.123·LA
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Preserve the Sound – Combination"COMB" printed vertically to left of serial.123·LASerials issued in descending order from 999·LZ.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Preserve the Sound – Combination Handicapped"COMB" printed vertically to left of serial.123L
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Preserve the Sound – Commercial"COMM" printed vertically to left of serial; red serial.123·CAPreviously 000·LA, for which the high is 269·LC.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Preserve the Sound – Handicapped123L
Blank License Plate Shape.svg United We Stand – Passenger1BAC2Original format was 000·USA.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg United We Stand – Combination"CO" and "MB" embossed vertically above and below separator dot.1BCA2Original format was USA·123.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran – Passenger123·VBCOriginally 123·VET, then VAA and up.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran – Camper
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran – Combination"CO" and "MB" embossed vertically above and below separator dot.123·VSAOriginally 123·VET.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran – Combination HandicappedWheelchair embossed at right of plate. Format of 1V23 followed by "COMB" embossed vertically through at least 1V13; switched to format of 1V·23 with "CO" and "MB" embossed vertically above and below a separator dot at 3V·56 or lower.1V·23
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran – Commercial123·VZA
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran – HandicappedWheelchair embossed to left of serial.1V·23Previously 000·V
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran – Motorcycle"Veteran – MC" legend.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran with V/E/T123 V/E/T
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran – POW 123 P/O/W
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Volunteer Firefighter – Passenger"Constitution State" slogan with small logo at right.123·AB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Volunteer Firefighter – Combination"Constitution State" slogan with small logo at right.123·CA

Annual types

ImageTypeDesignSerial formatNotes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Dealer – Motorcycle New"Dealer" legend.MXA·0, MXAA·0, MXA·00, MXAA·00, MXA·000Numerical suffix signifies the dealership, which receives plates with sequential letters following the X.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Dealer – Motorcycle Used"Dealer" legend.MDA·0, MDAA·0, MDA·00, MDAA·00, MDA·000Numerical suffix signifies the dealership, which receives plates with sequential letters following the D.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Dealer – Passenger New"Dealer" legend.XA·0, XAA·0, XA·00, XAA·00, XA·000, XAA·000, XA·0000Numerical suffix signifies the dealership, which receives plates with sequential letters following the X.
Connecticut Dealer Plate DR-3513.png Dealer – Passenger Used"Dealer" legend.DA·0, DAA·0, DA·00, DAA·00, DA·000, DAA·000, DA·0000Numerical suffix signifies the dealership, which receives plates with sequential letters following the D.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Dealer – Special"Dealer" legend.SX·0000Issued sequentially, not coded by dealership.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Dismantler"Dismantler" legend.DA·0000
RA-3214 CT repair plate.png Repair"Repair" legend.RA·000, RA·0000Numerical suffix signifies the repairer, which receives plates with sequential letters following the R.

Political types

On both flat blue on white and Preserve the Sound bases:

Municipality codes

CodeMunicipality
AS Ansonia
AV Avon
BA Barkhamsted
BD Bloomfield
BE Berlin
BF Beacon Falls
BK Brookfield
BL Bethel
BM Bethlehem
BPT Bridgeport
BR Branford
BT Bristol
BU Burlington
BW Bridgewater
BY Bethany
CH Cheshire
CL Clinton
CN Canton
CO Colchester
COR Cornwall
CP Chaplin
CR Chester
CU Columbia
CV Coventry
CW Cromwell
DA Danbury
DAR Darien
DE Derby
DR Deep River
DU Durham
EG East Granby
EH East Hartford
EHA East Haven
EL East Lyme
ELL Ellington
EM East Haddam
EN East Hampton
ENF Enfield
ES Essex
ET Easton
FA Fairfield
FN Farmington
FWDFarmington Woods District (Farmington/Avon)
GL Glastonbury
GLP Groton Long Point
GO Goshen
GR Granby
GRO Groton
GU Guilford
GW Greenwich
HE Hebron
HFD Hartford
HN Hamden
HR Hartland
KI Killingly
KW Killingworth
LD Ledyard
LE Lebanon
LFD Litchfield
LI Lisbon
MA Manchester
MDC Metropolitan District Commission, a non-profit municipal corporation that provides water to most of Hartford County
MDF Middlefield
MDN Madison
ME Meriden
MF Mansfield
MFD Milford
MI Middlebury
MN Middletown
MO Marlborough
MON Monroe
MTV Montville
NA Naugatuck
NB New Britain
NBR North Branford
NC New Canaan
NE Newington
NF New Fairfield
NFK Norfolk
NH New Haven
NHD New Hartford
NHN North Haven
NL New London
NM New Milford
NO Norwich
NT Newtown
NW Norwalk
NWTSecond Taxing District of City of Norwalk (South Norwalk Electric and Water)
OL Old Lyme
OR Orange
OS Old Saybrook
OX Oxford
PL Plainville
PO Portland
PRO Prospect
PT Putnam
PY Plymouth
RB Roxbury
RE Redding
RI Ridgefield
RH Rocky Hill
RPVRegional Refuse District #1
SA Salem
SBY Southbury
SE Seymour
SF Stratford
SH Shelton
SI Simsbury
SO Southington
SOM Somers
ST Stamford
STF Stafford
STN Stonington
SU Suffield
SW South Windsor
TH Thomaston
TO Torrington
TR Trumbull
UN Union
VE Vernon
WAS Washington
WB Westbrook
WBY Waterbury
WE Weston
WF Wallingford
WFD Waterford
WH West Hartford
WI Wilton
WIN Windsor
WL Windsor Locks
WM Windham
WN West Haven
WO Wolcott
WOO Woodbridge
WP Westport
WR Winchester/Winsted
WT Watertown
WTD Wethersfield
WWL Willington
WY Woodbury

