How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

Connecticut License Renewal: The Basic Path

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time and you don't have to wait in line. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and you should plan to start the process at least a few weeks before your expiration date.

Your renewal method depends on your license type and how long it has been since your last in-person visit. If you have a standard driver's license and have been to a DMV office within the last ten years, you can renew by mail or online. If you haven't been in person for longer than that, or if you have a commercial license, you'll need to renew in person.

Key Takeaways

Connecticut residents can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on their license type and when they last visited a DMV office.
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Mail renewal takes longer but requires only a completed form, your old license, and a check or money order.
In-person renewal is necessary if you haven't visited a DMV office in more than ten years or if you hold a commercial license.
Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can begin the renewal process up to one year before expiration.

Renewing Online Through the Connecticut DMV Portal

Online renewal is the fastest way to renew your Connecticut license. You go to the Connecticut DMV website, create an account or log in if you already have one, and complete the renewal process. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year renewal. Once you submit your process online, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within two to three weeks.

Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you have been to a DMV office in person within the last ten years. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online and must use the mail or in-person option instead.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no trip to a DMV office. You request the renewal form from the Connecticut DMV website or call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license and a check or money order for $72.

Mail your completed packet to the address listed on the form. Processing time for mail renewals is typically four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. Because mail renewal takes longer, send your packet at least two months before your license expires.

Like online renewal, mail renewal requires that you have visited a DMV office in person within the last ten years and that your license is not already expired. If either condition is not met, you must renew in person.

Renewing in Person at a Connecticut DMV Office

In-person renewal is necessary if your license has expired, if you haven't been to a DMV office in more than ten years, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You can also choose in-person renewal if you prefer to handle everything on the same day.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $72 for a six-year license. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.

Connecticut DMV offices are located in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and Danielson. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone at 860-263-5700. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments move faster and reduce wait times, especially during busy seasons.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your Connecticut driver's license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Connecticut, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. Renew as soon as possible after your license expires.

Commercial Driver's License Renewal

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at a Connecticut DMV office. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online, regardless of how recently you visited a DMV office.

Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and your medical certification (CDLIS form). The renewal fee is $72 for a six-year license. The DMV will take a new photo and may ask you to pass a written test depending on your endorsements and the time since your last renewal. Schedule an appointment in advance to avoid long wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license if I've moved to another state?

You can renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements (license not expired, visited a DMV office within ten years). However, you must update your address with the Connecticut DMV before or during the renewal process. If you have permanently moved out of Connecticut, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. The replacement fee is $20, separate from any renewal fee. The DMV will issue a temporary license and mail your permanent one within two to three weeks.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals typically take two to three weeks for delivery by mail. In-person renewals issue a temporary paper license when ready, with the permanent license arriving by mail within two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is your fastest option.

Do I need to pass a test to renew my Connecticut license?

For standard driver's license renewals, you do not take a written or road test. The DMV may ask you to update your vision information or medical history. Commercial driver's license renewals may require a written test depending on your endorsements and time since your last renewal.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The renewal fee remains $72.

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.