As some of you will know by now, the City of New Haven charges property tax on your car. Taxes can be nasty, but tax penalties can be worse and often result in you having to pay far more than is necessary. Therefore, here is a list of things you should have with you when you go to the DMV to change your plates. (Please note, there are two different sets of documentation to bring, should you be changing your residence and your car plates, or just your car plates.)

If you are changing your residence and your car’s license plates, you need…
1) Old driver’s license and either a birth certificate or passport
2) Social Security card
3) Old title and insurance policy for the car
4) Current bill or tax bill listing your current address
5) An emissions test certification/VIN certification (just about every car shop is rated to give you one of these)
6) The form found here: http://www.dmvct.state.ct.us/H13FORM.HTM
7) A Connecticut auto insurance policy
8) Your check book with at least $200 in your account and/or a credit card (Visa or Mastercard)

If you are just changing your car’s license plates, you need…
1) Current driver’s license
2) Old title and insurance policy for the car
3) Current bill or tax bill listing your current address
4) An emissions test certification/VIN certification (see above)
5) The form found here: http://www.dmvct.state.ct.us/H13FORM.HTM
6) A Connecticut auto insurance policy
7) A signed letter with Yale letterhead from your Registrar or Director of Graduate Studies stating that you are a current full-time student
8) Current Yale student ID
9) Your check book with at least $200 in your account and/or a credit card (Visa or Mastercard)

The second list was based on personal experience, while the first was based on personal experience and the State of Connecticut’s DMV website (http://www.ct.gov/dmv/site/default.asp).

Also, a tip regarding going to the DMV - make sure you have a lot of time and preferably do not go on Mondays or Fridays. Wednesdays are your best bet as far as avoiding traffic.
If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to visit the DMV’s website, call their help line (800-842-8222), or email them using this website for directing your emails http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=803&q=244560.