Connecticut Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people renew online through the Connecticut DMV portal — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for a six-year license. If you cannot renew online, the mail option takes 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal at a DMV office is fastest if you walk in, though appointments are now required.

Your license is valid for six years from the date of renewal. Connecticut does not send renewal reminders, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date. Driving on an expired license is a violation, even if you have already submitted your renewal request.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website costs $72 and takes 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can renew online only if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your address in the past two years, and your current photo is less than eight years old.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed DL 43 form, a check or money order for $72, and takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives it.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment; bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
  • If your license is suspended, your address changed recently, or you need a new photo, you must renew in person.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route for Most People

Go to the Connecticut DMV website and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your identity and confirm that you meet the requirements for online renewal.

Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your address within the past two years, your current photo is less than eight years old, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these conditions do not explore to you, the online system will tell you and direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.

After you complete the online form and pay the $72 fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal: When Online Is Not an Option

Request the DL 43 form (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from the Connecticut DMV website, or call 860-263-5700 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form.

Enclose a check or money order for $72 made payable to "State of Connecticut." Do not send cash. Include a copy of one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. Mail the completed form, payment, and proof of address to:

Connecticut DMV Attn: License Renewal 60 State Street Wethersfield, CT 06161

The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your envelope, not from the date you mail it. Your new license will be sent to the address you listed on the form. If you do not receive it within two weeks of mailing, contact the DMV to confirm they received your process.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must schedule an appointment to renew in person. Visit the Connecticut DMV website, select "Make an Appointment," and choose a location and date that works for you. Appointments are typically available within one to three weeks. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Bring your current driver's license, one document that proves your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $72 in cash, check, or card. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, bring your current CDL and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875 form) if it has been more than 24 months since your last medical exam.

The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will have your photo taken at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must go to 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 defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Contact the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew in person at any DMV office with an appointment. Bring your current license (or a copy if it was revoked), proof of address, and payment.

Address Changes and Photo Updates

If you have moved within the past two years, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew, your new license will show your current address. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days.

If your current photo is eight years old or older, you must renew in person so a new photo can be taken. Online and mail renewal will not be available to you. The same applies if you want to update your photo for any reason — you must do it in person at a DMV office.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard six-year driver's license renewal costs $72. This is the fee for all three renewal methods: online, mail, and in person. There are no additional fees unless you are renewing a commercial driver's license, which costs more.

Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card. Do not send cash by mail. If you pay by check and it bounces, the DMV will contact you and may charge an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes. Connecticut allows you to renew your license up to one year after it expires. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. Contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 to confirm your situation.

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

The DMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online renewal. Delivery by mail typically takes another 3 to 5 business days, so plan for 10 to 15 business days total. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What if I need my license renewed before my appointment date?

If you have an urgent need, call the DMV at 860-263-5700 and explain your situation. They may be able to fit you in sooner or direct you to a walk-in option if one is available. Otherwise, online renewal is the fastest method if you are may be able to access.

Do I need to take a new written test or road test to renew?

No. Renewal is not the same as retesting. You do not take a written or road test when you renew. If your license was suspended for a medical reason or a serious violation, the DMV may require additional steps — contact them at 860-263-5700 to ask.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You will need your current CDL, a valid medical certificate (MCSA-5875), and proof of address. Schedule an appointment on the Connecticut DMV website.