CONNECTICUT · automotive-tech
CT Motor Vehicle Repairer License
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles — Regulated Business Licensing UnitScope of Work
Connecticut requires every business that repairs motor vehicles for compensation to be licensed by the CT Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Regulated Business Licensing Unit. CT DMV issues two repairer tiers: a 'Repairer' license for full-service shops, and a 'Limited Repairer' license for shops performing only minor repairs. It is illegal under Connecticut law to repair or sell motor vehicles to consumers in Connecticut without the appropriate DMV-issued credential. Source: CT DMV Regulated Business Licensing (https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/commercial-and-industry-services/get-regulated-business-license) and CT General Assembly OLR Report 98-R-0455 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/PS98/rpt/olr/htm/98-R-0455.htm).
Repairer Tier
A 'Repairer' is defined as any qualified person, with a suitable place of business and adequate equipment, engaged in repairing, overhauling, adjusting, assembling, or disassembling a motor vehicle. Source: CT General Assembly OLR Report 98-R-0455 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/PS98/rpt/olr/htm/98-R-0455.htm).
Limited Repairer Tier
A 'Limited Repairer' is defined as any qualified person, with a suitable place of business and adequate equipment, engaged in the business of making minor repairs, including: repair and replacement of cooling, electrical, fuel, and exhaust systems; brake adjustments, relining, and repair; wheel alignment and balancing; and shock absorber repair and replacement. The place of business must have space capable of receiving at least one car at a time (exclusive of grease pit or rack), plus space for an office and parts/accessory storage. Source: CT General Assembly OLR Report 98-R-0455 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/PS98/rpt/olr/htm/98-R-0455.htm).
Facility-Level Credential
The CT Repairer / Limited Repairer license is issued to the business at a specific location. The license travels with the place of business, not the individual technician. CT does not issue a state-level individual automotive technician license. The closest individual credential pathway in CT is voluntary ASE certification or the separately-licensed CT mechanic certification (https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/commercial-and-industry-services/get-mechanic-cert).
Application
All applications are processed by the Regulated Business Licensing Unit at 60 State Street, Wethersfield CT, Room 322. Source: CT DMV Regulated Business Licensing (https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/commercial-and-industry-services/get-regulated-business-license).
Note on Scope
Connecticut readers seeking an individual auto-tech career path will work under a licensed Repairer or Limited Repairer shop. Mechanics perform the work; the business is licensed.
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles — Regulated Business Licensing Unit before acting