[17]

State agency plates

Most state agencies in Connecticut register their vehicles with state plates. The plate starts with a number to represent the agency that owns the vehicle. Some agencies, such as the Connecticut State Police, register some vehicles using regular passenger or combination plates.

CodeAgency
1- Department of Motor Vehicles
2- Department of Transportation
5- Department of Administrative Services – Fleet vehicles, leased to other agencies
9- University of Connecticut (UCONN)
36- Western Connecticut State University – Police
46- Eastern Connecticut State University – Police
50- Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
56- Department of Emergency Services and Public ProtectionState Police special vehicles (mobile crime lab, fire investigation unit, etc.)
58- Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security – CT-TF1 Urban Search & Rescue
79- Department of Veteran Affairs – Vehicles belonging to the Veterans Home in Rocky Hill

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plate</span> Devices displaying a character string that uniquely identifies a particular vehicle.

A vehicle registration plate, also known as a number plate or license plate or licence plate, is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. All countries require registration plates for road vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Whether they are required for other vehicles, such as bicycles, boats, or tractors, may vary by jurisdiction. The registration identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric ID that uniquely identifies the vehicle or vehicle owner within the issuing region's vehicle register. In some countries, the identifier is unique within the entire country, while in others it is unique within a state or province. Whether the identifier is associated with a vehicle or a person also varies by issuing agency. There are also electronic license plates.

Austrian car number plates are mandatory vehicle registration plates displaying the registration mark of motor vehicles in Austria. They are used to verify street legality, proof of a valid liability insurance and to identify and recognise the vehicle.

In the United States, vehicle registration plates, known as license plates, are issued by a department of motor vehicles, an agency of the state or territorial government, or in the case of the District of Columbia, the district government. Some Native American tribes also issue plates. The U.S. federal government issues plates only for its own vehicle fleet and for vehicles owned by foreign diplomats. Until the 1980s, diplomatic plates were issued by the state in which the consulate or embassy was located.

A vehicle registration plate, also known as a number plate, license plate or licence plate, is a metal or plastic plate or plates attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. The registration identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies the vehicle within the issuing authority's database. In Europe most countries have adopted a format for registration plates that satisfies the requirements in the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which states that cross-border vehicles must display a distinguishing code for the country of registration on the rear of the vehicle. This sign may be an oval sticker placed separately from the registration plate, or may be incorporated into the plate. When the distinguishing sign is incorporated into the registration plate, it must also appear on the front plate of the vehicle, and may be supplemented with the flag or emblem of the national state, or the emblem of the regional economic integration organisation to which the country belongs. An example of such format is the common EU format, with the EU flag above the country code issued in EU member states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Kansas</span> Kansas vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Kansas first required its residents to register their vehicles and display license plates in 1913. Plates are currently issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue through its Division of Vehicles and only rear plates have been required since 1956.

In South Africa, vehicle registration plates, known as number plates, are issued by the Department of Transport in each of its provinces. Each province have plates with unique designs, colour schemes, and alphanumeric patterns. For instance, the plates display combinations like AB 12 CD GP or CA 123-456, with distinct variations in layout and formatting across different regions of the country.

