Should You Transfer CT License Plate to Your New Tesla When Registration Hasn’t Expired?

After I placed an order for my new Tesla and started completing delivery tasks in the app, it asked me if I want to transfer my current license plate to the new car. You might wonder what happens to the license plate on your old car, especially if it hasn’t reached its expiration date yet. In many places, including Connecticut, you can transfer your old plate to your new car. Let’s break down what this means and how it works.

Why Would You Want to Transfer Your Plate?

There are a few reasons:

1. Special Meaning: Maybe your plate has a special design or numbers that mean something important to you. By transferring it, you keep that special meaning.
2. Save Money: If your old plate hasn’t expired, you’ve already paid for it. Transferring it to your new car means you don’t lose the time you’ve already paid for.
3. Get a Full Registration Period: By transferring your plate, your new car’s registration will last a full registration period of 3 years.

How Does It Work?

Here’s a step-by-step explanation:

1. Check If You Can Transfer: Not all plates can be transferred. Make sure yours can be by checking local regulations or asking at the vehicle registration office.
2. Have Valid Registration: Your old car’s registration must be active, not expired.
3. Complete the Transfer: When you get your new car, you tell the vehicle registration office you want to transfer your old plate to your new car. You’ll need to fill out some paperwork and pay a transfer fee, which is $15 for 3 years at this time.
4. Equity: Think of your registration like a prepaid phone plan. If you’ve paid for a year, but switch phones after ten months, you still have two months paid. With plates, if you have time left before your old car’s registration expires, that time transfers to your new car. You will receive credit for the remaining months and eventually pay lower registration fees. By transferring your plates, you set a new expiration date for your registration, effectively receiving a full registration cycle from the date of the transfer.

Transferring your license plate can save you time and money. It also means you can keep a plate that may have sentimental value to you. And remember, by keeping your plate and registration up-to-date, you’re following the law and avoiding potential fines.