Connecticut Repairer License (DMV): Requirements, Fees and the $25,000 Bond, and Why Mobile-Only Doesn't Fit

Updated 2026-10-17. Sources are listed at the end.

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This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by state and change often. Confirm with the official source linked in each section, or with a licensed attorney, CPA or insurance agent, before you act.

Connecticut law says no one may engage in “the repairing of any motor vehicle without having been issued” a dealer’s or repairer’s license by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (Conn. Gen. Stat. §14-52). The license goes to a location, and that location has to meet physical requirements a van can’t meet. A mobile-only business doesn’t fit the Connecticut model.

What it costs

Item	Amount	Source
Application fee (non-refundable)	$140	CT DMV
General or limited repairer license (two years)	$340	CT DMV; §14-52
Surety bond	$25,000 bond amount (you pay a premium to a surety)	K-36; §14-52(b)
Repairer plate, if requested	$140 per plate + $5 safety fee	K-36
Late renewal	$100. A license expired more than 45 days can’t be renewed	§14-52

The name and address on the bond must exactly match the application (form K-7). A Connecticut Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (R1325e) is required even if you request no plates (K-36).

The location requirements (why mobile-only doesn’t fit)

The DMV’s application procedure (K-36, rev. 07-2026) sets these minimums for a general repairer (K-36):

“A building adequate to receive at least one (1) motor vehicle for repairs with a suitable office and storage space for parts and accessories.”
A Certificate of Approval for Proposed Location, signed by the town’s zoning official, building official and fire marshal
A site drawing to DMV specifications (form K-93)
A waste oil retention tank of at least 250 gallons, plus a certificate letter from a DEEP-registered waste oil transporter (you can request an exemption under regulation 14-63-27). If the building has open floor drains, you also file with DEEP.
Photos of the business hours posted on the door, the waste oil tank, the building front showing the bays, the tools and equipment, the office, and the floor drains
“Proper tools and equipment to perform repairs and safety checks”

K-36 doesn’t describe a mobile-only license. The license is tied to the building. If you want to offer on-site service from a licensed shop, ask the Dealers and Repairers Licensing Unit how that’s handled.

People, paperwork and background checks

At least one fully qualified mechanic. If the mechanic is an employee, they must be employed at the licensed location. DMV verifies prior experience and may call past employers (K-36).
Fingerprint-based criminal history check through CCHRS pre-enrollment, with proof submitted with the application (CT DMV).
Sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue Services. It must match the location.
Trade name certificate from the town clerk if you use a DBA. LLCs and corporations also need a Certificate of Existence, and LLCs need their operating agreement and articles.
Sample forms: DMV wants to see your repair orders, waiver of estimates, and estimate order with your method for documenting oral authorization (K-36).

Signs every repairer must post

Per K-36: the Customer Rights sign, the Labor and Storage Price sign, and the Customer Chooses Repair Shop sign. For general rules on estimates and invoices, see what must be on an auto repair estimate and invoice, and check the Connecticut-specific forms DMV lists.

How to apply

Mail the K-7 application, the K-8 inspection application, the documents above, and a check payable to “DMV” to the Dealers and Repairers Licensing Unit, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161 (dmv.dr@ct.gov) (CT DMV). Plate fees are collected after approval.

Budgeting a Connecticut start

Licensing itself is the small part ($480 in state fees). The building, the bond premium, the oil tank and the insurance cost more. Put them into the labor rate & break-even calculator as annual overhead before you sign a lease. For the insurance side, see auto repair shop insurance cost.

Sources

Connecticut General Statutes §14-52 (repairer’s license, fee, bond): https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-14/chapter-246/section-14-52/
CT DMV, Get a regulated DMV business license or registration: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/commercial-and-industry-services/get-regulated-business-license
CT DMV, K-36 Procedure for Obtaining a Connecticut Automotive or Electric Low Speed Dealer or Repairer License (rev. 07-2026): https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DMV/20/29/K36pdf.pdf