CT's special license plates and everything to know about them

Connecticut special license plates are customized plates that support a local cause. Organizations like the Connecticut Federation of Lakes, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation are among those with specialty license plates available with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

In 2023, there were 3,300 special license plates issued in Connecticut, not counting renewals.

Fees for special license plates, unlike vanity plates, are distributed to organizations whose logos and artwork are displayed on the plate. In some cases, permission is needed from an organization in order to apply for a plate.

What special license plates are available in Connecticut?

A special license plate is a license plate featuring a unique background on behalf of a national or local organization, charity or nonprofit organization. There are special license plates for colleges and universities (University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University); cities and towns (Norwich, Meriden); military and veteran organizations (Korean War Veterans Association Inc., National Guard Association of Connecticut) and environmental awareness (Long Island Sound, Preservation Connecticut) among others. In total, there are more than 50 special license plates available in Connecticut.

What are some of the most and least common special license plates in Connecticut?

In 2023, the Long Island Sound special plate was the most popular with 1,199 plates produced. Funds from this plate go toward the Long Island Sound Fund. Other plates with multiple orders include the Hartford Whalers plate, with funds going to Connecticut Children's Medical Center; Conserve Wildlife plate, with funds going to DEEP; Animal Population Control plate, with funds going to State of Connecticut Animal Population Control Program; and United We Stand plate, with funds going to the United States Department of State Rewards for Justice program.

Eight plates in the state were only issued once last year: a Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks plate, Central Connecticut State University plate, Lions Eye Research Foundation plate, University of Hartford plate, University of New Haven plate, city of Meriden plate, village of Stafford Springs plate and a P.T. Barnum Foundation Inc. plate.

What is the difference between a vanity plate and a special license plate?

Vanity license plates are plates that include numbers and letters of the operator's choosing, according to the DMV. These plates can be on DMV-issued Connecticut plates, called "off-the-shelf" plates, or on a special plate. Special plates do not require numbers and letters of the operator's choosing. 

How do you order a special license plate in Connecticut?

Those looking to purchase a special license plate in Connecticut must first have a valid Connecticut registration. Special license plates are ordered through the DMV by filling out an M-22 form. 

Some organizations require a membership in order to buy a special license plate with that organization's logo and artwork.

A complete list of rules on special license plates can be found on the DMV's website.

How much does a special license plate cost in Connecticut?

Special license plates cost different amounts depending on the plate. A "new vanity configuration" with an "Olympic Spirit" special license plate costs $159 while keeping a current license plate configuration on a "Gold Star Family" special license plate is free. 

Different configurations and prices are listed in the M-22 form. Payment for special license plates can be made by check or money order to the DMV. 

How do you renew special license plates in Connecticut?

Plates are renewed whenever the vehicle's registration is renewed. License renewals can now be done online, in-person or over the phone. The DMV asks that Connecticut drivers ensure that emissions testing, unpaid property taxes and insurance requirements are addressed before renewing a vehicle's registration.

How can an organization submit a request to make a new speciality license plate?

The DMV notes that any organization looking to start its own specialty license plate must identify as a non-profit and "needs to submit a copy of their charter of by-laws and a letter of good standing from the State of Connecticut Secretary of State’s office, as well as any Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruling of their non-profit tax-exemption status."

Any cost incurred from designing the plate, such as logo production, falls on the organization. A liaison must also be appointed by the organization in order to ensure that the logo is submitted properly, that a special interest plate disclaimer has been submitted, that a 400 applications "with the required fees prior to the manufacturing of the special plates" has been submitted and that member applications after the speciality license is approved are authenticated . 

The DMV Commissioner approves all logo and plate designs submitted by non-profit organizations. 

Includes additional reporting by Taylor Johnston.