Connecticut lets you renew online if you meet a few conditions
You can renew your Connecticut driver's license online through the DMV's website if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your information since it was issued. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $72 for a standard four-year renewal, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online route. You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need to change your name or address, if you are renewing a commercial license, or if you are over 65 and renewing for the first time. In those cases, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut's online renewal works only if your current license is still valid and your personal information has not changed since it was issued.
- The online process costs $72 for a four-year renewal and takes about 10 minutes to complete on the DMV website.
- You will need your current Connecticut driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- If your license has expired or you have changed your name or address, you must visit a DMV office instead of renewing online.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the Connecticut DMV website to begin your renewal:
- Your current Connecticut driver's license number
- Your Social Security number
- A valid credit card, debit card, or electronic check payment method
- An email address where you can receive your confirmation
Make sure your address on file with the DMV is correct. If you have moved since your license was issued, you cannot complete the online renewal—you will need to visit a DMV office to update your address first. The same applies if you have changed your name for any reason.
The steps to renew online
Go to the Connecticut DMV website and look for the online renewal option under the driver's license section. Click on "Renew Your License Online" and you will be directed to the renewal portal.
Enter your driver's license number and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your license. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm that everything is still correct—your name, date of birth, address, and emergency contact. If any detail is wrong, stop and visit a DMV office instead; you cannot make changes through the online system.
Review the vision and medical questions on the form. You will be asked whether your vision is still correctable to 20/40 and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely. Answer honestly; if you answer yes to any medical question, the DMV may require you to visit an office or provide a doctor's statement.
Choose your payment method and enter your card or banking information. The $72 fee will be charged when ready. You will receive a confirmation number by email; save this for your records.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time—it remains valid until the new one arrives.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Connecticut DMV to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit a DMV office in person and may be required to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long your license has been expired.
You also cannot renew online if you have changed your name, moved to a new address, or need to update any other personal information. The online system only works when everything on your current license is still accurate. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must visit an office; online renewal is available only for standard licenses.
Drivers over 65 renewing for the first time must also visit an office in person. After your first renewal at age 65 or older, you may be able to renew online in the future, depending on the DMV's requirements at that time.
Fees and payment options for online renewal
Connecticut charges $72 for a standard four-year license renewal completed online. This fee is non-refundable once you have submitted your renewal.
You can pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card, or by electronic check if you have a U.S. bank account. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal, and you will see the charge on your statement within one to two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has been expired for any length of time, you must visit a DMV office to renew in person. Depending on how long it has been expired, you may need to retake the written test and vision test.
What if I moved since my license was issued?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. Visit a DMV office to update your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, as long as your vision is correctable to 20/40 with your glasses or contacts. The online form will ask about your vision; answer honestly. If you cannot meet the vision standard even with correction, you will need to visit an office.
How do I know if my renewal was successful?
You will receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number when ready after you submit your payment. Keep this email. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact the Connecticut DMV.
Can I use the online renewal if I have a Real ID license?
Yes, you can renew a Real ID license online as long as your personal information has not changed and your current license is still valid. Your new Real ID license will be mailed to you.