Connecticut Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
Connecticut offers three routes to renew your driver's license: online through the DMV portal, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you take depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or name has changed since your last renewal.
Most Connecticut drivers renew every four or six years, depending on their age and license class. The state sends a renewal notice to your address on file about 60 days before expiration. You do not have to wait for that notice to start the process, but it contains your renewal code, which speeds up online renewal.
Connecticut does not charge different fees for different renewal methods. The cost is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or at an office. Payment is required at the time of renewal, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check (by mail only).
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut allows online renewal for most drivers, but you must have a valid Social Security number on file and cannot have changed your name or address since your last license was issued.
- Mail renewal is available only if you are renewing a standard license (not a commercial license or ID card), have not moved, and do not need a new photo.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you have changed your name, moved to a new address, or are renewing a commercial driver's license.
- Connecticut licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration, but you cannot drive on an expired license.
- Processing times vary: online renewal is fastest (usually same-day or next business day), mail takes 7 to 10 business days, and in-person is when ready.
Online Renewal Through the Connecticut DMV Portal
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard driver's license and meet Connecticut's requirements. You must have a valid Social Security number on file with the DMV, your name and address must not have changed since your last license was issued, and you cannot be renewing a commercial driver's license or ID card.
To renew online, visit the Connecticut DMV website and select the renewal option. You will need your driver's license number and your renewal code (from the notice the state mailed you) or your Social Security number. Answer the questions about your current address, medical conditions, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. Review your information, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and submit.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary digital license via email when ready after approval, which you can display on your phone if you are stopped by police before your physical card arrives. Connecticut's online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mail Renewal for Standard Licenses
Mail renewal is available only for standard driver's licenses, not commercial licenses or ID cards. You must not have changed your name or address since your last license was issued, and you cannot request a new photo. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or online.
To renew by mail, complete the process form (DL 43) and mail it to the Connecticut DMV with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Include your current license or a copy of it. The DMV address is on the renewal notice the state sends you, or you can find it on the Connecticut DMV website. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.
In-Person Renewal at a Connecticut DMV Office
You must renew in person if you have changed your name, moved to a new address, are renewing a commercial driver's license, or want a new photo on your license. In-person renewal is also the only option if you do not have a valid Social Security number on file or if you are renewing an ID card instead of a license.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment by credit card, debit card, or check. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are renewing a commercial license, bring your current CDL and any required medical certificates.
Visit a DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. You can make an appointment online through the Connecticut DMV website, which reduces wait time. In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
Connecticut renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard four-year license costs one amount; a six-year license costs more. Commercial licenses have different fees. The exact amount is listed on the renewal notice the state mails you, or you can find it on the Connecticut DMV website.
For online or mail renewal, you need only your current license number and your Social Security number (or the renewal code from your notice). For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of your current address. If your name has changed, bring the certified document showing the change. If you are renewing a commercial license, bring your current CDL and any required medical certificates or endorsement documents.
Payment is required at the time of renewal. Online and in-person renewal accept credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders only. Do not send cash by mail.
What to Do If Your License Has Already Expired
Connecticut allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot legally drive, and the renewal process is the same, but you should renew when ready. An expired license can result in a traffic ticket, and some insurance companies may not cover accidents if your license was expired at the time.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you may not be able to renew by mail or online. Contact the Connecticut DMV to find out whether you need to take a written test or vision test before renewing. In most cases, if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew without retesting.
Renew as soon as you notice your license is expired or about to expire. Do not wait until you are pulled over by police. The renewal process takes the same amount of time whether your license is expired or not, but driving on an expired license is illegal.
Name or Address Changes During Renewal
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official document. The DMV will not accept a photocopy or a document that is not certified.
If you have moved to a new address, you can update your address during online renewal if you are using that method. If you are renewing by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on your process, so make sure you write it clearly. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).
Connecticut does not issue a new license number when you change your name or address. Your license number stays the same, but the information on your card will be updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license before it expires?
Yes. Connecticut allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time during that window. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year (or six years, depending on the license type) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.
What if I do not have a Social Security number on file with the DMV?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have a valid Social Security number on file. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your address, and payment. The DMV can add your Social Security number to your file during the in-person renewal process.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal is fastest: your temporary digital license is sent via email when ready, and your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready: you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Connecticut license?
No, not unless you want one. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license will be used. If you renew in person, you can request a new photo for the same fee, or you can keep your old photo. You cannot request a new photo if you renew by mail.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must request a replacement. Contact the Connecticut DMV for the replacement process, which is different from renewal. You will need to pay a replacement fee and may need to visit an office in person.