How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

Connecticut renewal options: in-person, by mail, or online

Connecticut offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online because it is the fastest route — you can complete it in minutes from home, pay the fee by card, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical or legal holds on your record. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes longer (you may wait 1 to 3 hours) but is necessary if you need to update your photo, address, or name, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.

Connecticut does not allow you to renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support arrears flagged in the system. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago. In those cases, you must visit a DMV office in person and resolve any holds before you can renew.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website is available if your license expired within the last five years and you have no suspensions, revocations, or legal holds.
Mail renewal requires the same conditions as online renewal and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive after you mail in your completed form and payment.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you have any suspension or legal hold on your record.
Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for eight years for most adults, so you will renew every eight years unless your license is suspended or revoked.
You will need your current license, proof of residency, and payment (by check, money order, or card depending on the method) to renew.

Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers

To renew online, go to the Connecticut DMV website (ct.gov/dmv) and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against DMV records and confirm that you are not under suspension or revocation. If the system approves you, you will pay the renewal fee (currently $72 for an eight-year license for drivers under 65) and receive a confirmation number when ready.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address before renewing, update it online first through the DMV website, or the new license will go to your old address. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired, as long as you have proof of your online renewal confirmation.

Mail renewal: slower but available if you may have access to

Mail renewal requires you to read and print the renewal form from the Connecticut DMV website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a check or money order to the DMV address listed on the form. You must include a copy of your current license and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Mail the packet to the address provided on the form; do not send it to a DMV office.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your packet, plus mail delivery time in both directions. This means the entire process typically takes 4 to 5 weeks from the time you mail it. You can track your process by calling the DMV customer service line at 860-263-5700 after two weeks. Mail renewal is not faster than online renewal and carries the risk that your packet will be lost in the mail, so most drivers choose online renewal instead.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit any Connecticut DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days as proof of address. If you are renewing your license for the first time after a suspension or revocation, you must visit in person and may be required to pass a written test or vision test depending on the reason for the suspension.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are typically less crowded early in the morning or mid-week. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Connecticut DMV website. Bring cash, check, or card for payment. Your new license will be issued on the spot if you pass any required tests, or you will be told what additional steps you need to take.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Connecticut driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Before you can renew, you must resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — this might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a DUI education program, paying child support arrears, or serving a suspension period that has now ended.

Contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you must do to clear the hold. Once you have resolved the issue, you can visit a DMV office to renew. Bring proof that you have resolved the issue (a receipt showing fines paid, a certificate of completion for a program, or a letter from the child support enforcement office). The DMV will verify the resolution in their system before issuing your new license.

Fees and what to bring to each renewal method

Connecticut charges $72 for an eight-year driver's license renewal for drivers under 65. Drivers 65 and older pay $36 for a four-year renewal. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary: online renewal accepts debit or credit card only; mail renewal requires check or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card.

For online renewal, bring nothing — you complete it from home. For mail renewal, include a photocopy of your current license, proof of address, the completed form, and your check or money order. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, also bring proof that you have resolved the issue.

Real ID and standard license renewal in Connecticut

Connecticut offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A standard license works for driving but not for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and works for both driving and federal purposes. If your current license is standard and you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring additional documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

Real ID renewal costs the same as standard renewal ($72 for eight years). If you renew online or by mail, you will receive the same type of license you currently have. To change from standard to Real ID, you must visit a DMV office in person. Federal law requires all travelers to have a Real ID or passport to board domestic flights starting in 2025, so many drivers are upgrading during renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license if it expired more than five years ago?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than five years ago. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test before issuing a new license, depending on how long it has been expired.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

Update your address online through the Connecticut DMV website before you renew, or visit a DMV office to update it in person. If you renew online or by mail without updating your address first, your new license will be mailed to your old address. You can request a replacement with the correct address, but it will take additional time.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to check the status.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DMV office?

Connecticut DMV offices do not require appointments for license renewal. You can walk in during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some Saturdays). Wait times vary; check the DMV website for current wait times at your nearest office before you go.

What if I have an outstanding traffic fine or child support arrears?

You cannot renew your license online or by mail if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears flagged in the system. You must resolve these issues first, then visit a DMV office in person with proof of payment or resolution. Call 860-263-5700 to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.