In the United States, the appearance of license plates is frequently chosen to contain symbols, colors, or slogans associated with the issuing jurisdiction, which are the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the five inhabited U.S. territories, and Native American tribes, each of which independently registers motor vehicles. Regular-issue license plates for passenger vehicles typically have six or seven characters, with vanity plates having up to eight characters in a few states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of New York</span> New York vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of New York was the first to require its residents to register their motor vehicles, in 1901. Registrants provided their own license plates for display, featuring their initials until 1903 and numbers thereafter, until the state began to issue plates in 1910.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of New Jersey</span> New Jersey vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of New Jersey first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1908, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Missouri</span> Missouri vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Missouri first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1907. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1911, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Colorado</span> Colorado vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Colorado first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1913. As of 2024, plates are issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue through its Division of Motor Vehicles. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

The U.S. state of Illinois first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1907. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1911, when the state began to issue plates. As of 2023, plates are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Alaska</span> Alaska vehicle license plates

Alaska first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1921, while still an organized incorporated territory of the United States. It was admitted to the Union as the 49th state in January 1959.

The U.S. state of Ohio first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1908, although several cities within the state issued their own license plates from as early as 1902.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Pennsylvania</span> Pennsylvania vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Pennsylvania first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1906, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Alberta</span>

The Canadian province of Alberta first required its commercially engaged residents to register their motor vehicles in 1906. Registrants engaged in for hire services provided their own licence plates for display until 1912, when the province began to issue plates. Only rear plates for commercially engaged activity have been required since 1992. This Supreme Court case from Canada offers specifics as to how driver, as a word, means for hire services in transporting by carrier persons or goods engaging traffic by vehicle from one point to another. https://decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/7119/index.do. This Stare Decisis ruling has often been overlooked or wilfully and blindly ignored by secularists profiting by the registrants continual payment when they are not engaged in for hire services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of British Columbia</span>

The Canadian province of British Columbia first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1904. Registrants provided their own licence plates for display until 1913, when the province began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of California</span> California vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of California first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1914, when the state began to issue plates. Plates are currently issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Current motor vehicle registrations in Bolivia, commonly known as plate, are license plates with a unique combination of letters and numbers to individually identify each vehicle registered in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Haiti</span> Haiti vehicle license plates

Little is known about the early history of Haitian license plates. Keith Marvin thought that the earliest plates were from the early 1930s, but older plates have since been found and at least one plate from 1923 exists. Early plates were marked with Rd'H,, HA., RH, or Haïti at various times. The Haitian coat of arms appeared on the plates from 1998 to 2002, the country flag was shown on the 2002 - 2005 plates, and since 2006 the background has shown a map of the country. With the last update on the design, the slogan La perle des Antilles was added at the bottom of the plate in white colour.

References

  1. "Old Connecticut License Plates". LeatherLicensePlates.com. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
  2. Wasielewski, Joe. "Illustrated History of Connecticut License Plates – Passenger 1905–1919" . Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  3. Wasielewski, Joe. "Illustrated History of Connecticut License Plates – Passenger 1920–1929" . Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Tanner, Eric N. "Connecticut Passenger License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  5. Tanner, Eric N. "Connecticut Passenger License Plates - Sizes". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  6. Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
  7. Wasielewski, Joe. "Illustrated History of Connecticut License Plates – Passenger 1950–1959" . Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  8. Wasielewski, Joe. "Illustrated History of Connecticut License Plates – Passenger 1980–1989" . Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  9. Kauffman, Matthew (February 21, 2012). "Police keeping data from license plate scans; ACLU files privacy protest". Hartford Courant. Retrieved September 21, 2015.
  10. Tepfer, Daniel (April 2, 2012). "Police tout use of license plate scanners". Connecticut Post. Retrieved September 21, 2015.
  11. "Connecticut License Plates". www.licenseplates.cc. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  12. Busemeyer, Stephen (September 18, 2015). "DMV ditches license plate style, jumps to seven characters". Hartford Courant . Retrieved September 21, 2015.
  13. "Classic Vehicle". An Illustrated History of Connecticut License Plates.
  14. Wasielewski, Joe. "Illustrated History of Connecticut License Plates – Hearse" . Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  15. Wasielewski, Joe. "Illustrated History of Connecticut License Plates – Reserved Series" . Retrieved September 12, 2013.
  16. "Media Parking in NYC" . Retrieved September 12, 2013.
  17. Wasielewski, Joe; Barnes, Mike. "Connecticut Municipal License Plate Codes" . Retrieved September 12, 2013.