Connecticut driver's license renewal basics
Connecticut allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can complete the process online through the Connecticut DMV website if their license is not expired and they have no medical or legal restrictions. If you renew online, you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day.
Your Connecticut license is valid for six years from the date of issue. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut offers online renewal for most drivers, which takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $127 for a six-year license.
- You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions or restrictions, and you have a valid Social Security number on file.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you have medical or legal restrictions.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
- If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment; you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready.
Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website
To renew online, go to the Connecticut DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm your address or update it if you've moved.
Online renewal costs $127 for a six-year license. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After you submit your process and payment, you'll 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.
You cannot renew online if your license is expired, if you have medical conditions or restrictions that require DMV review, if you need a new photo, or if you don't have a valid Social Security number on file. In any of these cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office
Visit your local DMV office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address. In-person renewal costs $127 for a six-year license and takes about 30 minutes.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The DMV staff will verify your information, take a new photo for your license, and process your payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your current license is expired, if you have medical conditions or restrictions, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address. It is also the fastest way to get a temporary license if you need to drive when ready.
Mail renewal for Connecticut licenses
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. Request a renewal process by calling the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 or by visiting a DMV office in person. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for $127, a copy of your proof of residency, and mail everything to the address provided on the process form.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. You should mail your process at least one month before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license. Keep a copy of your process and proof of mailing in case questions arise.
What to do if your Connecticut license is expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DMV will process your renewal the same way as a standard in-person renewal, but staff may ask additional questions about why the license expired.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Connecticut. If you are stopped by police, you can face a fine and your vehicle may be impounded. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test or road test depending on how long it has been expired. Contact your local DMV office to find out what is required in your situation.
Connecticut DMV office locations and hours
Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and Norwich. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offices offering extended hours on certain days. Saturday hours are available at select locations. Check the Connecticut DMV website for the specific address, phone number, and hours of the office nearest you before you visit.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays and on Saturdays. If you want to avoid waiting, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times, though the DMV does not take appointments for standard renewals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license if I've moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Connecticut, you must surrender your Connecticut license and obtain a license from your new state. You cannot renew a Connecticut license if your current address is outside Connecticut.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license and a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Connecticut license?
A new photo is taken automatically during in-person renewal. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license unless your current license is more than 10 years old, in which case a new photo will be required and you must renew in person.
What happens if I renew my license but it arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the Connecticut DMV with your confirmation number and details about the problem. The DMV can issue a replacement license at no additional cost if the error was made by the DMV. If the license was damaged in the mail, the DMV may ask you to return the damaged license before issuing a replacement.
Can I renew my Connecticut license early if I'm traveling?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If you're planning to travel and want your new license before your trip, you can start the renewal process when ready. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days, so plan accordingly if you have a specific travel date.