Additional Information on Registering
Motorcycles and Motor Driven Cycles
Below is information that affects whether you must register your scooter, moped or other motorbike as a motorcycle.
Motorcycles: Any two-or three-wheeled motor vehicle (that does not have a driver’s seat that is enclosed or designed to be enclosed) that produces more than 2 brake horsepower must be registered as a motorcycle.
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You may be asked to present proof of your motorcycle’s horsepower (or metric power) if it is not apparent from the certificate of origin or other registration documents. This information is available from the motorcycle’s manufacturer.
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You must obtain an M endorsement on your driver’s license to operate a motorcycle.
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The motorcycle was never previously registered in Connecticut; AND
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The motorcycle was purchased/obtained from a person or business that is not a Connecticut licensed dealer; AND
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The manufacturer of the motorcycle does not have a manufacturer’s license in Connecticut. (You may check the manufacturer’s license status in an Excel Spreadsheet or in a PDF document).
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$10 administrative fee in addition to the fee for registration.
You may operate the following on the roadway without registering it:
Motor Driven Cycles are defined as a motor scooter, moped or motorbike having an engine size of less than 50 cc and a seat height of at least 26 inches.
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However, you must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license to operate it, and you may not operate it on any sidewalk, limited access highway or turnpike.
Mini-Motorcycles (Pocket Bikes) cannot be registered, and continue to be prohibited from use on any roadway or sidewalk.These vehicles have seat heights that are less than 26 inches.
Three-Wheeled Vehicles: that have or are designed to have a driver’s seat that is completely enclosed and a motor which is not in the enclosed area are not motorcycles under Connecticut law, and may not be registered as motorcycles.
NOTE: If you are about to purchase a three-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed driver’s seat or a kit for assembling such a vehicle, first call 860-263-5080 to determine whether it may be registered in Connecticut. Connecticut motor vehicle law may differ from other state and federal law. Many three-wheeled vehicles with enclosed seats cannot practically be modified to meet the Connecticut passenger vehicle requirements.