Connecticut driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on whether your license is still valid and what type of license you hold. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to change your name, address, or medical information, you will need to go to a DMV office in person.

The Connecticut DMV processes renewals through its website at ct.gov/dmv. You can start an online renewal there, request a renewal by mail through the same site, or find your nearest office if you need to renew in person. The whole process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut offers online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are still valid or expired less than five years, and the new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Renewal by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but requires only a completed form and a check, with no online account needed.
  • You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, you need to change your name or address, or you have medical conditions to report.
  • Connecticut licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to six months before expiration without penalty.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses require proof of citizenship and residency; standard licenses do not, but Real ID is required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired less than five years. Go to ct.gov/dmv, select "Renew Your License," and create or log into your DMV account. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start.

The online form asks for your current address, phone number, and email. You can update your address during renewal if you have moved. At the end, you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year standard license renewal. Once you submit, your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name, if you have a medical condition to report, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewal by mail

Mail renewal takes longer but does not require an online account or a visit to an office. Request the renewal form through ct.gov/dmv or call the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 to have a form mailed to you. You can also pick up a form in person at any DMV office.

Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it with a check for $72 (payable to "State of Connecticut") to the address listed on the form. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form.

Mail renewal works only if your license is still valid or expired less than five years. If you are upgrading to a Real ID license, you must renew in person because you will need to show original documents proving citizenship and residency.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name, if you are reporting a medical condition, or if you want a Real ID-compliant license. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

For a Real ID upgrade, you also need to show original documents proving citizenship — a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of naturalization — and one additional form of ID. The DMV office will make copies; you do not need to provide originals.

Visit ct.gov/dmv to find your nearest office and check wait times. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online. The renewal is completed on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID versus standard Connecticut licenses

Connecticut offers two types of licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. Both are valid for driving. The difference is that Real ID licenses meet federal security standards and can be used to enter federal buildings, military bases, and board domestic flights. Standard licenses cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025.

A standard license costs $72 for six years. A Real ID license also costs $72 but requires you to show original documents proving citizenship and residency in person. If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online or by mail without showing documents again, as long as your name and address have not changed.

If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and a second form of ID. The Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner.

What happens if your license is expired

Connecticut allows you to renew your license up to six months before it expires without any penalty. If your license has expired, you can still renew it online or by mail as long as it expired less than five years ago. There is no late fee for renewing after expiration.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office with proof of identity, citizenship, and residency. The fee for a new license is the same as renewal: $72 for six years.

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police before your new license arrives, you may be cited. If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, ask the DMV office for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Connecticut DMV contact information and office locations

The Connecticut DMV phone line is 860-263-5700. You can call to request a renewal form by mail, ask questions about your renewal status, or find your nearest office. The website is ct.gov/dmv, where you can renew online, request a form, schedule an appointment, or check office wait times.

Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Waterbury, Norwalk, and Danielson. Each office handles renewals, new licenses, and other transactions. Hours vary by location, so check the website before you visit. Many offices are busiest on Mondays and Fridays, so visiting mid-week may mean shorter waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license if I just moved?

Yes. If you renew online or by mail, you can update your address on the renewal form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit or complete your renewal. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. You can drive with an expired license while you wait for your renewal to arrive, as long as you have submitted it.

What if I need to change my name on my license?

You must renew in person if you want to change your name. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The DMV will process the name change and renewal at the same time.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Connecticut?

No. A standard Connecticut license is valid for driving anywhere in the state and the country. You need a Real ID license only if you want to enter federal buildings, military bases, or board domestic flights. After May 7, 2025, standard licenses will not be accepted for those purposes.

Can I renew my license online if it expired five years ago?

No. Online and mail renewal work only if your license expired less than five years ago. If it expired five years ago or longer, you must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of residency.